This weeks international break comes in the middle of the Champions League last 16 matches. That is the last 16 matches that have been stretched out over the best part of a month by the way. Regardless of that, who is looking pretty to make the Quarter Finals of this seasons Champions League.
AC Milan hold a 4-0 lead over Arsenal and even the most optimistic of Arsenal supporters must be thinking that qualification for next seasons tournament is a more likely outcome. Arsenal fans were confident when the draw was originally made but not only were they dealt a footballing lesson by the Italians concerns are sure to of been raised in Robin van Persie's mind to their abilities against Europe's elite.
Barcelona scored 3 away goals against Bayer Leverkusen to lead 3-1 on aggregate and a minor miracle is needed for the Germans to overcome this deficit. The reigning holders do still look the team to beat and of course a lot will depend on who they draw in the next round.
Napoli beat Chelsea 3-1 in their first leg but this is Andre Villas-Boas chance to prove his potential. Not many managers manage to overcome a 2 goal deficit in Champions League knockout matches. There have been some memorable European nights at Stamford Bridge and admittedly Chelsea will need one but I for one wouldn't be surprised if they did make the Quarter Finals.
Real Madrid toiled to a 1-1 draw away to CSKA Moscow. You have to fancy the Spanish giants to get the win and result they need to make the Quarter Finals as Jose Mourinho seeks Champions League success with his 3rd different club.
Mourinho's former employers Inter Milan have a 1-0 defeat to overcome against Marsielle. With home advantage in their second leg you would fancy the Italians but the French side may cause a problem or two. I think Inter Milan will have enough about them.
My personal tip Bayern Munich suffered an away 1-0 defeat to Basle and as Manchester United found, the Swiss are not frightened of any reputations. I think the German giants will end of victorious but you can't see Basle not scoring so that means Bayern realistically need 3 goals.
Lyon won 1-0 at home to surprise package Apoel Nicosia. The Cypriot side will have home advantage in the second leg but Lyon have been in this stage to many times to let their advantage slip. Their last away Champions League match was a 7-1 win by the way.
The final tie is the interestingly poised one featuring Zenit St.Petersburg and Benfica. The Russians won the home tie 3-2 but the Portuguese showed they are a side to fear going forward. A win will see Benfica through and that is where my tip will go to.
On historic value and proverbial paper my 8 qualifiers will be AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Benfica and Lyon but that said at least one of those names is going to have an early exit
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