Today's draw for the quarter and semi finals of the UEFA Champions League threw up some interesting ties. Spanish giants Real Madrid were the first team drawn in the ceremony in Nyon, France. It's the first time in seven years that Mourinho's Madrid have reached this stage of the competition and 'the Chosen One' will be looking to add to his already glittering resume, having already won the famous trophy with both FC Porto, and last season with Inter Milan (also in the draw). Standing in Mourinho's way are British newcomers, Tottenham Hotspur, who, under the enigmatic Harry Redknapp, are enjoying their first sojourn into the continent's premier club competition.
Next up was an all English tie which, in all honesty, will be a tight affair between Premiership title contenders, Chelsea and Manchester United. The London club are still chasing their first Champions League trophy, whereas Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to add another trophy to his bulging collection as he looks to surpass Merseyside giants Liverpool, both home and abroad. A Battle of Britain, too rights it is!
Hot favourites Barcelona were next out and, although a relatively easy tie on paper, a trip to Ukraine and Shakhtar Donetsk will not be easy as it first sounds, but Barca should progress. Finally, defending champions Inter Milan will play Schalke, both, along with Donetsk, relative underdogs in this season's competition. Although Inter are defending champions, they have been having problems bith home and abroad this season and their German opponents will be hard to break down.
What there won't be is an all-Spanish final as, if they both win their respective quarter final matches, Real and Barca will meet in the semis. Barca with an added incentive of reaching the showpiece final in May, at a ground they have fond memories, having won the old European Cup at the old Wembley back in 1992.
My personal predictions will be a Barcelona v Inter Milan final, although opponents will have plenty to say about that.
Enjoy the remainder of the 2011 Champions League, it's going to be a good one!
