Are you Man-utd fan?? Which team do you want to meet today? Europe: Whos next? United are through to the Champions League quarter-finals, where the Reds will face one of seven teams. Here we examine the credentials of the other sides still in the competition... ATLETICO MADRID How they got here Atletico waltzed through the group stage with five wins and a draw, then claimed the impressive scalp of AC Milan, cruising to a 4-1 second-leg triumph at home to seal a 5-1 aggregate win. Past meetings W0 D1 L1. As Cup Winners’ Cup holders in November 1991, United were knocked out by the Spaniards, going down 3-0 in Madrid after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Sub-plot Atletico manager Diego Simeone was in the Inter side who lost to United in the Champions League quarter-finals in 1999. Star man Diego Costa has scored seven goals in five appearances this season, including three over the two legs against Milan. BAYERN MUNICH How they got here With power and panache. Pep Guardiola has made Bayern’s Treble-winners more dynamic, more fluid. They won Group D ahead of Manchester City (both notched 15 points) with a superior head-to-head record, then knocked out Arsenal 3-1 on aggregate – clinically, they did what was required, little more. Past meetings W2 D4 L3. Our most famous win over Bayern needs no introduction: 26 May 1999 is the zenith of our European endeavours. Sub-plot We’ve suffered hurtful past exits against German opposition – Dortmund (1997), Leverkusen (2002), and 2010’s loss to Bayern still rankles after a rampant start. Avenging that would be cathartic. Star man Take your pick: Martinez, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Götze, Kroos, Müller, Robben, Ribery… it’s the collective that makes Bayern excel. BARCELONA How they got here The Catalans were comfortable winners in Group H, finishing five points ahead of AC Milan to book a Last 16 date with Manchester City. Although Manuel Pellegrini’s men were highly fancied, Barca flexed their muscle and eased to a 4-1 aggregate win. Past meetings W3 D4 L4. With just three wins from 11 outings, our record isn’t great. However, there has only been one two-legged Champions League match between the sides (in 2008) and the Reds won, thanks to Paul Scholes’ thunderbolt. Sub-plot United fans don’t need reminding that there’s unfinished business with Barca following the 2009 and 2011 Champions League final defeats. Star man While Lionel Messi remains a god amongst men, the Argentine relies heavily on the artistry of Andreas Iniesta and Xavi. BORUSSIA DORTMUND How they got here Dortmund won four games and lost two to finish top of a tough Group F that 1 of 2 Next
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 02:23:37 +0000