Real Madrid
No longer the perenial force in Spain or in Europe. Real Madrid have become a much weaker team since last year. Which is really unusual because they have made several signings that should have increased their fire power, but it has not been seen in their last couple of games. During the group stages the only managed to score more than 2 goals once. The acquistion of Huntelaar should have increased their output, but he has been sparingly used and Real Madrid has continued its poor offensive run. The only shining spot for has been their defense. Both Ramos and Casillas have been solid in the back, which has largely kept them in the run for the Champions League. With La Liga out of reach, the only chance of glory for Real Madrid is to win the competition and they will put everything they have. Watch out for Real Madrid in the champions league. Its been 4 stragith years of round of 16 this year might be their year.
Key Player: Klaas Jans Huntelaar
This biggest signing for Real Madrid this year. With a lack of goals for Real Madrid this season, Huntelaar will be a key part of the revival at Real Madrid. I’ll keep it simple, if this man doesn’t score then they will not advance.
Liverpool
Had a strong start this season, but have started to fade out. During the offseason they made some several signings like Robbie Keane, but these have turned out to be negligible. Liverpool have always produced in the Champions League and this year is not any different. They easily dispatched PSV and Marseille, but they had problems against Atletico Madrid. They have a talented star, but without Fernando Torres they have problems scoring. Keane and Kuyt have not been to their usual standard and Gerard has a had to pick up the pace for the team. It will be interesting to see whether Benitez puts the Champions League ahead of the premiership. The past couple of seasons Liverpool have not been in contention for the Premier league crown, but this year they are close.
Key Player: Fernando Torres
The best player on Liverpool apart from Gerard. When he played for Atletico he always scored against Madrid. This year is different, but the goal is the same.
Prediction:
First Leg:
Real Madrid 1- Liverpool 0
Second Leg:
Real Madrid 0- Liverpool 2
