Real and Barca face contrasting opponents in quarters

March 26, 2012 05:44 pm | Updated 05:44 pm IST - Berlin

Holders Barcelona and domestic rivals Real continue their march towards a possible “Clasico” in the European Champions League final against quarter—final opponents who couldn’t be more different.

The Spanish league leaders Real Madrid visit arguably the biggest surprise team in event history, APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus, on Tuesday.

The next day, Barca are at Italian champions AC Milan, who have won the elite event seven times and are the only team to have taken a point off the title holders in the campaign in a 2—2 group stage draw.

In the other ties, Chelsea carry all English hopes when they visit Benfica in Lisbon, and Bayern Munich are at Olympique Marseille in their dream of reaching the May 19 final in their home stadium.

Like Barca, Real Madrid have won seven and drawn the other game in an emphatic campaign as they travel to APOEL, who after surprisingly winning their group, eliminated Olympique Lyon on penalties in the round of 16.

“We’ve done something exceptional, something that can never happen again,” said APOEL president Phivos Erotokritou ahead of the biggest game in club history.

Cristiano Ronaldo and company are the overwhelming favourites even though the Spanish league leaders will miss the suspended Xabi Alonso and injured lassana Diarra, but club director Emilio Butragueno remained his usual diplomatic self.

“You never know, football is unpredictable and it’s true that there were very strong teams that we wanted to avoid, but APOEL have been a big surprise in this competition, and we have to be extremely respectful,” Butragueno said.

“They have reached the quarter—finals, which means they are a very strong team, so we have to be very focused on every detail and be alert.”

Barca will also not have a stroll in the park against Milan after destroying Bayer Leverkusen 7—1 in the last game thanks to a Champions League record five goals from Lionel Messi.

But Barca won 3—2 in Milan in the group stage and will be happy that Thiago Silva is missing for Milan after scoring a late 2—2 equalizer at the Nou Camp.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said his team is at his best in matches like these and captain Massimo Ambrosini is also ready for the big occasion.

“I think that Barcelona are the strongest team in the world, but it does not take a wizard to know it. They marked an era in football history, but tackling them is a big stimulus for us,” Ambrosini said.

“It will take a game with great spirit of sacrifice from all of us. There is not a single player to stop. Barca have many weapons.”

The winner of the Milan v Barca tie runs into Benfica or Chelsea, with the Blues looking to use a little bit of inside knowledge from their former Benfica players David Luiz and Ramires on Tuesday.

“They will both know the atmosphere there and they both know the team. So it does help. They are looking forward to going back,” said manager Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea have no serious injury concerns but Di Matteo must choose between Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in attack while Gary Cahill is in pole position to start alongside John Terry in defence after strong back—to—back performances.

Marseille beat Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund twice in the group stage but the next German opponents Munich may be of a different calibre on the continental stage on Wednesday.

Munich have rediscovered their form and the home final is an extra motivation for the Germans who trounced Basel 7—0 in the last continental game. OM aim to forget their domestic woes again but have goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and defender Souleymane Diawara suspended.

“We have clear heads, we’re confident, and we’ll prepare well.

We’re looking for a good result,” said Munich’s French winger and former Marseille player Franck Ribery.

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