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Champions League Preview 3/27



Champions League Quarterfinal Fixtures








Apoel Nicosia vs. Real Madrid 


 This fixture provides us with a David vs. Goliath match-up.  Apoel Nicosia play their domestic football in the first division of Cyprus.  They have been dabbling in Champions League's play as of recent years, with this years being the most successful by far.  After upsetting French Giants, Lyon, they will now face the up hill battle against one of the most dominant sides ever.

 Real Madrid's experience, talent and attractive style of football is intoxicating.  From an unbiased stand point Madrid should lambast APOEL, tallying at least 4 goals.  However, the magical power of the Champions League will show sometimes it pays off to be the heavy underdog as APOEL proved in the previous round.  Cristiano Ronaldo has banged in 45 goals this season, in 41 games across all competitions.  As one of the most hate and loved players in the game we all can agree that he scores goals.  Him alone is a recipe for trouble for APOEL's defense.  Couple him with Karim Benzema and strike partner Gonzalo Higuain, Real has the firepower to cripple there Cyprus based opponents.

Leg 1


Real over APOEL     




Chelsea vs Benfica




 The other match-up today will be between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica.  Both teams have some history, Benfica sold star center back David Luiz to Chelsea for a fee of 25 million pounds during this summer's transfer window.  Benfica are currently in 3rd in their domestic league, Portuguese Liga while Chelsea are in 5th in the EPL.

 This maybe the toughest of all the quarterfinals to predict.  Both teams have talent and have some what underachieved overall.  Paraguayan forward Oscar Cardozo headlines Benfica's attack, with 22 goals in all competitions.  The player to watch will Axel Witsel, the 23 year old Belgium international central midfielder.  Explosive with and without the ball, he has the ability to change the flow of the game to a better suited tempo for Benfica.  He will be lining up against the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Essien.  Chelsea's success will be in the influence of Juan Mata.  The Spanish winger has provided us with multiple goals and plays of the week numerous times.  His speed and technical skill is on the level of world class.  Chelsea should finish the day with the aggregative advantage, I give them the thumbs up on sealing a W today.


Chelsea over Benfica


 

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