Juve edge Fiorentina SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014 SATURDAY, SportsSports in Europa 47

NYON: A television screen shows the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions league at the UEFA headquarters yesterday. — AFP Bayern, United clash in ‘crazy’ CL draw Real to avenge Dortmund humiliation; Barca meet Atletico

NYON: The Champions League (CL) quarter have had a stuttering season under new coach Laurent Blanc. season they are certainly stronger and they final draw yesterday threw title holders Bayern David Moyes. They burst into life this week Paris St Germain reached the last eight last will be very determined on getting what they Munich against arch-rivals Manchester United when they defeated Olympiakos 3-0 to over- season with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, want. “We have a little advantage playing at in one of the most high tension rounds the come a two goal deficit and reach the quarter before going out against Barcelona on away Madrid first and anyway there are no easy competition has seen. Nine-time champions finals. Bayern defender warned goals. The French side and Atletico are the two opponents at this level of the competition.” Real Madrid earned a revenge meeting with against complacency despite United’s strug- teams in the last eight who have never won Argentina’s Messi is on 67 Champions League who dumped them out in gles. “We can’t allow Man Utd’s current posi- the competition. Cristiano Ronaldo goes into career goals and just four short of the all-time last year’s semi-finals. Four-time winners tion in the Premier League table to affect our Real’s match against Dortmund with 13 goals, mark held by Spaniard Raul as Barcelona take Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in an all- mindset for this game,” the veteran German one short of Lionel Messi’s record for on Atletico Madrid. Spanish blockbuster while Chelsea tackle Paris international said. Champions League strikes in one season. The Atletico are one point ahead of Barcelona Saint-Germain in the battle of Europe’s nou- “We’ll need all our strength but we have a first leg is set for the Santiago Bernabeu. in La Liga with Real Madrid a further three veaux riche. good chance of reaching the semi-finals.” Jose Dortmund, hobbled by suspensions and clear at the top of the Spanish table. Barcelona Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl called Mourinho’s Chelsea, bankrolled by Russian injuries, have been handed a stiff test in their goalkeeper Victor Valdes said the first leg the draw “crazy”. “These are the toughest tycoon Roman Abramovich, take on Paris St bid to return to the final after losing 2-1 could be decisive. “We need to not concede at quarter finals in history,” said Barcelona’s Germain who have become a force with Qatari against Bayern at Wembley last May. However home to be able to have a better chance in the sporting director and former player Andoni finance. The Portuguese two-time European Dortmund will take heart from the fact they second leg,” he told a press conference. “They Zubizarreta. “These will all be big confronta- champion has never lost at the quarter-final knocked out Real last season 4-3 on aggregate are a team that presses with an intensity in the tions.” Runaway leaders Bayern stages. And his first Champions League game in the semi-finals. same style as their coach and I compliment will relish the chance of again taking on a with Chelsea was in a 3-0 win over Paris St Dortmund’s Polish international striker everything that they are doing.” added Valdes. United side that snatched a 2-1 victory from Germain in 2004. The two teams drew 0-0 at Robert Lewandowski scored four goals in the First leg matches will be played April 1/2 with the jaws of defeat in the 1999 final. Stamford Bridge in the return. Paris again host first leg of that tie but is suspended for the the return fixtures slated for April 8/9 before The two teams have played each other nine the first leg. “Getting the return leg is a small Madrid match this season. “Real is a crazy the draw for the semi-finals on April 11. The times-all in European competition-and Bayern advantage for Chelsea so we will have to make draw,” commented Dortmund’s Kehl. “The final will be played at Benfica’s Stadium of will definitely start this one as favorites. United the difference at home,” said Paris coach Spanish have a score to settle with us. This Light on Saturday May 24. — AFP