Champions League Quarterfinals Leg 1 Part 1

The quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League are finally here. The first legs of the quarterfinals will be played today and tomorrow with the second legs being played next Tuesday and Wednesday. The final eight teams remaining are Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Malaga, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Galatasaray.

Today's Games:

Barcelona (Spain) @ Paris Saint-Germain (France)

These two teams are currently the best teams in their home countries and with a win in this game would be moving closer to the claim of being the best team in all of Europe. Barcelona have been arguably the best team in soccer the last two or three years and PSG has been moving closer and closer to possibly claiming the top spot. Both teams have gone completely different ways of building their teams with Barcelona bringing up must of their players through their youth squads and PSG going out and buying some of the world's best talent.

One of the key players at PSG right now is Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic is a former player of Barcelona who had a falling out with the team about playing time and eventually moved to Italian side AC Milan before joining PSG last summer. Ibrahimovic and teammate Thiago Silva both left AC Milan to come to PSG over the summer and have been the keys for PSG's great season. The two of them are the keys for the French side.

Barcelona has managed to do what many teams haven't been able to do successfully. They have had a great youth program that has seen the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta grow up while playing together on the same team since before they were teenagers. They have been three of the top five players of the last three or four years and are the reason Barcelona are the best team in the world.

Both teams will manage to get a couple of goals in this game and as good as PSG is playing I don't know if they will be able to get a win over Barcelona. This game will likely end even as PSG will likely not lose at home.

Prediction: Draw 2-2

Juventus (Italy) @ Bayern Munich (Germany)

This game could easily be the championship game. Both teams are currently the best teams in the countries just as Barca and PSG are in theirs. Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus and Manuel Neuer of Bayern are two of the best goalkeepers in the world if not the best right now. Both teams will rely heavily on the play of their goalkeepers as they will try to slow down each teams scoring.

I think that Bayern Munich is one of the three favorites to take home the Champions League this year. Outside of the Spanish giants in Barca and Real Madrid they have the most talent at every position. The play of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben will likely decide how many goals Bayern ends up with today as they are two of the best in the world when it comes to creating goals for themselves and others on the outside.

I think both goalkeepers will be able to keep the scoring relatively low, but Bayern will get enough for a win that will give them the edge when the second leg is played in Italy.

Prediction: Munich win 2-1

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Review Part 1

There were four games played this week from teams all over Europe. The one game that got all of the attention though in this week of Champions League games was the Manchester United at Real Madrid match where Cristiano Ronaldo was making his return to Old Trafford.

Each of the games that was played this week were the second legs of the round of 16. The winners of this round have all moved on to the quarterfinals that will be played in a little less than a month. As of right now I'm currently ranked 27th on ESPN's Champions League Pick'Em.

Tuesday's Games:

Real Madrid @ Manchester United - Madrid win 2-1 (AGG: Madrid win 3-2)

It's sad how all anyone will talk about in this game is the red card that was given to Nani. All that should have been given at that point was a yellow card. A red was just too much. I thought that the game was very close up until the red card was given and thought that the game could have gone either way. Once the red card was given I thought that Madrid would be able to take this game and they did just that.

The own goal that Sergio Ramos let in was awful and to see a player of his caliber make such a bonehead play I really thought Madrid were done at that point. The goals by Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 66th and 69th minutes put the game out of reach for Man U. Once those two were scored the home team had to score at least two more while playing down a man in 20 minutes and that just wasn't going to happen.

It's sad how a game that was so good will be remembered for a bad call by a referee but in the end as a Madrid fan I'm happy with the outcome. In my opinion Madrid made some great substitutions with each of them really helping their side. Kaka, Modric and Pepe all did their part when coming on for Madrid late in the game.

My player of the match though was goalkeeper Diego Lopez for Real Madrid. He made seven saves and if it wasn't for the own goal would've had the clean sheet. I wasn't a fan of him going to the ground at the end of the game to waste time, but in the absence of captain Iker Casillas I think Diego Lopez did a great job and should get a lot of credit in Madrid moving on. You could argue for Modric or Ronaldo for scoring the goals, but I think it was the goalkeeping by Diego Lopez that was really the key in keeping the game close.

I think Madrid have to be one of the favorites to win the Champions League at this point. Barcelona could be knocked out next week so it will probably come down to Madrid and Bayern Munich winning it all.

Shakhtar Donetsk @ Borussia Dortmund - Dortmund win 3-0 (AGG: Dortmund win 5-2)

This game wasn't televised live and it didn't seem like it had to be. I expected Dortmund to come out and score multiple goals on Shakhtar but I wasn't expecting them to completely dominate the entire game the way that the did. Three goals from Felipe Santana, Mario Gotze and Jacub Blaszczykowski were just way too much for the away side that went scoreless.

I hadn't really heard of Shakhtar before this because they play in Ukraine so they should be happy with the fact that they got this far in the tournament. Dortmund are now on to the quarterfinals where they will probably be the underdog against whoever they are playing. A possible Dortmund-Bayern match-up between the two best German teams in the quarterfinals could be huge.

Wednesday's Games:

Valencia @ Paris Saint-Germain - Draw 1-1 (AGG: PSG win 3-2)

This wasn't the most exciting game of the week by any means. PSG came into this game with the lead and a draw would have sent them on to the next round. They came out playing a very defensive game to make sure that they left the game with the win. When Jonas scored the first goal of the game in the 55th minute for Valencia, it was only then that PSG started to press the action in fear of possibly giving up another goal which would have possibly ended with Valencia moving on to the next round.

Ezequiel Lavezzi scored an equalizer though 10 minutes after the scoring started to even up the game for PSG which would be the end of the scoring for the day. Valencia were able to secure possession for almost two-thirds of the entire game, but were unable to get any really good chances with only three shots on target of the eight that the team took. PSG will be moving on to the next round and with the return of Ibrahimovic for the quarterfinals could have their sights on moving even further in the tournament.

Celtic @ Juventus - Juventus win 2-0 (AGG: Juventus win 5-0)

I didn't expect Celtic to come into this game and somehow pull off one of the biggest comebacks in recent history and move on to the next round and Juventus made sure that it didn't happen. Juventus scored two goals and held Celtic scoreless for the entire 90 minutes. Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella did the scoring for Juventus, while Gianluigi Buffon had a very good game in goal for the home team making five saves and not letting anything by him.

Juventus are on to the quarterfinals with a very good showing in the round of 16. Celtic were definitely not one of the best teams left in the tournament, but the way that Juventus outplayed them in the two games really gives them hope at possibly winning this entire tournament. I don't know if they are going to have enough scoring to beat Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the later rounds, but they have showed that they are one of the best defensive teams in Europe and with Buffon in back should be able to keep any game close going forward.

Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg Preview Part 1

There are four games this week in the Champions League, but only one of them is really drawing any attention at this point. In the other three games being played of the week the home teams are all favored to move on to the quarterfinals, but it's all about the other game, Manchester United vs. Real Madrid.

The games being played this week and next are the second legs of the round of 16. The winners of this round will advance on to the quarterfinals in the first week of April. As bad as I am at picking almost every other sport, I'm currently ranked 84th on ESPN's Champions League pick'em so I'm hoping my picks continue to go in that direction.

Tuesday's Games:

Real Madrid @ Manchester United (Aggregate: Draw 1-1)

While watching the first leg a couple of weeks ago all I could keep thinking was, how many goals will each of these teams end up with? At the end there was only two goals scored in the entire 90 minutes with each team scoring one apiece. The amount of great looks that each team had I was in disbelief that the game ended with such a low score.

My player to watch in this game has to be Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is making his return to Old Trafford as the enemy for the first time since leaving the Red Devils in 2009. In the first leg Ronaldo was successful in scoring and did so without celebrating afterwards in a show of respect to his former club. His goal helped tie the game up for Madrid after Danny Welbeck's goal 10 minutes earlier. The final 60 minutes of the game went goalless as both teams goalkeepers and defense kept either team from getting a real clean look.

With the aggregate currently tied at 1:1 I am expecting a very similar game to the first one, just with more goals. I could see Manchester United playing a more defensive game with Real Madrid playing a more offensive game in this one. Man U already have the one away goal and if they were able to keep Madrid scoreless would advance to the next round. If Madrid are able to score two-plus goals, chances are that they will be the team moving on.

My prediction: Madrid win 3-2 (AGG: Madrid 4-3)

Shakhtar Donetsk @ Borussia Dortmund (Aggregate: Draw 2-2)

The first game between these two teams had four goals scored between the two teams evenly with two apiece. Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels did the scoring for Dortmund with Darijo Srna and Douglas Costa adding the goals for Shakhtar.

With Dortmund returning home for the second leg they are the favorites to win this game. I think they will be able to score multiples goals and keep Shakhtar scoreless. Marco Reus and Mario Gotze both were goalless for Dortmund in the first leg and I doubt they will both remain scoreless in this one. Gotze is my player to watch in this game as he could be using this stage to get his name out there even more with the possibility of a potential move to a bigger club during the summer.

My prediction: Dortmund win 2-0 (AGG: Dortmund 4-2)

Wednesday's Games:

Valencia @ Paris Saint-Germain (Aggregate: PSG 2-1)

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo getting all of the love for being the best players in the world Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently showing France and the rest of the world why PSG was so smart to buy him from AC Milan over the summer. In 33 games this year Ibrahimovic has managed to score 28 goals while playing for a new team in a country he had never played in before. Ibrahimovic will not be playing in this game for PSG, however as he was sent off at the end of the game with a red card.

While Ibrahimovic is such an important player for PSG, I just don't think Valencia will be able to beat them even without Ibrahimovic on the pitch. The first leg saw goals come from Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier Pastore for PSG with Adil Rami adding one for Valencia.

I wouldn't be surprised if PSG played David Beckham in this game. Beckham's experience in big games could be a huge help to the French side and without Zlatan up front they could probably use the leadership that Beck would bring. My player to watch in this game is Lucas Moura. Lucas has recently joined PSG during the winter transfer session and will likely give Valencia fits all evening. I'm expecting the same score as the first leg in this one.

My prediction: PSG win 2-1 (AGG: PSG 4-2)

Celtic @ Juventus (Aggregate: Juventus 3-0)

This game couldn't be any more over before it started than it already is. Juventus managed to score three goals in the first game on the road and would have been the favorite when returning home for the second leg anyways. Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic did the scoring for the Italian side the first time around which leaves this game almost 100 percent out of reach for Celtic.

I'm guessing that Juventus won't put their best team on the pitch tomorrow because they are almost guaranteed to be moving on to the next round at this point so I'm expecting this game to be much closer than the first. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Celtic came out and drew Juventus or even won the game, but I still think Juventus will manage to win this game no matter who they put on the field. My player to watch is Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon will likely be in goal and as long as he doesn't have the worst game of his career come Wednesday his side should move on.

My prediction: Juventus win 2-1 (AGG: Juventus 5-1)

Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg Preview Part 1

The group stage is finally over and 16 teams remain with the possibility of being crowned the Champions of Europe. Half of those 16 teams will be playing games this week with two games happening today and two tomorrow.

This week's action includes 1st leg games between Juventus and Celtic, Paris Saint-Germain and Valencia, Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk, and the "Game of the Week" between Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Today's Games:

Juventus @ Celtic

Juventus come into this game having finished first in the Group E table while Celtic finished second in Group G. Juventus are currently sitting atop the Italian Serie A table and all signs are pointing to them winning this year's title rather easily. Celtic is also atop of their league title and currently have an 18 point lead in the Scottish Premier League.

Juventus are the major betting favorites in this game. They are the better team that plays in a much better league. Celtic hasn't really had any competition in Scotland this year due to Rangers being relegated due to financial reasons. Juventus should be able to win both games against Celtic rather easily behind their goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

My prediction: Juventus win 2-0

Paris Saint-Germain @ Valencia

This game should be the closer game of the day. PSG finished first in Group A and currently sit atop French Ligue 1. Valencia finished second in a very weak Group are F and are currently struggling in fifth place this season in Spain's La Liga.

Valencia are a slight favorite over PSG because they are the home team, but I'm expecting the now French giants to be able to win this game on the road. Valencia won't make it easy for them, but PSG just has way too much firepower up front especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the way.

My prediction: PSG win 2-1

Tomorrow's Games:

Manchester United @ Real Madrid "Game of the Week"

Cristiano Ronaldo is making his first appearance against his former club. Most would argue that Ronaldo is the second best player in the world right now only behind Barcelona's Lionel Messi and all of the talk is on how Ronaldo will play against his former team.

Manchester United are coming into this game after finishing first in Group H and are currently leading the English Premier league by eight points. Real Madrid aren't having as great a season as they have had as of late and are struggling to keep most of their players healthy. Real Madrid finished second in Group D and are currently third in Spain's La Liga.

Without any hopes of winning La Liga, Real Madrid have put almost all of their focus on possibly winning their 10th Champions League title (was once called European Cup as well). Manchester United have been on a roll this season and are making it known that they are once again the best team in England.

This game is going to come down to what one player does. If Ronaldo plays well then Real Madrid will walk out the winner. If he ends up struggling this game could end poorly for Madrid and Los Blancos could be on their way out of the Champions League. I'm expecting Ronaldo to rise to the occasion today and wouldn't be surprised if he added multiple goals for his side.

My prediction: Real Madrid win 3-1

Borussia Dortmund @ Shakhtar Donetsk

This game is really taking a backseat to the other game of the day. Dortmund managed to finish ahead of Real Madrid in the Group D table and are currently second in the German Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich. Shakhtar Donetsk tied Chelsea in Group E for second place, but managed to score more away goals when the two played each other which gave them the edge in the table. Shakhtar Donetsk currently sit atop their Ukrainian Premier League table and are currently dominating the rest of their league.

Shakhtar Donetsk are very small favorites over Dortmund, but I'm expecting these teams to finish even tomorrow. Expect the striking pair of Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus to help add a goal or two for the away side and make sure that the home team doesn't walk out with a win.

My prediction: Draw 2-2

Sunday Soccer Results

Yesterday, I did my first version of soccer predictions and I didn't do all that bad: 1/27 Soccer Predictions. Of the 12 games that I picked I went 7-5 on the day and took a real beating in England.

English FA Cup Fourth Round:

I got all three of my FA Cup game predictions wrong. In these three games where I thought the bigger clubs would easily win games against lesser opponents without breaking a sweat two of those teams were eliminated and Chelsea has a chance at redemption against Brentford due to the draw.

The main problem for why Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea are in the predicaments that they are is that they completely overlooked their opponents for these games and were more worried about their Premier League games that are going on later in the week. While winning trophies is important for most teams, some teams are so focused on winning their league titles that they under-perform year after year in their domestic cups.

Results: 

Chelsea @ Brentford - Draw 2-2
Tottenham Hotspur @ Leeds United - Leeds wins 2-1
Liverpool @ Oldham Athletic - Oldham wins 3-2

Spanish La Liga:

In La Liga my predictions were much better than in the FA Cup as I went 2-1. While I got the Real Madrid and Barcelona games right I didn't give those two teams enough credit as they went on to win by scores much larger than I predicted. The game that I got wrong was choosing Atletico Madrid to hold Athletic to a draw. Athletic proved to be too much for Atletico in this game as they easily won their game in shutout fashion.

While Real Madrid aren't having their best season right now this game just shows that in any game they could come out and drop multiple goals on teams. Barcelona is arguably the best team in the world right now and all signs are pointing to them winning La Liga along with the Champions League this year. It helps when Real Madrid and Barca have the two best forwards in the world right now as Cristiano Ronaldo of Real scored three goals and Lionel Messi of Barca outdoing him in his game by netting four.

Results:

Getafe @ Real Madrid - Real Madrid win 4-0
Osasuna @ Barcelona - Barca win 5-1
Atletico Madrid @ Athletic Bilbao - Bilbao win 3-0

Italian Serie A:

Finished 2-1 on the day with picks in the Serie A with the only game I got wrong being Torino at Inter Milan. Both the Roma-Bologna and AC Milan-Atalanta games played out very similar to that of what I guessed except the goal totals being a little off. Very shocked to see Inter not be able to grab the three points over a lesser team in Torino.

Results:

AS Roma @ Bologna - Draw 3-3
AC Milan @ Atalanta - AC Milan win 2-1
Torino @ Inter Milan - Draw 2-2

Other Games in Europe:

I don't follow the German Bundesliga or the French Ligue 1 as much as the leagues in England, Spain and Italy, however I thought I'd add a few games coming from some of the other big clubs around Europe. I'm starting to think these leagues are the ones that I need to keep picking as I went a perfect 3-0 with my picks in these games. Both Bayern and PSG seem destined to win their respective leagues and will more than likely be making noise come the Round of 16 in the Champions League in a couple of weeks.

Results:

Werder Bremen @ Hamburg SV - Hamburg win 3-2
Bayern Munich @ VFB Stuttgart - Bayern win 2-0
LOSC Lille @ Paris Saint-Germain - PSG win 1-0

Sunday Soccer Predictions

Today there are many important soccer games going on and some of the biggest clubs are in action. These are my predictions for some select games that will be going on later today.

English FA Cup Fourth Round:

Chelsea @ Brentford

While Brentford is the home team they have no chance at winning this game. Chelsea is the defending Champions League champions and one of the best teams in the Premier League. Brentford is in the third tier of English soccer currently and just getting to this point is probably a success for their team.

Prediction: Chelsea win 3-0

Tottenham Hotspur @ Leeds United

This will more than likely be the closest of any of the three FA Cup games today. While Leeds United isn't the same team they once were back in the 1990's they are still a team that tends to be competitive come cup time and is usually at the top of their league year after year. That being said Tottenham is definitely still better than the home team so I see them being too much for this team.

Prediction: Tottenham win 2-1

Liverpool @ Oldham Athletic

Liverpool is currently going through one of their roughest patches in the history of the club. However, there aren't many teams that Liverpool would have been happier to see this round than Oldham Athletic. Oldham is currently in the third tier of English football and are facing the possibility of relegation. I see Liverpool pulling out an easy victory over a team that they are much better than on paper.

Prediction: Liverpool win 2-0

Quick Picks:

La Liga:
Getafe @ Real Madrid - Real Madrid win 3-2
Osasuna @ Barcelona - Barcelona win 2-0
Atletico Madrid @ Athletic Bilbao - Draw 2-2

Italian Serie A:
AS Roma @ Bologna - Draw 1-1
AC Milan @ Atalanta - AC Milan win 2-1
Torino @ Inter Milan - Inter win 2-0

Other Games in Europe:
Werder Bremen @ Hamburg SV - Hamburg win 2-1
Bayern Munich @ VFB Stuttgart - Bayern win 3-0
LOSC Lille @ Paris Saint-Germain - PSG win 2-0