Arjen Robben, the Bayern Munich winger, looks to remain fit enough to see his team through to the finals in a repeat of their 2010 campaign
Plenty of unexpected story lines emerged from the group stages, the two most notable ones being the early exits of the two Manchester teams. The debut of Manchester City in Europe's greatest club competition ended with disappointment as they fell one point short of Napoli and second place in the group on the final match day. Manchester United also fell short of the knockout stages after they fell to FC Basel on their first match day and were only able to produce a tie back at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, the draw was very early this morning so I was unable to do real-time analysis. Fortunately, I play a ton a FIFA which has allowed me to accrue a vast knowledge of these teams. So, without further ado, the most in-depth analysis you will find on a student-run, American blog. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the perceptions I have of each team based on FIFA.
Lyon v APOEL Nicosia
It wasn't easy to watch the games during the group stage, mainly because I had class in the middle of the games, but I was still able to keep up with the score lines and who was winning each group. I still had no idea who APOEL Nicosia was, and I doubt many fans in America did. To fix that, I did some research, then went to play as them in FIFA. Believe it or not, EA did not think the Cypriot First League needed to be included in the game. For those who don't know, APOEL Nicosia are the reigning champions of the Cypriot First League; Lyon finished third in France last year and qualified for the group stages. Nicosia barely won Group G, and Lyon advanced on goal differential in Group D. Not what one would call the premier matchup of the knockout stages, but it is certainly a tough one to call. I'm gonna say Lyon advances.
Napoli v Chelsea
Napoli were able to win on the final match day to keep hold of second place in Group A and Chelsea are the Group E winners. Chelsea were having some mid-season issues in their Premier League games that seemed to have been solved. Napoli did manage to outlast Manchester City, but I just think that Chelsea has too much firepower, especially now that they are playing well again. I wouldn't write this one off immediately, seeing as Napoli did beat City once and played to a draw in England. However, I don't believe the same will happen this time, and Chelsea will advance.
AC Milan v Arsenal
Quite obviously the matchup that everyone will be waiting for. Big, recognizable names on both teams. Arsenal, winners of Group F, and Milan, runners-up in Group H. Both teams are in positions to make runs to the top two spots domestically, with Arsenal currently in 5th in the EPL and Milan in 3rd in Serie A. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Milan, and I can't wait to see his matchup with Per Mertesacker, the 6'6 centre back of Arsenal. Robin van Persie has been huge for Arsenal this year, scoring goals like this, netting 18 in all competitions. What this matchup will come down to is individual match ups in the attacking thirds and if the midfielders on each teams can work the ball up to their potent attackers. My gut says Milan, although recently I have been embarrassing both my roommate and Matt with Arsenal. So in the end I'll say Arsenal advances.
FC Basel v Bayern Munich
Despite my heavy personal bias here towards Bayern, they are clearly fancied to advance against the Swiss side. Winners of Group A v runners-up in Group C; top-of-the-table in Germany v top-of-the-table in Switzerland. The keys to the two games will the health of Robben, and the quality of play from Mario Gomez and Franck Ribery. If they all can put on a show out on the field, it will be an easy advancement for Bayern; otherwise, things might get a little tricky for them, as they shouldn't write off Basel. Bayern advances either way.
Bayer Leverkusen v Barcelona
Barcelona looked poised to make a run to the title game, until David Villa broke his leg playing in the FIFA World Cup. Of course, they still have Messi, Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta and company, but losing their third leading scorer still hurts. Barça won Group H by a comfortable margin, while Leverkusen were runners-up in Group E. Barcelona won El Clasico recently and sit atop La Liga, while Leverkusen is in sixth place in the Bundesliga and today lost to Nurnberg, who are one spot out of relegation. Yeah, FIFA wasn't even necessary for this prediction. Barça all the way.
CSKA Moscow v Real Madrid
Real Madrid didn't lose or tie a game in Group D. Granted, they were competing with Lyon, Dinamo Zagreb and Ajax Amsterdam, but still, winning every game is nothing to sneeze at. Moscow were runners-up in a very close Group B that included Inter Milan. I personally don't like Real to go very far in the knockout stages, but I do think that Ronaldo and company will advance past Moscow.
Zenit St Peterburg v Benfica
Both teams sit atop their respective league tables (Russia and Portugal). St Peterburg were runners-up in Group G while Benfica won Group C. These teams seem to be relatively well matched and should put on two good games. After a bit of research, I'm torn on who to pick, so as any professional blogger would, I'm gonna go with my gut and personal connections. I'll be headed to St Petersburg this summer, so I'm gonna go with the Russians advancing.
Marseille v Inter Milan
I still have vivid memories of the Mourinho led Inter squad beating Bayern 2-0 in the CL final. If I recall, Milito embarrassed our back line for two goals. Inter were the winners of Group B, with Marseille being the runners-up in Group F. Inter have been having a disappointing season in Italy so far this year, sitting at seventh in the table. Marseille also have been doing better in Europe than in France, where they are currently eighth in the table. I think this matchup could go either way, but I see Marseille winning their game in France, and Inter's woes continuing with a draw in Italy, meaning Marseille advances.
I am pumped for these first round match ups and the rest of the competition in general, mainly because Bayern stand a very good chance at making a run. No matter if you're a casual fan or obsessed with European soccer (as our good friend Teddy Echeverria is), you will enjoy the slate of games that will begin on February 14/15.
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