Italian champions Inter Milan will face Russian side CSKA Moscow in the quarter finals of the Champions League. The annoucement was made this afternoon at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon Switzerland.
Having avoided heavyweights Barcelona and Manchester United, the Nerazzurri were handed a relatively ‘easy’ tie against Moscow. This is the second Russian side that Inter are facing in the Champions League this season. It is important to note that Inter’s first Russian opponents Rubin Kazan were not an easy side to overcome and Mourinho will be keen not to underestimate the Moscow side.
Former Inter player turned ambassador Luis Figo had this to say ” You cannot pick teams at this stage but its obvious they are always teams you want to avoid: sides like Barcelona and Manchester United.”
“There are only strong teams left, and CSKA Moscow area strong team. However, we are satisfied with draw. We’re looking forward to two entertaining games. It is fair to say that we are favourites” Figo said.
There is no doubt that Inter are now considered favourites to win this tournament. If the Nerazzurri win this tie then they would face either Barcelona or Arsenal in the semi final. This should be a very exciting race to the May 22nd final at the Santiago Barnebeu stadium. However, nothing is certain until Inter overcome the unpredictable Russians.
Quarter-final First Leg
Inter Milan v CSKA Moscow – Buy Inter v CSKA Moscow Tickets
Quarter-final Second Leg
CSKA Moscow v Inter Milan – Buy CSKA Moscow v Inter Milan Tickets
Photo credit: rikiriki2008
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Inter is very lucky in the draw because I consider Moscow to be the weakest team. I believe Inter will face Barca again in the Semi. Inter will be playing Barca at the return leg at Nou Camp, so Inter will face a uphill task with Barca.
In the other group, I see Manu as the strongest. For Inter to win Champ lg, Inter have to be prepared to defeat both Barca and Manu. Barca already won Inter during group stage and Manu knocked Inter out of the Cup last season. So I can safely said that Inter is not stronger than either of them.
But the beauty of Cup is this; the best team may not always win… Porto can certainly attest to this philosophy.
Manu face a relatively weaker team in Munich at Q-Final and an even weaker french team in Semi. Ideally Inter can hope to meet Lyon or Bord in the Final but tat may be too much to ask for. So I predict tat whichever team, Manu or Munich wins, will proceed on to Final and face Inter.
So… The million dollars question is this: can Inter beat Barca, even if Barca is currently the best team in the world, even if the return leg is played at Nou Camp?
Well at least we have played them already this season, so the players know what to expect at the Nou Camp. The key as always is that first game at home. Inter needs to go to Spain with a goal lead, similar to Chelsea
Hi,
I am a big fan from Myanmar, I really wish to see Inter to beat Barcelona and reach to CL final. Why not? Inter can beat barcelona or arsenal in semi final with the skills they possess, the best manager and mentally strong.
Good luck Inter, beat barcelona, man u