UEFA Champions League 2012/2013

[MarcoReus]

Ancelotti: Montpellier struggle perfect preparation for Barcelona
The Ligue 1 leaders were made to work extremely hard during their 1-0 win over the French champions but their Italian coach believes that that is no bad thing

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Vilanova could return for PSG, says Roura
The Blaugrana assistant has revealed the 44-year-old could travel with the squad to Paris, although it is too soon for him to attend the weekend clash with Celta Vigo

Riera: Galatasaray can knock out Real Madrid
The former Liverpool winger is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu, and believes Cimbom can spring a surprise

Voller: Bayern can win the Champions League
The Leverkusen director feels the Bavarian giants could go all the way in Europe, and is not surprised by their domestic dominance

Contento: Bayern will eliminate Juventus
The wing-back is optimistic about his side's chances against the Turin giants, and could stay at his current club until the end of his career

Alves wary of 'formidable' Ibrahimovic
The full-back fears the former Blaugrana forward could come back to haunt the club in the up-coming Champions League quarter-finals

Altintop: No hard feelings towards Real Madrid
The Turkey international insists he bears no grudge towards the Blancos despite his unfruitful stay last season, while urging his side to take their chances on home soil

Xavi vows to be fit for Paris Saint-Germain clash
Barca have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks, but the Spain international is confident of making a swift return

Bayern Munich missing two or three per cent, says Sammer
The former Germany international feels FCB have not been on top of their game recently and expects the squad to be fighting fit thanks to Jupp Heynckes' squad rotation system

Xabi Alonso excited by Decima quest
The Real Madrid midfielder says there will be a great atmosphere at the Bernabeu for the visit of Galatasaray as Jose Mourinho's side home in on a 10th European crown

Schweinsteiger ready for Juventus battle
The Bayern Munich star has vowed to give his all as the Bavarians chase a first-leg lead over the Bianconeri in the Champions League

Chiellini: Bayern & Inter clashes will need concentration
The Bianconeri defender believes the two crunch matches will be especially tough as they come so close together

Muller keen to avoid Bayern collapse
The midfielder says the Bundesliga leaders will remain humble despite their impressive season, insisting they need to focus on finishing the job as they chase the treble

Schweinsteiger ready to avenge Champions League heartbreak
The Bavarians failed to make home advantage count in last season's final after they succumbed to Chelsea on penalties, and the midfielder is desperate to avoid a similar scenario

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Ancelotti: I want Beckham to stay at PSG next season

By Miles Chambers
Mar 28, 2013 7:20:00 PM

The Parisiens coach revealed that he wants the former Manchester United star to remain at Parc des Princes beyond this summer, and says his side will be ready to face Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed his desire to keep David Beckham at the club beyond his contract expiration in the summer.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder joined on January's transfer deadline day this year, but his deal with les Parisiens is just a short-term one and he is set to leave at the end of June.

However, Ancelotti will have fuelled rumours that the ex-England international could remain at Parc des Princes after his frank admission that he wants PSG to hold on to the veteran.

"I am totally for Beckham continuing on next season."

PSG will face Barca on April 2 at Parc des Princes before the return leg at Camp Nou, and Ancelotti insists he will be thinking up his own strategy for success and not copying Real Madrid's formula.

"Four days to prepare Barcelona is sufficient," he said. "We are not Real Madrid so we will not have the same strategy as them."

"The players who went to play for their national team are now focused on the matches coming up."

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Mourinho is misunderstood, claims Terim

By Paul Gorst
Mar 27, 2013 7:05:00 PM

The Galatasaray boss has moved to defend the Portuguese, claiming that he values the friendship between the pair

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim claims Jose Mourinho is misunderstood, and insists he values his friendship with the Real Madrid boss.

Mourinho has become embroiled in a dispute with Fifa in recent weeks over claims that the award for Coach of the Year was flawed, with winner Vicente del Bosque branding the Portuguese's suggestions as "childish".

Terim will face off with Mourinho in the Champions League quarter-finals next week, and the 59-year-old has defended his counterpart ahead of the clash.

“He has a different type of personality from most people and that means that sometimes, people don’t understand him,” Terim told Galatasaray TV.

“He is a great coach and he succeeds everywhere he goes. My friendship with him is important to me.”

The former Turkey boss added that his side must brave against the nine-time European champions if they are to get anything out of the game.

“You have got to out to Spain thinking of a good result in hand," he said. "We are a brave team and we are not afraid of any opponent. We must defend and attack [very well] if we are to have a chance against Madrid.”

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Madrid among the best in the world, says Terim

By Stefan Coerts
Mar 29, 2013 9:30:00 AM

The Galatasaray trainer is looking forward to next week's Champions League encounter, and admits his side could be in for a tough task

Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim is full of respect for Real Madrid ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Terim believes the reigning Spanish champions are among the best teams in the world, and realises Gala face a tough task to reach the semi-finals at the expense of Madrid.

"We all know how strong Real Madrid are, especially in home games. They are one of the best teams in the world," Terim told AS.

"However, that does not mean we will change out style of play. Every game starts 0-0 and this is a result that would be in our favour.

"They will be superior to us in both games and we realise that. Losing against Madrid is not a disgrace, but the important thing is that we can be satisfied with our performance.

"We prefer the tough matches and are relishing the challenge. My main goal is to get a respectable result."

Galatasaray last met Real Madrid in August 2011, when they were beaten 2-1 in a friendly.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Galatasaray not scared by Madrid, says Aysal

By Mark Doyle
Mar 29, 2013 10:00:00 PM

The Turkish champions make the daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu next week, but the 71-year-old Istanbul native insists that they are unafraid of their illustrious rivals

Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal insists that his side has nothing to fear from any side left in the Champions League, let alone quarter-final opponents Real Madrid.

The Super Lig champions are rated as rank outsiders ahead of their meeting with los Blancos, who appear to be coming into form at just the right time as they go in search of their 10th European crown.

However, Aysal claims that Galatasaray are a match for not only Madrid, but also every other side still standing in this season’s Champions League.

“In this round all the teams are playing to defeat each other, but Galatasaray are not inferior to anyone,” the 71-year-old Istanbul native told CNNTurk.

“Real Madrid are very strong, they have a budget three times greater than ours and they have very strong players, but we also have great ambition.

“We have no reservations - Galatasaray will go on to the field to win.”

Galatasaray travel to the Spanish capital for the first leg on Wednesday evening, before welcoming Madrid to the Turk Telekom Arena for the return fixture on April 9.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Heynckes to test Gustavo-Schweinsteiger axis

By Henry Jackson
Mar 29, 2013 5:25:00 PM

With Javi Martinez suspended for the clash with Juventus, the Bayern boss will experiment with the Brazilian alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger in midfield on Saturday

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes says he will play Luiz Gustavo alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger in Saturday's clash with Hamburg, in preparation for their Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday.

With Javi Martinez suspended for the game with the Turin giants, the 67-year-old is keen to test the Brazilian's effectiveness at the heart of midfield, as they prepare to combat the trio of Andrea Piro, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.

"I think I will play Luiz Gustavo alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger, although I'm yet to discuss this decision with Luiz and Javi," Heynckes told reporters at a press conference.

Heynckes also revealed he is wary of featuring Franck Ribery, after the France star suffered a toe injury in training on Thursday.

"If he doesn't feel any pain, then he plays. Yesterday, he did not take part in training, but did use the ergometer bicycle," he continued.

Bayern know that victory over Hamburg and a defeat for Borussia Dortmund against Stuttgart would secure the Bundesliga title for the 23rd time in their history.

Meanwhile, the Bavarians face Juventus at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

 

[Gestapo]

Salihamidzic: Bayern slight favourites against Juventus

By Mark Doyle
Mar 29, 2013 10:50:00 PM

The now-retired winger, who lined up for both sides, feels that Jupp Heynckes' men have a slight edge over the Bianconeri, but expects that the tie will go right to the wire

Hasan Salihamidzic believes Bayern Munich are slight favourites in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final showdown with Juventus.

The former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who played for both sides during his playing days, is anticipating an epic bout between two genuine European heavyweights, but is tipping the Bundesliga leaders to come out on top.

“This is a really tight game,” Salihamidzic told Hamburger Morgen Post. “For me, this pairing has really come too early. This would have been something more fitting for the final.

“Juventus have grown incredibly over the last two years; trying to break them down is a very difficult task.

“However, Bayern, for me, are the slight favourites. Still, they will only go through with a top performance.”

Salihamidzic is hoping, though, that Jupp Heynckes’ men do not take their eye off the ball ahead of this weekend’s league outing against another of his former clubs, Hamburg.

“Usually, Hamburg have no chance in this fixture,” he mused. “But it will be important that Bayern do not have Juve on their minds.

“I can only hope that they take the Hamburg game very seriously. They need to have their foot on the gas. You cannot just say, ‘We will be champions anyway.’

“I think that this has been the case in the past few weeks, and it just does not work. A defeat against Hamburg would hurt their confidence.”

Bayern tackle Hamburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday before hosting Juve at the same venue on Tuesday evening.

 

[MarcoReus]

We will win Champions League if we beat Real Madrid, claims Burak
The striker believes the momentum gained from a possible last eight victory over los Blancos could see them go all the way in the competition

 

[MarcoReus]

Matuidi ready to give '150 per cent' against Barcelona
The France international is aware that les Parisiens must be prepared to dedicate every last ounce of energy to their last-eight clash with "the best team in the world"

 

[MarcoReus]

Lucas Moura: I am like Messi
The attacking midfielder sees similarities between himself and the Blaugrana attacker, and dreams of winning the Champions League

 

[Dzeko]

Reus: It's great fun to play alongside Gotze
The young German has heaped praise on his BVB team-mate, and revealed that playing in the Champions League this season has fulfilled a lifelong dream

 

[Dzeko]

Matri: Juventus must recharge batteries ahead of Bayern
The attacker, who netted the winner in Saturday's encounter, has made it clear the Turin side need some time to recover from their efforts in the Derby d'Italia

 

[Keisuke Honda]

No quarter-final for Nani red ref Cakir
The Turkish official had been hoping for a last-eight appointment, but he has been overlooked by Uefa for the first-leg matches

'Messi is Barcelona's marquee player' - Villa
The Spanish attacker has vowed to do everything in his power to assist the Argentine, and feels the Blaugrana's backline have what it takes to stop Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Juventus are outsiders against Bayern, says Conte
The Bianconeri boss feels the Bavarians are favourites for the clash of the sides and his men will have to focus on the opponents' mistakes in order to gain something in Germany

'Facing Ronaldo is an incomparable sensation' - Burak
The Turkish striker is looking forward to playing against the Portuguese star in the upcoming clash, and believes his side will go all the way in the competition if they beat Real

'Tito helped me tremendously at Barcelona' - Maxwell
The former Barcelona full-back says he is looking forward to meeting up with his former coach and admits PSG will have to work as a team to get something from the tie

'I went to bed with the Old Lady' - Heynckes
The Bayern boss eased the pressure on his side by approaching the pre-match presser light-heartedly, but assured fans he has been doing extensive homework ahead of the clash

Sneijder: Mourinho is like a second father to me
The attacking midfielder feels the Portuguese trainer is arguably the best in the world and has hailed the Madrid coach's influence on his career

Burak Yilmaz: I am not like Cristiano Ronaldo
The prolific striker has been in impressive form in recent weeks, but he has insisted that the Liga star is still on another level

Thiago Silva: Expect the unexpected against Barcelona
The experienced defender is dreaming of making it to the semi-finals, but is aware of the tough taks of overcoming Tito Vilanova's side

Molinaro: Bayern have the edge over Juventus
The left-back backs the Bundesliga giants to progress, but expects an even quarter-final tie between two of Europe's top sides

Barcelona are not perfect, insists Lucas Moura
The former Sao Paulo starlet is eagerly anticipating the Champions League tie against the Blaugrana, and is keen to emulate Ronaldinho

Mourinho aiming to equal Sir Alex Ferguson's record of seven semi-finals in the Champions League
The Portuguese coach has reached the last four on six previous occasions, and can draw level with the Manchester United boss if his Real Madrid side get past Galatasaray this time

Sneijder: I only have fond memories of Real Madrid
The attacking midfielder is eagerly anticipating this week's match at the Santiago Bernabeu, and stresses he would be thrilled to score a goal in the tie

Vucinic returns to Juventus squad for Bayern Munich clash
The former Roma forward is raring to go again after a brief lay-off, while Sebastian Giovinco has also been included in the 22-man party to face the Bavarians

Ramos: Galatasaray are more than Burak
The 27-year-old says the striker is not the only Gala player capable of denting Madrid's hopes of a 10th Champions League

Pepe prepared for Mourinho snub
The Portugal international is braced for the reality of being benched for the Blancos' Champions League game next week against Galatasaray, but says Mourinho knows best

Messi match-up will be emotional, says Pastore
The Argentine praised his compatriot for being the best player in the world, and insists les Parisiens can make it into the semi-finals despite the Blaugrana's quality

Xavi named in Barcelona Champions League squad
The Spain international looks to have recovered from a hamstring problem in time to face the Ligue 1 leaders, while Jordi Alba is also set to return

Vilanova to travel with Barcelona squad for Paris Saint-Germain clash
The 44-year-old coach has completed his cancer treatment after spending the last two months in New York and could mark his return to the dugout against the Ligue 1 leaders

Amrabat hints at Real Madrid fear
The 26-year-old is relishing Wednesday's Champions League clash at Santiago Bernabeu, and insists his side can progress to the last four

Marcelo: We follow Mourinho willingly
The full-back defended his coach after his side's 1-1 draw with Real Zaragoza, and stressed they would continue to fight to defend their Liga title

Giovinco anxious over ankle injury
The Juventus man fears that he may not be fit to play against the Bavarians in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg after Esteban Cambiasso's late lunge

'We want to be machines' - Sammer urges ruthless Juventus showing
The Bayern Munich sporting director criticised the late goals conceded in the 9-2 demolition of Hamburg, insisting it cannot be repeated on Tuesday

No Mourinho masterplan for Paris Saint-Germain - Ancelotti
The Italian dismissed speculation the Real Madrid coach had been in touch, although he admitted any advice from his counterpart would be welcome

Varane doubtful for Galatasaray clash
The young defender is being plagued by physical problems and could miss the upcoming match versus the Turkish champions

Matuidi ready to give '150 per cent' against Barcelona
The France international is aware that les Parisiens must be prepared to dedicate every last ounce of energy to their last-eight clash with "the best team in the world"

 

[Keisuke Honda]

'It's like a theme park' - Subotic revels in Champions League experience
The centre-back insists his side hope to continue their European campaign for as long as possible, and believes they are evenly-matched with Malaga

Bayern-Juventus tie is 50-50, says Kohler
The 1990 World Cup-winner admitted he is hoping the German side can come out on top, and expressed his admiration for the work of former team-mate Antonio Conte

Sahin dismisses favourites tag ahead of Malaga clash
The Turkey international has warned of the qualities possessed by Manuel Pellegrini's side, having played against them during his time with Real Madrid

Bayern Munich are one of Europe's best, says Matri
The Italy forward expressed his excitement at taking on the Bundesliga leaders and believes the Italian champions have the tactical expertise to progress to the semi-finals

Appiah backs Juventus to beat Bayern
The former Bianconeri midfielder believes his old side will edge a cagey encounter over two legs, and revealed what runs through a player's mind prior to such a fxiture

Malaga must be perfect against Dortmund, says Weligton
The defender has urged his side to concentrate fully against the German champions, but insists they remain confident in their chances

PSG president cools Wenger talk
The club's Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has described the Arsenal boss as a "great manager" but says he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work so far this season

Vilarrubi delighted with Vilanova and Abidal returns
Both coach and defender have returned to the first-team fold following long battles with illness, much to the delight of the club's vice president

Barcelona tie is 'more than a football match', says PSG president
The Paris Saint-Germain official believes the two legs against the Liga leaders will be "a great event for Paris, and the world"

Khedira: Galatasaray are more than Drogba and Sneijder
The Germany international has warned there are other members of Fatih Terim's side that los Blancos need to keep quiet if they are to progress to the Champions League semi-finals

Pellegrini: Nobody gave Malaga a chance
The Chilean coach feels the Liga outfit have already surprised everybody with their success, and is keen to keep up their good form against BVB

Bayern play amazing champagne football, says Salihamidzic
The Bosnian is impressed with the Allianz Arena side's recent performances, and hopes they can go all the way in Europe after narrowly missing out last season

Isco is a genius, says Reus
The Borussia Dortmund ace has voiced his admiration for the gifted youngster, and has stressed that Malaga will not be pushovers in their Champions League last-eight encounter

Barcelona must learn from San Siro lesson - Sergi
The former Spain international has urged the Blaugrana not to take any unnecessary risks in the first leg at the Parc des Princes

Lahm: Bayern can unlock any defence
The Germany international realises a difficult task awaits the Bundesliga leaders, but he is confident Bayern will find a way to beat the Juve back-line

Barcelona are unbeatable, says Petit
The 1998 World Cup winner feels the Ligue 1 powerhouse stand little chance against the Primera Division leaders

Buffon: Bayern clash will show whether Juventus are a top team
The veteran goalkeeper is keen to measure himself against top opposition as the Bianconeri have set their sights on a semi-final spot

Semih Kaya: I do not fear Cristiano Ronaldo
The Turkey international has stressed that he will approach the prolific attacker like any other opponent, and hopes the Istanbul giants can cause an upset

Vidal gets chance to prove he was right to choose Juventus over Bayern
The Chilean was all set to sign for the Bavarians before he put pen to paper with the Old Lady, and on Tuesday he will finally get the opportunity to show why he switched to Italy

Robben: Bayern will challenge Barcelona & Madrid for Champions League glory
The Dutchman is rather optimistic about his side's chances in Europe, and has insisted that he has no intention of leaving die Roten this summer

Witeczek warns Bayern of Juve's defensive strength
The former Roten man feels his old club will prevail against the Bianconeri but has warned of the Italians' tactical astuteness

Joaquin eager to prolong Malaga's Champions League dream
Los Boquerones will attempt to continue their European journey on Wednesday and the winger is hoping for another it will be another night to remember

Khedira: Success of Bundesliga sides in Europe no coincidence
The midfielder has credited the resurgence of German clubs in the competition to the quality of academies in his homeland

'Pirlo is a class above the rest' - Buffon
The 36-year-old says the midfielder is one of the best players he has had the privilege of playing alongside

Lucas Moura: Messi is a genius
The winger has heaped praise on the Argentine ahead of Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League quarter-final clash with Barcelona

Zubizarreta: Barcelona back to normal with Vilanova return
The Blaugrana coach will resume touchline duties for the first time in 10 weeks on Tuesday evening, much to the relief of the club's sporting director

Juventus are a real team, says Muller
The Germany international has urged his side to be switched on against the Serie A leaders, who he believes will pose a very serious threat

'We will not adapt to stop Messi' - Ancelotti
The Italian coach says he is focused on preparing for the tie as a whole and will not be changing the way his side plays to thwart individual players

Attacking Galatasaray suit Real Madrid, says Ronaldo
The Portugal international believes an offensive tie will work in los Blancos' favour, but is refusing to take anything for granted ahead of their European encounter

Vilanova will return to Barcelona bench against PSG, reveals Roura
The 45-year-old says the coach's presence on the touchline will be a big boost, while warning the Catalans they will have to be at their very best to emerge victorious on Tuesday

PSG can beat 'vulnerable' Barcelona, says Wenger
The Frenchman believes the Catalan giants are not invincible and face a tough test against the big-spending Ligue 1 leaders

Matuidi: We need a result at home against Barcelona
The France international says it is important they make home advantage count in their Champions League quarter-final against the Blaugrana

'Juventus the strongest team after Barcelona' - Kroos
The Roten player has labelled the Bianconeri the second-best team in Europe ahead of the clash beween the two sides, and says Germany's record against Italian teams is irrelevant

Madrid team now better than the Galacticos, says Roberto Carlos
The Brazilian left-back believes los Blancos could step into a spot of bother in the cauldron of the Turk Telecom Arena, but says they are more composed under Jose Mourinho

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

UEFA Champions League preview: PSG v Barcelona

1 April 2013

Paris Saint-Germain face the ultimate test as they host Barcelona in the first leg of a highly anticipated quarter-final tie on Tuesday.

Like the Bayern and Juventus match-up, both sides are top of their respective domestic leagues with Barcelona 13 points clear on top of La Liga while PSG lead Ligue 1 by seven points.

The Qatari-backed French giants have had a slight dip in form, only winning two of their past five games, but got over the line 1-0 against last season's champions Montpellier on Friday.

PSG's progression to the quarter-finals was made easier by the 2-1 away triumph in the first leg of their round-of-16 clash against Valencia and despite conceding first in the return match at home, Carlo Ancelotti's side sealed progression with a 1-1 draw.

Barcelona could only manage a 2-2 draw in La Liga against Celta Vigo on Saturday but were able to rest key players such as Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano.

The Spanish powerhouses' passage to the last eight was anything but straightforward when they travelled to AC Milan for the first leg and were comfortably beaten 2-0 by a superb counter-attacking performance.

But just as true champions do, Barca answered the challenge with a 4-0 win at Camp Nou to seal their place in the quarter-finals and earn the right to be competition favourites.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on PSG's mercurial talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who spent two seasons at Barcelona from 2009-2011 and played with most of the current players.

Ibrahimovic has been in deadly form in Ligue 1, smashing in 25 goals in 27 goals, and is capable of producing that moment of brilliance that will be required to give PSG a chance in the tie.

With the Barca defenders keeping a close eye on the Swedish maestro, their PSG counterparts will have their hands full with arguably the world's best player – Lionel Messi.

Messi has again scored at an astronomical rate, netting an unbelievable 43 goals in 29 league games and also contributing seven goals in eight Champions League encounters.

Limiting Messi's output will go a long way to giving PSG a chance of getting off to a great start in front of their home fans.

The two sides have never met before in a competitive match but played out a 2-2 friendly draw back in August 2012.

Barcelona's away form has been patchy of late and with PSG's firepower up front, it is highly possible that this game could end in a draw.

It is important that PSG limit the away goal damage done by Barcelona as the Spaniards are very difficult to beat at Camp Nou.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

Bayern Munich - Juventus Preview: Bianconeri hoping to maintain quarter-final dominance

The Old Lady have won all five last-eight games against German opposition, but will be up against last year's Champions League finalists, who are in stunning form of their own

By Craig Turnbull

Bayern Munich could welcome back Jerome Boateng and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who both missed the 2-0 second-leg defeat to Arsenal, for their quarter-final showdown with Serie A champions Juventus.

However, Javi Martinez is suspended for the clash, which means Luiz Gustavo should replace the Spaniard. Long-term absentee Holger Badstuber remains sidelined with ruptured knee ligaments.

Brazilian centre-back Dante and Philipp Lahm are in danger of missing the return leg in Turin on April 10 should they pick up a booking in this encounter.

Juventus, meanwhile, have concerns over the fitness of attacker Sebastian Giovinco, who was scythed down by Esteban Cambiasso in their 2-1 Derby d'Italia victory over Inter, although he has been included in the 22-man squad.

Mirko Vucinic is recovering from flu, which means Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri are likely to be Conte's preferred striking partnership, although Vucinic could be fit to feature.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio are walking a discipinary tightrope as a booking incurred here would mean they miss the next match.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

UEFA Champions League preview: Real Madrid v Galatasaray

2 April 2013

Real Madrid should be fully rested and ready to go when they host Galatasaray in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The Spanish champions' head coach Jose Mourinho picked Mesut Oezil, Angel di Maria, Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira among the substitutes in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw away to Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

That decision should give Real a genuine advantage at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in a tie they are already hot favourites for.

While Galatasaray played a full-strength side in their 2-0 victory over Istanbul BB on Saturday as they continue to fight for the Turkish Super Lig title, Real Madrid were able to rest players because they are effectively out of contention in La Liga.

It will be a tough trip to Spain's capital for Galatasaray, as their hosts are on a 10-game unbeaten streak, during which they have scored 24 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 11 of those and will be the key man to stop for Galatasaray's head coach Fatih Terim.

Despite this, Terim's main task will be convincing his team that giving up possession will be their best chance of success against Real.

Mourinho's side are so devastating on the counter-attack that Galatasaray will play into their hands if they attack too much.

The reigning Turkish champions should look back at the last match Real lost, 1-0 to Granada in February.

In that game, Real had 72 percent of possession and 17 shots to four but Granada won, despite not having a shot on target, thanks to an own-goal from Ronaldo.

The worry for Terim in terms of executing such a strategy will be Galatasaray's defence. His team have conceded in all but one match in the Champions League this season, letting in an average of 1.13 goals per game.

Galatasaray's hopes may, therefore, rest on Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who has kept nine clean sheets at club level this season.

Real Madrid meanwhile will be confident of taking a step toward a record 24th semi-final appearance in the European Cup/Champions League.

Galatasaray have not gotten past the quarter-final stage of Europe's top continental competition since 1988/89, which remains their best performance to date in the competition.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

UEFA Champions League preview: Malaga v Borussia Dortmund

2 April 2013

Malaga will attempt to continue their impressive debut Champions League campaign against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.

The Spanish side have endured a solid domestic season to sit sixth in La Liga, while Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga - a massive 20 points behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich.

With a comfortable 3-1 away win against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, Malaga got an important victory and were also able to rest star Argentine striker Javier Saviola, who will be fresh for Wednesday's quarter-final first leg.

In their path to the quarter-finals, the Qatari-owned side have enjoyed a dream run, which included topping a group featuring AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg and Anderlecht, before accounting for Porto 2-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Dortmund also got a victory in their last domestic match, a 2-1 away win against Stuttgart.

But with Bayer Leverkusen hot on their heels in third position, they could not afford to rest any players ahead of the this week's showdown at Estadio La Rosaleda.

The German side's path to the quarter-final was just as impressive as their opponents', finishing three points clear in the 'group of death', which featured Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax.

They recorded a 2-2 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the round of 16, before comfortably triumphing 3-0 at home in the return.

It has been a breakout season for 20-year-old Malaga midfielder Isco, who has scored eight goals in La Liga, as well as three goals in six Champions League games. He is sure to feature prominently in Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp's pre-game planning.

The young Spaniard won the prestigious Golden Boy prize, awarded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport to Europe's best Under-21 player, and has been linked with heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Dortmund meanwhile are fortunate to have one of the best poachers in Europe - Polish hitman Robert Lewandowski.

The 24-year-old has been linked with many of Europe's powerhouse clubs and after slamming 20 goals in 24 league matches for Dortmund - plus five goals in eight European matches - Malaga will be well advised to mark Lewandowski tightly.

In great news for both clubs, their squads are unaffected by injury and both coaches will have their star players available for selection.

This is the first time the two clubs have met, with Malaga only ever qualifying for continental competitions twice before - the 2002 Intertoto Cup and 2002/2003 UEFA Cup.

Dortmund are the more experienced team in big matches but Malaga contain many big names such as Saviola, Joaquin, Roque Santa Cruz and Martin Demichelis, who have experienced pressure games at other clubs.

The Spanish side may just have the advantage in front of their home fans but this is a tie that is evenly poised.

 

[Pavlyuchenko]

'We will not adapt to stop Messi' - Ancelotti

By Shane Callaghan
Apr 1, 2013 8:45:00 PM

The Italian coach says he is focused on preparing for the tie as a whole and will not be changing the way his side plays to thwart individual players

Carlo Ancelotti insists Paris Saint-Germain are not preparing a special gameplan to keep Lionel Messi at bay ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona on Tuesday.

The Argentine - who broke another record on Saturday by netting in his 19th successive Liga game - has scored 56 goals in all competitions this season, including seven in the Champions League.

But Ancelotti, speaking to reporters at a press conference on the eve of the clash, says PSG will not tweak their system in a bid to silence the forward.

He said: "We are focused on our own game and the match itself, not individual opponents. The tactical approach does not change depending on a player or not. Our approach will be the same."

The Italian then suggested the Catalans will face an equally difficult test in trying to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet, with the Sweden international enjoying a prolific season of his own, having netted 33 times in 39 games in all competitions.

"You could also ask the question how will Barca stop Ibrahimovic? It will very difficult for the Barca players," he added.

The 53-year-old also acknowledged the impact finances have had in establishing les Parisiens as one of Europe's elite clubs.

Ancelotti continued: "I think it is simple. The club needed to invest in order to be competitive. I do not know how far we can go, but we are already very happy to be in the quarter-finals.

"I think the club has done a good job to ensure that this team can compete with the best in Europe."