It’s an irony that Chelsea, the reigning English champions(and in theory England’s best team)are the only one of England’s five representatives in this season’s Champion’s League whose qualification for the quarter finals is seriously in doubt. They face old enemy Barcelona for the first time since their annual series ended several years ago. BARCELONA (Barca)are the runaway leaders of La Liga and have been similarly impressive at the group stage. Chelsea has recently suffered a dip in form, but otherwise has been very impressive all season. This tie for a place in the quarter finals looks too close to call, but I won’t be surprised if Chelsea cause a major upset here.
Over the past few years, the English have flattered to deceive, with Man City reaching the semi-finals two seasons ago, and Arsenal continually excelling at the group stage only to fall flat once the knockout stage begins. But this season, the English have come in full force, fearing no foe. By holding Juventus to a score draw in Turin last week, Spurs have proved that their group stage heroics in topping the group ahead of Real Madrid is no fluke. And they look poised to cause a big upset by eliminating Juve.
Liverpool and Man City have carried their sharp-shooting form in the Premiership into Europe, breezing through the group stage and continuing in like manner as the knockout stage started last week. Both have virtually guaranteed two quarter final places for England.
