Champions League: The second round draw

Today's draw took place. Here it is.

VFB Stuttgart v Barcelona
Olympiacos v Bordeaux
Inter Milan v Chelsea
Bayern Munich v Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow v Sevilla
Lyon v Real Madrid
Porto v Arsenal
AC Milan v Manchester United

In essence, some fantastic ties on offer for the second round. Fiorentina travel to Bayern as a 'reward' for topping their group. The immediate reaction after this for some was that it could be easy fodder for Bayern, but I disagree. Fiorentina after all disposed of Liverpool and Lyon without much difficulty, and Bayern have been up and down all season long. Perhaps Bayern start as favourites due to their historical stature but if Fiorentina can pick up an away goal or hold Bayern away then they have every chance once back at the Artemio Franchi.

Inter host Chelsea in a game that has many significant parameters. Mourinho back to Chelsea, Ancelotti back to Milan to renew his rivalry with Inter. Chelsea will start as favourites but if Inter are serious about this competition then what better than to dispose a team that is in many peoples minds the favourites. Chelsea have been in rampant form this season, but there form has dipped of late so Inter have every chance if they build up an advantage at home.

In the final game for the Italian sides, AC Milan renew their rivalry with Manchester United. The last time these sides met Milan smashed United 3-0 in 'that' semi final in their 2007 winning campaign. But, Manchester went in to win the next tournament and made the final last year in imperious fashion. Yet, they haven't looked as so imperious this year without Ronaldo, so I see this as a more even encounter than others may. In essence though it depends upon what Milan turns up. Will it be the AC that outplayed Real in the Bernabeu, or will it be the one that lost to FC Zurich? Hopefully, it will be the former.

The games take place in February 2010.

Europa League Round Up and Draw
Roma continued their fine form by winning easily away in Sofia to confirm their place at the top of their group by 3-0. However, Genoa, despite a huge effort, failed to win against Valencia loosing 1-2 at the end after David Villa scored with the last kick of the game. Valencia had nothing in the second half, while Genoa dominated the possession yet could not quite turn the screw. Crespo leveled the tie for Genoa but they could not find the winner. Lazio, already out of the competition, lost at home to Levski Sofia after fielding what was in part largely a youth team.

The Europa League draw
Thus, Roma have been drawn with Panathinaikos and will travel away for the first leg. On current form they will be overwhelming favourites in my opinion. Unbeaten since October, Roma will be tough to beat in this competition. If Roma do progress they will face either Standard Liege or FC Salzberg in round three.

Juventus, after falling out of the Champions League, will face old rivals Ajax and their star Luis Suarez again playing away in the first leg. If Juve progress they will then face either Fulham or Shaktar Donetsk.