Champions League Quarter-finals: Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray

Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray is going to be another entertaining game. For most people, this seems like an easy match-up for Madrid, but for soccer scholars, have we forgotten the amazing comeback displayed by the Turkish club back in April 3rd in 2001. In that Champions League series the Turkish squad came from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. The second leg was a bit of a different story, Madrid won the second encounter 3-0, eliminating the Turkish club from the tournament.

So how will Galatasaray stand up to Spanish giants Real Madrid? The first leg is slated to be played on April 3rd at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. The fact that the first encounter is going to be an away game is crucial for a team like Galatasaray. Being that the game isn't a home game means that a goal is highly valuable.  Going into the first leg expect to see a highly motivated attack squad, especially in the first half of the game.  Led by Wesley Sneijder who's the midfield general, look for him to link up with ex-Chelsea player Didier Drogba playing up front. 

Real Madrid will have a different mindset.  Being that its a home game, they know the importance of an away goal getting scored on them. Look for the Madrid side to play a balanced game. Most likely using Xabi Alonso as a holding midfielder launching long-balls to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ozil. As for their front, most likely Benzema will start and provide for a better counter attack option down each flank, winning crosses sent in by Ronaldo and Di Maria.

As for set pieces I'm giving the edge to Madrid. They have players with amazing heading ability that can really get up there when needed to. Look for Sergio Ramos to get a few headed shots on target if Madrid are awarded corners.  A pretty exciting match, with a pretty star studded lineup on both sides of the field.  Players to watch for this one are going to be Wesley Sneijder playing for Galatasaray and Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid. Both will be setting the tempo for each team and when these players are on, look out for fireworks.

Champions League: Quarter-finals Barcelona vs. Paris St. Germain

The quarter-finals for the Champions League will start in April, and the remaining teams are hungry. The match-ups are great. Starting with Barcelona vs. Paris St. Germain, this game brings a history as ex Barcelona player Zlatan Ibrahimovic has small beef with the Catalan side. Both teams are great and have a wide array of weapons. Starting with Barca with star player Lionel Messi who's coming back from playing for his country Argentina for the World Cup qualifiers. Paris St. Germain are currently in 1st place in their respective league as are Barcelona, and both teams have top league scorers: Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads the France Ligue 1 with a tally of 25 goals, the Swede is looking quite dangerous, and look for no mercy when playing Barcelona. As for Barcelona look for the #10 who is leading the Spanish La Liga with a tally of 42 goals. Yes thats 42 goals in a season, the "Atomic Flea" is looking in top-notch form. Look for him to be pulling the strings alongside Iniesta and Xavi. 

Now lets take a look at each whole team. Barcelona on paper looks phenomenal.  With a great overall squad, the team looks solid, and with the amazing comeback game against Inter Milan, the team's confidence has skyrocketed. Look for Barcelona playing their classic possession game, passing the ball back and forth till finally slicing down the Paris defense with the dagger pass in the box. Their weapons are everywhere, even in the defense. With wingers like Dani Alves who easily run up their flanks to setup an attack, you can't count out the Barcelona side if Messi were to have an off day (which he won't).

PSG are a pretty solid team. Defensively sound and a good all around midfield. Look for lot's of crosses aimed at big man Ibrahimovic. One big loss for the Parisian side is the absence of midfielder Thiago Motta who's out the first encounter between the Catalans due to a groin injury. Will we see David Beckham get some playing time because of this? Highly doubtful, but a major loss for PSG and bad news for Javier Pastore who will be playing with out his midfielder partner. As for the forwards, Zlatan will have to play very physical and use his size and power to both hold the ball in the box to set up an attack and use his height to win  crosses in the area.

Overall this has the ingredients to be a must watch series. First game will be played on April 2nd at Paris, and the second leg will be on April 10th at Barcelona.

Later on I'll put a preview up for Real Madrid vs. Galatasaray.