Champions Draw pits Barcelona vs. Chelsea
Associated Press
12/16/2005 8:59:16 AM
LONDON (AP) - Even in Italy they agree: the most intriguing matches in the next round of the Champions League pit Spanish clubs against English teams.
''The showdowns are very exciting,'' Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega said after Friday's draw at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
He was talking about the two league leaders facing each other - Barcelona versus Chelsea - and nine-time champion Real Madrid against Arsenal in the round of 16 in the Champions League.
Barcelona versus Chelsea is a repeat from the same stage a year ago.
Chelsea won 5-4 on aggregate last season amid controversy and accusations of cheating made by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho against Barca coach Frank Rijkaard.
Chelsea will be at home for the first leg on Feb 22, with the second leg on March 8. The final is May 17 in Paris.
''It will be a great show,'' Barcelona soccer director Aitor (Txiki) Begiristain said. ''Last year it was a great show for football, for world football. It can be the same.''
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said the draw got the ''Christmas season off to a great start.''
''With the talent that's on the pitch for both teams, it's going to be tremendous football,'' Kenyon said. ''That's what the Champions League is all about - bringing the best teams together.''
In seven matches between the two sides, Barcelona has won four and Chelsea three.
Arsenal and Real Madrid will be meeting for the first time in Europe.
''They are one of the great teams of Europe,'' said Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, downplaying Real's recent problems, which include the firing of manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo earlier this month.
''Never underestimate a club like Real Madrid because they have got such power and depth.''
Real Madrid vice-president Emilio Butragueno said fans could look forward to lots of goals.
''I'm sure our fans are going to enjoy it because Arsenal has an offensive mentality; Real Madrid as well,'' Butragueno said. ''So we are going to see two very open matches - offensive - with great, great talent on the field.''
Asked about the club's reported interest in hiring Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Butragueno was diplomatic.
''He's a great coach. He's Arsenal's coach. We have a strong relationship with Arsenal, so we have to be very respectful,'' he said.
The other pairings from Friday's draw were: Werder Bremen versus Juventus; Bayern Munich against AC Milan; PSV Eindhoven versus Lyon; Ajax against Inter Milan; Benfica versus Liverpool; and Rangers versus Villarreal.
Juventus and Inter got relatively easy draws. The best Italian tie has six-time champion AC Milan against four-time winner Bayern Munich. Milan lost last year's final on penalties to Liverpool.
The clubs have played six times. AC Milan has won four, Bayern one and there's been one draw. The last time they played was in the group stage in 2002-03, when Milan won both games 2-1 and went on to win the title.
''Bayern and Chelsea were the two teams we hoped to avoid,'' AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said. ''Unfortunately we were drawn with one of the two. We have not been lucky with the draw. Bayern is one of the top European clubs, and it's a pity that one of the two sides must be knocked out early in the competition.''
Juve and Inter officials were pleased with their luck.
''Certainly we could have been drawn against worst opponents,'' Juve coach Fabio Capello said of facing Werder Bremen.
Werder coach Thomas Schaaf replied: ''It's a real hurdle.''
Inter Milan president Giancinto Facchetti said his team was fortunate to draw Ajax.
''We could have been drawn against stronger and more experienced teams,'' Facchetti said.
Defending champion Liverpool should be wary of two-time winner Benfica, which knocked two-time champion Man United out at the group stage.
''We've shown we can beat strong teams like Manchester United,'' Benfica coach Ronald Koeman said. ''Nothing is impossible.''
The 16 teams in the draw have won 36 of 50 titles. Twenty-one clubs have won the title since the competition began in 1956.
Real Madrid has won a record nine times, followed by AC Milan with six and Liverpool with five.
Following the draw, English bookmakers William Hill made Barcelona and Juventus joint favourites to win the title at 5-1. Chelsea is 6-1, with Inter Milan and Lyon at 8-1. AC Milan is 9-1 and Liverpool 11-1.
SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
Champions Draw: AP Article
Reply With Quote