Champions League Draw and the Nightmare of Hope

Now, football lovers could ease themselves off elevated anxiety, as the fear of Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Champions League last 16 draw for their team is the beginning of hope for ‘smaller’ teams. Although some were lucky to evade some ‘ever winning’ teams, others will have to swiftly resume the pitch for ‘refined’ tactical training; on how to make the ball would see their opponent’s net. 

Since the draw involved clubs who finished top in their respective Champions League groups and second placed teams, therefore, finishing first does not guarantee another winning. Yes, anything can change, no doubt! But in a predicament where ‘England boss’ - Chelsea would be playing the ‘Spain Viking’ - Barcelona, then all bragging must go hidden. This tie seems to be a shocker that after the ‘England boss’ has built hope on getting tie with Besiktas, perhaps with Paris St-Germain, is shattered. Hence expectation to be victorious is not certain for the blues. 

The draw seems tough but legs must be crossed as the outcome is seen later. The case of Jose Mourinho would have been same if he is fortunate to jostle with ballon’dor winner’s (Cristiano Ronaldo) team, Real Madrid, who will be playing Paris St-Germain. 

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich who got Beşiktaş would also been a tough draw for United, with the German champions looking rejuvenated since Jupp Heynckes returned to the fray. Their demolition job of PSG in their final group game is testament to that. Juventus and Shakhtar Donestsk could also prove tricky customers but luckily for the United, they got Sevilla.

Man-City knot with Basel is no doubt avalanche of winning for the team. Hence, Basle has impressed performance as they finished second to Manchester United in Group A, beating Jose Mourinho's side at home and putting five past Benfica. Yet, they can’t stop those that terminated the neatly kept record of Man-U unbeaten at Old Trafford.

Tottenham to play Juventus whose defense is built like the Great Wall of China but in Paulo Dybala they have one of the deadliest finishers in Europe. Even though they struggled in the group stages, failing to register a single goal, but he will be eager to step up his game on the big stage. They are always and always a threat, fact!

Shakhtar Donetsk is fortunate to have been knotted with Roma, with Edin Dzeko in an obvious form of his life. The 31-year-old earned a Ballon d'Or nomination this year. No doubt, Roma should not be underestimated by Shakhtar Donetsk, as their tactical training has to start now! 

Likewise Porto, who has been the kindest draw any team could hope for due to their weak defense, especially during the group stages, will have to assiduously embark on training to override the team that ‘don’t walk alone’ – Liverpool. Even though striker Vincent Aboubakar has been in good form, they do not appear to have the weapon(s) to cause nightmare for the giant Liverpool.

 Juventus (ITA) v  Tottenham (ENG)

 Basel (SUI) v  Man. City (ENG)

 Porto (POR) v  Liverpool (ENG)

 Sevilla (ESP) v  Man. United (ENG)

 Real Madrid (ESP) v  Paris (FRA)

 Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) v  Roma (ITA)

 Chelsea (ENG) v  Barcelona (ESP)

 Bayern (GER) v  Beşiktaş (TUR)

Written by Okpeh Godwin