UEFA Champions League
Its week one of elimination week as the second leg of the round of 16 starts this week in UEFA Champs League. AC Milan vs. Arsenal, Zenit St Petersburg vs. Benfica, Lyon vs. Apoel Nicosia, and Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen. Next week is conclusion of the round of 16 as Bayern Munich vs. FC Basel, Inter vs. Marseille, Real Madrid vs. CSKA Moscow, and Chelsea vs. Napoli.
Tuesday
AC Milan (Italy) vs. Arsenal (England). In the first leg, AC Milan routed the English side 4-0 in Italy. In order for Arsenal to advance they would need to win by 5 goals against a team that has not let in more than three goals a game. AC has one the best defenses and don’t expect any major implosion. RVP may bag one or two goals for Arsenal but not 5. Arsenal may win the battle but AC will win the war.
Zenit St Petersburg (German) vs. Benfica (Portugal). Last match Zenit won 3-2 in Germany. It was a thrilling match that was up in the air the entire time till Roman Shirkov netted the winner in 87th minute. Benfica needs one goal to tie on aggregate but that one goal would see them advance on away goals. Zenit can advance with a win or a draw. Benfica are in a bit of a funk with a 5 game winless streak but a crazy crowd at Estadio da Luz can propel the Portuguese side to victory. This game is on The Comcast network at 2:30 on Tuesday.
Wednesday
Lyon (French) vs. Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus). Last time out Lyon got the win 1 nil in after a 58th minute goal by Lacazette. Wednesday’s game is in Cyprus and with only a goal deficit it is not out of the realm of possibility that we get an upset. Apoel Nicosia needs to win by two to advance or can get a goal and send it to extra time. Niscosia is the largest team in the largest city in Cyprus an amazing atmosphere will be created. Lyon can draw or win to advance. Expect the French juggernauts to keep the game at a slow pace and not press the issue. I can see Apoel getting the historic victory and becoming the first Cyprus team into the round of 8.
Barcelona (Spanish) vs. Bayer Leverkusen (German). Last time out Barcelona beat the German side 3 to 1 with a brace from Alexis Sanchez. Expect more of the same as Barcelona returns home to finish off Leverkusen. For Bayer Leverkusen to advance they would need to score 3+ goals. If the Germans win 3-1, the game goes into extra time. Barcelona advances if they win, draw or lose by up to 2 goals. It is hard to imagine a scenario with the Germans advancing. The only way is if the German side got some help as in multiple penalties and red cards in Bayer’s favor. This one is a foregone conclusion Barcelona advances.
CONCACAF Champions League
This week is the first leg of the quarterfinals in the North American Champions league. Morelia vs. Monterrey, Sounders vs. Santos, Galaxy vs. Toronto FC, and Metapan vs. UNAM. Three MLS teams made it through to the quarterfinals and 4 Mexican teams did as well.
Tuesday
Morelia (Mex) vs. Monterrey (Mex). Mexican league leaders Morelia takes on 6th place Monterrey in semifinals action in CONCACAF champions league action. Although Monterrey is sixth in the table they are only five points behind Morelia and look to make a statement against in champs league play. The first leg is in Morelia but I can see Monterrey getting the upset.
Wednesday
Los Angeles Galaxy (USA) vs. Toronto FC (Canada). No better way to gear up for the upcoming MLS season then to have a pair of MLS teams face off in real competition. The Galaxy have the star power and are projected to win the MLS this season. Although TFC had a lack luster season last year I feel they will make a strong push for the playoffs. This game is in Toronto and it is expected that Los Angeles will have their hands full. It is still unclear whether Robbie Keane will dress for the game. With both teams still in preseason this could be TFC’s best chance to get an upset.
Sounders (USA) vs. Santos (Mexico). The Sounders host inform Mexican side Santos. Seattle catches a break with Santos’s leading striker Quintero being out due to injury. New signings Adam Johansson, Eddie Johnson and Gspurning all look to make their sounder debut. It will be a tall order for the Sounders having their first game against a club that has been playing for weeks. I think Seattle gets a draw in this game.
Thursday
Isidro Metapan (El Salvador) vs. UNAM Pumas (Mexico). It has been a rough season so far for 11th place Pumas but they did win their most recent match against Toluca. UNAM travels to Estadio Jorge Calero to take on the most storied and historic side from El Salvador. UNAM are trying to stay on the winning side and continue the good results into league play. The Mexican club in turmoil will have their hands full I can see them over looking Metapan. Metapan wins with the upset but loses in Mexico in the return leg.
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