UCL 09/10: Chelsea vs Inter, AC Milan vs United in knockout phase this year!
Chelsea tackle Inter Milan and former boss Jose Mourinho, Manchester United meet AC Milan and David Beckham, while Arsenal face Porto in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League.
The draw for the last 16 of the tournament has thrown up some hugely intriguing ties, none more so than the meeting between the Blues and their colourful former manager.
Mourinho led the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 but was unable to secure success on Europe’s biggest stage.
The Portuguese tactician has enjoyed similar domestic glory with Inter Milan in Serie A but has, as yet, failed to make a mark on the Champions League.
Beckham’s first return to Old Trafford is equally eye-catching, with the England international’s loan move to AC Milan from LA Galaxy seeing him up against the club where he made his name.
Sir Alex Ferguson guided the Red Devils to glory in 2008 before their final defeat in 2009 and will be keen not to be dragged into the inevitable Beckham mania as he plots a third European crown.
Arsenal secured their place in the latter stages of the tournament with a game to spare in the group stage and will be hopeful of progressing to the quarter-finals and beyond once again having been paired with 2004 winners Porto, who they have met three times in the last four seasons.
Holders Barcelona, who were not at their best at times in the group stage, will have to overcome German side Stuttgart if they are to continue their defence of the trophy they lifted in Rome last year.
Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu will play host to the final on 22nd May next year, with the Spanish giants tackling dangerous French opponents Lyon in the first knockout round.
Bayern Munich, who produced a memorable victory away to Juventus to book their place in the last 16, are heading back to Italy to face a Fiorentina side who enjoyed home and away victories over Liverpool.
CSKA Moscow escaped expulsion despite two of their players failing doping tests after their group clash with United and are up against Sevilla, although Alexei Berezutski and Sergei Ignashevich will miss the first leg through suspension.
French champions Bordeaux boasted the best record in the group stages and will have their sights firmly set on further progress after being paired with Greek giants Olympiakos.
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David Beckham is my idol and i wish that i was as good as him in the game of football.;”‘
you can always say that david beckham is a living legend when it comes to football`*’