Friday, December 19, 2008

Reds To Face Real Madrid In Last 16

Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League following today's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

The first leg will be played in Spain on February 24 or 25, with the return at Anfield on March 10 or 11.

Real Madrid might have lost five times and be in sixth place in the Primera Liga but they are currently in pursuit of a 10th European title and will be bolstered by the appointment of new coach, Juande Ramos. So, expect them to be a whole different proposition come February.

Galacticos are thing of the past these days, but los Blancos are still strong in almost every area. Local hero Raul is still a threat at 31-years-old and has found the net 12 times already this season, while Aregntine starlet Gonzalo Higuain could be a danger if he can maintain his recent breathtaking form.

You have to go back to the 1981 European Cup final for the last - and only - time we played Real in a competitive match. Things have changed a lot since then, but you can be sure this tie will be just as tight as that 1-0 victory.

The full draw is:

Chelsea v Juventus

Villarreal v Panathinaikos

Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich

Atletico Madrid v Porto

Lyon v Barcelona

Real Madrid v Liverpool

Arsenal v Roma

Inter Milan v Man Utd

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