The Crier

The Other March Tournament

Eight teams, featuring some of the best players in the world will be competing over the next two months for one of the most prestigious trophies in soccer

Jeremy Davidson · Sport · Mar 11, 2007

Our theme this week may have been “March Madness,” but there’s a more important tournament you should be watching in March: The UEFA Champions League.

Eight teams, featuring some of the best players in the world will be competing over the next two months for one of the most prestigious trophies in soccer. Hopefully you knew that already. Either way, read about what you can expect to see in the quarterfinals, on April 3/4 and 10/11.

A.C. Milan vs. Bayern Munich Milan were lucky to get past Celtic in the last round. They were even luckier to avoid being relegated after the match-fixing scandal that rocked Seria A. They are going up against a solid Bayern Munchen team, lead by the veteran keeper Oliver Kahn. They have clearly been missing Shevchenkov since his departure to Chelsea. Regardless, their Brazilian striker Kaká has been having a phenomenal season. He may be too much for Bayern to handle.

Prediction: A.C. Milan

PSV vs. Liverpool PSV managed to knock out a strong Arsenal team. They are far and away the best team in the Dutch league Eredivisie. However, they had the misfortune to draw Liverpool in the quarterfinals. Liverpool looked fantastic in both matches against reigning champions Barcelona, even in their 0-1 loss earlier this week. This promises to be the most contentious match in the quarterfinals.

Prediction: Liverpool

Roma v. Manchester United United have everything going for them right now. The team is well out in front of the English F.A. Premiership. Between their forwards Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, there aren’t too many defenses that can contain their offense. A.S. Roma, while long in heart are short in talent compared to Manchester United. Barring some kind of miracle, Manchester United should easily win this one.

Prediction: Manchester United

Chelsea vs. Valencia The $200 million Chelsea spent on their world recruiting tour is really paying off for them now. Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast striker, is likely to be named European footballer of the year. He’ll clearly be a difference maker in this match-up. The Spanish club Valencia has performed well so far in the Champions League, but Chelsea have proved time and again this season that they play to win.

Prediction: Chelsea