The draw of the quarter final round of Champions League 2007-2008 was held today at 13:00 CET in Nyon, Switzerland. The eight quarter finalists have drawn their competitors in this stage. The eight quarter finalists are Arsenal, Liverpool, Roma, Manchester United, Chelsea, Schalke 04, Barcelona and Fenerbahce. The most highlight draw was Arsenal vs Liverpool match, which would be the most highlighted match of this round. Each team will face their opponent twice, once at home and away. The first leg matches will be held on 1 April and 2 April, while the second leg of the matches will be held on 8 April and 9 April. Here, I am giving the draws of quarter final round of Champions League:
Arsenal vs Liverpool
This is going to be the most highlight match of this round. The two English giants have already faced each other once in the league which was ended up with a 1-1 draw. Both Arsenal and Liverpool projected impressive performances in the first knock out round of the competition and saw off two Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. AC Milan’s 2-0 victory at San Siro would definitely inspire the side in this stage. In the same way, Liverpool also put on enthralling performance in both home and away matches against Inter Milan to make their way to quarter final.
AS Roma vs Manchester United
Manchester United has been imperious so far in Champions League this season. Manchester United saw off French Champion Olympique Lyonnais 2-1 on aggregate, making their way to the quarter final. However, Ferguson boys would not find it very easy to roar past Roma for the second successive year from the quarter final. Manchester United must be aware of Roma, who defeated Real Madrid in both legs of first knockout round of the competition. Roma is now the only hope of Italy with AC Milan and Inter Milan got out of the tournament already.
Schalke 04 vs Barcelona
Barcelona will face German club Schalke 04 in the last 8 of Champions League this season. No doubt, Barcelona seems to be favorite for this match. Schalke 04 found it very hard to get the ticket of quarter final as they had to clinch the victory over Porto in penalty shoot out. Barcelona, on the other hand, was not that much impressive against Rangers in the first knockout round, though they won the matches of both legs. Schalke 04 must be at their best to stave off the Barcelona challenge in quarter final.
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
Chelsea has drawn Turkish champion Fenerbahce in the quarter final of Champions League. So, the Blues are reportedly said to have drawn easiest opponent in the last 8 of Champions League. No doubt, Chelsea is favorite in the match. However, I do not think that Avram Grant would take Turkish side lightly considering their lack luster performance of late against comparatively week sides. First, Chelsea lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup final and then Chelsea was crashed out of the tournament being defeated to Championship side Barnsley. This is where, Fenerbahce could find their hope of progressing further in the tournament. Fenerbahce defeated Spanish club Sevilla in penalty shoot out to make it to the quarter final. Chelsea, on the other hand, roared past Greek club Olympiacos 3-0 on aggregate.
There are four clubs from English premier league in the quarter final round, for the first time in the history of Champions League. It is now almost certain that at least, an English club would be at the semi final in the tournament. It is though a bit hard to predict, but I think, Chelsea and Barcelona would not face much problem to get into the semi final. However, predicting about other two matches would really be very tough, but it is almost certain that all the teams would put their best to win a place in the semi final of the Champions League.
Related article:
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