Who’s Who of the Champions League Round of 16
- DC Soccer correspondent Joseph Schoenbauer from Lusaka, Zambia, February 17, 2006
The strength of the teams that have qualified for the round of 16 is immense and to predict an eventual winner is virtually impossible. A number of coaches surely agree, having conceded that it will take a healthy portion of luck to win the Champions League this year. The ties following the group stages have made the task of predicting a winner even harder, with mouth-watering clashes in virtually every match up.
The form of each team coming into the Round of 16 may prove the key for teams to progress. Juventus of Italy, Lyon of France, Chelsea of England, and Bayern Munich of Germany have all been run away leaders of their respective leagues since the first week, while Barcelona of Spain, after a slow first few weeks, also have built a gap between themselves and the rest. However, there are signs showing that form is not forever. Chelsea have tied a number of games since the new year, and succumbed dramatically to Middlesbrough 3-0 in a recent league match. Lyon, and even Barcelona have also shown signs of stuttering, although all of the aforementioned teams have not relinquished their position in their leagues. The conclusion is that no matter how commanding these teams have shown to be in their leagues, there is no guarantee that they will have the guarantee of even getting past the round of 16 in what looks to be one of the most exciting knockout stages of the Champions League fans around the world have witnessed.
Barcelona – Chelsea
The fact that Barcelona’s cule’s wanted to draw Chelsea again after last years heart breaking 5-4 aggregate loss is a good indicator of the mindset of Barcelona as a whole. The city, the coaching staff and the players want revenge.
Players to Watch
Barca
Ronaldinho – When people speak of Ronaldinho they speak of the toothy smile and the shakabra hand gestures. Underneath it all, Ronaldinho has proved that he is as competitive as they come, and it will surely show over the 2 legs with Chelsea.
Lionel Messi – A certainty to take part in this years addition, his dazzling dribbling ability has brought an extra dimension to Barcelona’s attacking right wing position as compared to last year, when Giuly and Iniesta were mostly unsuccessful against Chelsea.
Edmilson – Last year, John Terry scored the decisive goal of the tie after he slipped away from Gerard to head a corner kick. Edmilson will most likely be the one taking on the responsibility this time around, and his height may prove vital on set pieces.
Chelsea
Eidur Gudjohnsen – Essien’s ankle injury that has kept him out of the side for most of the new year has pushed Gudjohnsen into the midfield with Makelele and Lampard. With Lampard being given more defensive responsibilities, his goal scoring has gone from constant to non-existent. With Essien suspended for both legs, the responsibility then falls on Gudjohnsen to continue the goal scoring from midfield that is essential to the success of Mourinho’s Chelsea.
Arjen Robben – The proof is there that wingers can cause havoc to Barcelona’s defense, especially if teams take advantage of the large amounts of space in behind. With Joe Cole, who likes to drift inwards a bit, preferred to Duff and Shaun Wright-Phillips, the left wing will be there for Arjen Robben to try to exploit.
John Terry – His pace and positioning will be put to the test with the brains of Ronaldinho and swerving runs of Messi. But his number one responsibility will be to follow the runs of the unbelievably quick Samuel Eto’o.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Barca – Xavi (out), Motta (doubt), Belletti (doubt), Puyol (doubt)
Chelsea – Essien (suspended), Drogba (doubt)
Arsenal – Real Madrid
While Arsenal’s league form continues to be choppy at best, Real Madrid appears to be peaking coming into the second half of the year. Both strengthened their squads in the January transfer window, with Emmanuel Adebayor likely to feature for Arsenal, and Cicinho and possibly Antonio Cassano looking to play a role for Real Madrid.
Players To Watch
Arsenal
Thierry Henry – There is no question who the leader of this Arsenal team is, and their success will fall largely on his performances. If he can link up with Emmanuel Adebayor, the two could prove more than a handful for Madrid’s defense.
Kolo Toure – Sol Campbell’s form, fitness, and confidence are all at an all-time low, Ashely Cole is injured and Lauren is also lacking fitness. On top of that Senderos and Djourou are youngsters lacking in experience. The only constant this year in Arsenal’s back line, apart from Jens Lehmann, has been Kolo Toure, and it is of great pleasure to Arsenal that he has returned unharmed from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Jose Antonio Reyes – Less than a year after signing for Arsenal, Reyes was tricked into admitting that he was homesick and would welcome interest from a team of Real Madrid’s caliber. He has since stayed and is coming into his own, and will surely want to put one over on his Spanish compatriots.
Mathieu Flamini – If recent games reflect who will be lining up for Arsenal in the backline, Flamini will be lining up at either right or left back. Naturally a central midfielder, he will have his work cut out for him against the likes of Robinho and or Cicinho.
Real Madrid
Robinho – The moves and goals are starting to flow, much to the joy of Madrid’s front office, the fans, and Robinho himself. If given the space, he can make most any defender look foolish, and with Arsenal’s defense so depleted, Real Madrid will be expecting him to do just that.
Sergio Ramos – Strong and confident in the tackle, his youth has shown that he can still be beaten at times and go wildly into tackles. He will have to be at his best with the likes of Thierry Henry running at him.
Ronaldo – Yet to appear in the Champions League at all this year, Ronaldo’s goal scoring abilities are still as essential as ever to Real Madrid’s aspirations.
David Beckham - Beckham appeared to be over the moon with the chance to finally compete against an English team again after two and a half years. He certainly will be looking forward to it, especially as Arsenal was his biggest rival when he plied his trade for Manchester United.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Arsenal – Ashley Cole (out), Sol Campbell (out), Lauren (out), J.A. Reyes (doubt), R. van Persie (doubt), Gael Clichy (out), Pascal Cygan (out)
Real Madrid – Raul (doubt), Pablo Garcia (out), Ivan Helguera (doubt), Diego Lopez (out)
Villarreal – Rangers
In the run up, this match will certainly receive less coverage than the others, yet it still promises to bring at least half of the city of Glasgow and all of the city of Villarreal to a standstill. The Rangers made Scottish futbol history when they became the first Scottish team to advance from the group stages of the Champions League. This is also Villarreal’s first ever time in the Champions League, and showed their quality after topped their group that contained Benfica, Lille, and Manchester United.
Players to Watch
Villarreal
Juan Roman Riquelme – One of the top playmakers in the world, Riquelme is essential to the success of Villarreal. If Riquelme is injured, Villarreal struggles. But if he is playing, Villarreal is capable of some of the most attractive futbol in the world. Currently, he is in Argentina getting treatment for a calf and achilles tendon injury, but hopes to return to Spain soon in time to prepare for the clash.
Diego Forlan – The goals for Villarreal have been hard to come by this year, and for Forlan especially, considering he was tied for the leading goal scorer in all of Europe’s top leagues last year, sharing the Golden Boot with Thierry Henry. Neither Jose Mari nor Guayre have found the net regularly, so Villarreal will be hoping for Forlan to rediscover his touch when they need it most.
Marcos Senna – One of the most underrated central midfielders, Senna has all the skills to take command of the midfield in order to give Riquelme the freedom to operate in the attacking third.
Rangers
Peter Lovenkrands – A regular on the score sheet for Rangers, Lovenkrands will have to link well with Nacho Novo to have success getting through Villarreal’s tight defense they have consistently shown in European fixtures over the past several years.
Barry Ferguson – Along with Murray, Barry Ferguson will be responsible for keeping the ball from Riquelme as much as possible, a responsibility that will take every ounce of effort Ferguson has in him over the two legs.
Namouchi – The Tunisian will likely have to battle with the likes of Juan Pablo Sorin and Josico in Villarreal’s midfield. Whether he can cause them problems may be the key to Lovenkrands getting a supply of balls from midfield.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Villarreal – Riquelme (doubt), Josemi (doubt), G. Franco (doubt), Quique Alvarez (out)
Rangers – Kyrgiakos (doubt), Ricksen (doubt)
AC Milan – Bayern Munich
This will be a battle between two European powers that seemingly are unbeatable in their respective home stadiums. However, one will have to break from tradition before the tie is decided. Which one that will be is anyone’s guess. If the league is any indicator, Bayern Munich has strengthened their lead at the top of the Bundelsiga, while AC Milan is inching further and further from the Scudetto. But this may give more reason to give everything in the Champions League.
Players to Watch
AC Milan
Kaka – Smooth and remarkably quick, Kaka has all the tools to exploit the best of defenses. His accuracy from in and around the box is one to behold, while his vision allows him to pick out the runs of Milan’s strikers Shevchenko, Gilardino, and high-flyer of the moment Pippo Inzaghi.
Gilardino – His first major test in Europe, Gilardino will have to show his quality when going up against class defenders like the Brazilian Lucio. Hopefully Kaka will prepare his club teammate well enough.
Maldini/Stam – Tired legs were a big talking point when AC Milan almost succumbed to PSV in the semifinals of last year’s addition. The talk was duly justified when Liverpool scored 3 goals in the second half of the final. This year Maldini and Stam have not been fit for long stretches, and certainly they might begin to feel the legs again this year.
Bayern Munich
Michael Ballack – Causing a stir in Germany because of his determination to not sign a new contract with Bayern, this may be his last European competition with them, and certainly he will want to make it memorable.
Oliver Kahn – His biggest critics point out that in big games, Oliver Kahn tends to make the blunders that give you nightmares. His fumbles against Real Madrid last year were costly. With the World Cup around the corner and the #1 spot still not nailed down, you can put money down that Jurgen Klinsmannwill have his binoculars out for this one.
Claudio Pizarro – The creative side to Munich’s attack, when Makaay was going through a major draught this year, Pizarro continued to lead the line. Look for him to be the one to break down the aging Milan defense if the long range shooting and set pieces aren’t bearing any fruit.
Injury doubts/Suspension
AC Milan – Cafu (out), Maldini (doubt)
Bayern Munich – Hargreaves (out)
Juventus – Werder Bremen
Juventus have looked all conquering in Italian Calcio this year and their form in Europe has been equally impressive. Werder Bremen has continued with their offensive mentality and this leg proves to be full of attacking flair. The team that contains the other will have a good chance of advancing. With the likes of Vieira, Emerson, Cannavaro and Thuram forming the spine of the Juventus defense, it looks as though they have the edge going in to this tie.
Players to Watch
Juventus
Patrick Vieira – His move from Arsenal in the summer was a good indication of where the two teams were headed. Vieira has won most everything there is to win in futbol, aside from the Champions League. With Vieira in the side, Juventus surely look capable of completing Vieira’s trophy case.
Chiellini – The young and strongly built left back has given Juventus extra cover and extra quality. With Zambrotta out injured, his presence will be of extra importance. Certainly the experience he can get from playing in such important competitions will give him everything he needs to break into the Italian National Team this summer. Undoubtedly Chiellini won’t let this opportunity pass him by.
Adrian Mutu – Once the young star of a Parma side alongside a young Adriano and a young Gilardino, Mutu has once again found his form in Italy. While Nedved still commands a starting role, his age and injury problems mean Mutu will have much to say about Juventus’s Champions League success.
Werder Bremen
Haedo Valdez – Werder Bremen love scoring goals, which means their forwards obviously love scoring goals, too. While they are susceptible at the back, their chances may rest on Valdez to find the back of the net, especially with Klose a major injury doubt for both legs.
Torsten Frings – The central midfielder with the duty of shutting down the likes of Pavel Nedved, and also Ibrahimovic, Mutu, Del Piero, and Camoranesi as they drift into the center of the field to pick up the ball.
Johan Micoud – The Frenchman will be coming up against the likes of Vieira and Emerson, yet his ability to find space to maneuver in this area will be key to Bremen’s success.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Juventus – Trezeguet (doubt), Zambrotta (out), Kovac (doubt)
Werder Bremen – Andreas Reinke (out), Klose (out)
Inter Milan - Ajax
Inter Milan look as strong as ever, yet that hasn’t guaranteed them trophies in the past. However, they are coming up against an Ajax side that has lost its way in the Dutch Eredevisie, which could be the springboard to European success for Mancini’s Inter.
Players to Watch
Inter
David Pizarro – With Juan Veron a big doubt for the first leg with an ankle injury, the midfield reigns may be given to the talented Chilean desperate for a chance to impress in an Inter jersey.
Luis Figo – Basically discarded by Real Madrid, he has been at the forefront of Inter’s attacks all season, and shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to shield the ball and then find runner’s has shown, and it’s these qualities he will be desperate to show off for the watching world.
Nicolas Burdisso - Burdisso looks to have won over the left back slot in recent weeks, and shall he edge out a Favalli lacking fitness and Pierre Wome, the young and inexperienced Argentinean will be responsible for helping shut down an attacking Ajax side.
Ajax
Wesley Sneijder – After the departures of young Holland international midfielders Rafael van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder’s vision and long range shooting have become increasingly important to his Ajax side.
Hedwiges Maduro – Another young Dutch international, Maduro has been given the huge responsibility of controlling the pace of the game and giving the likes of Sneijder the ability to get forward from midfield. At 21 years, he will have a lot of weight on his shoulders. If he can carry the weight, Ajax is in with a shout.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar – With a price tag of 9 million euros, the expectations will always be high, especially if you are a relative unknown outside of Holland. But there is no better way to make a name for yourself on the biggest stages. Inter awaits.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Inter – Veron (out for first leg), Favalli (doubt), Materazzi (doubt), C. Zanetti (suspended)
Ajax - None
Lyon – PSV
Drawn together for the second year running, the idea that one is favored over the other is highly debatable. Last year Lyon came into the tie after topping their group and running away as the highest scoring team in the competition. Nevertheless, PSV shut them down and went on to win the tie after penalties. Lyon has been in commanding form yet again in their league. But does this give them an advantage this time around in the champions League? It’s anybody’s guess.
Players to Watch
Lyon
Cris – His performances have caught the eye of a number of other top European sides. What’s more telling is that his performances have come without the help of three other regular starters in defense, including fellow center back Cacapa, due to long-term injuries.
Coupet – Never quite given the respect he deserves over the years, and overshadowed by Fabien Barthez on the national team, Coupet has quietly become one of the most successful goalkeepers in recent times. A push for the French goalkeeper jersey may rest on his performances for Lyon in Europe this year as Barthez’s Marseille continues to have indifferent results.
Fred – The big money signing of the summer, Fred has the attacking skills to find the back of the net against any opposition. While John Carew may have him beaten for height, it’s Fred’s ability to combine his height and strength with mobility that sets him apart. Lyon will be hoping the man that had a better strike rate at Cruzeiro than Ronaldo will prove his price tag to get them past PSV.
PSV
Jefferson Farfan – While PSV have failed to dominate most of any games this year, their positive results have continued. The reason: Farfan. Farfan has proven he is capable of taking advantage of the smallest of mistakes from opposing defenses, and this will be vital against Lyon.
Philip Cocu – Cocu has seen Mark van Bommel and Johan Vogel, his star midfield partners from last year, move on to Barcelona and AC Milan, respectively. Cocu’s experience in pressure situations will be put to the test against a Lyon midfield brimming with youth.
Damarcus Beasley – Beasley’s speed gives him the ability to get in behind the most watertight defenses. With Lyon’s defense suffering so many injuries, the likes of the stand-ins may be the one’s that Beasley can take advantage of.
Injury doubts/Suspensions
Lyon – Cacapa (out), Reveillere (out), Monsoreau (out), Eric Abidal (out), Berthod (doubt)
PSV- none
Liverpool - Benfica
Rafa Benitez looked set to be on the losing side of another Champions League final last year, but Liverpool did the impossible, coming from 3 goals down at half time to overcome AC Milan on penalties after climbing back to 3-3. Their European form has continued into this season, where they topped their group that contained Chelsea, Anderlecht and Real Betis. Benfica, too, overcame the odds and qualified for the knockout stages a shade in front of both Lille and Manchester United.
Players to Watch
Liverpool
Luis Garcia – With the likes of Peter Crouch, Fernando Morientes, Djibril Cisse, and now Robbie Fowler plying their trade up front, Liverpool are more likely to wrestle the Premier League away from Chelsea than they are likely to find a consistent goal scorer. Having said that, it’s been the plucky Luis Garcia who has been able to find the back of the net out of attacking midfield in crucial games for Liverpool. With Steven Gerrard spending more minutes out on the right wing, Luis Garcia’s ability becomes even more important.
Harry Kewell – Kewell has never lived up to the high standards he set at Leeds since his switch to Liverpool. Finally, though, he has remained healthy for more than 2 games in a row, and is in Rafa Benitez’s tactical plans. His play on the wing should continue to create chances for Liverpool’s goal shy forwards.
Xabi Alonso – With Gerrard featuring more and more on the outside, Xabi has made the central midfield his own. His tackling and range of passing will play a big role in exploiting Benfica’s attacking wingbacks if they get caught too far forward at any point.
Benfica
Simao – A Liverpool target, the captain of Benfica will want to prove, for one reason or another, that his ambitions can be satisfied at Benfica. With his pace and dribbling ability, the likes of John Arne Riise or Warnock should have their hands full.
Luisao – The Brazilian international center back will have to deal with the height of Peter Crouch and the pedigree of Morientes. But surely his main objective is to not allow the Liverpool forwards the satisfaction of actually scoring.
Nuno Gomes – The fare haired striker is leading the Portuguese league in goals for the first time in years. His form is good news for a Benfica side desperate to show signs of progress after winning their first league title in several years last year.
Injury Doubts/Suspensions
Liverpool – none
Benfica – Geovanni (out), Nuno Assis (out)