Barcelona looks to hoist Champions League trophy again

After taking a look at the upcoming UEFA Champions League matchups between Real Madrid-Lyon, Chelsea-Inter Milan, FC Porto-Arsenal, and AC Milan-Manchester United, here are previews of the other four pairings. 

Vfb Stuttgart vs. FC Barcelona

Defending champion Barcelona enter this match-up as favorites, not just to advance, but to repeat as champions. Barca lost Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o after last year’s success, but have replaced him with Zlatan Ibrahmivoic, who has added a new dimension to the Catalonian attack of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, and Pedro. Barcelona struggled at times in the Champions League qualifying round, but should be able to get by Stuttgart, who currently is in eleventh place in Germany’s Bundesliga.

CSKA Moscow vs. Sevilla

This is a matchup of non-traditional powers, though Sevilla defeated Barcelona last week and CSKA Moscow has been an integral part of the overall improvement in Russian club soccer in recent years. CSKA is fifth in the Russian Premier League and Sevilla currently stands sixth in Spain’s La Liga. Both clubs will be focused on advancing in the Champions League to make up for what have so far been disappointing domestic campaigns. 

Bayern Munich vs. Fiorentina

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu failed a drug test this week, the second in his career after testing positive for cocaine while playing for Chelsea. Mutu had scored five goals this month and his likely suspension will be a serious blow to Fiorentina, who enjoyed great success in the group stage, defeating both Liverpool and Lyon. Bayern Munich has more talent than Fiorentina and Frenchman Franck Ribbery, who will likely be the best player on the field. Bayern Munich advanced to the final eight last year, and could be poised to do so again if Fiorentina cannot find a way to replace the Mutu’s offensive production.

Olympiacos vs. Bordeaux

Olympiacos is second in the Greek Super League and has only lost three times this season. Bordeaux has had an even better domestic season and currently sits in first place in France’s Ligue 1, with an eight point cushion over the nearest opponent. Bordeaux may find themselves more focused on achieving an unprecedented domestic treble by winning the Ligue 1, the league cup and the French Cup. Their domestic efforts could cause them to overlook Olympiacos, a dangerous squad who is undefeated at home in this year’s Champions League, including a victory over Arsenal. No matter the eventual result, the UEFA Champions League final eight will have either a Greek or French team, a change from the usual recent dominance of England, Spain, Italy and Germany.