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REAL CHAMPIONS - 22-1-08
Louis Spence
This year sees the fifty-third European Cup/Champions League competition. It has always been fascinating to watch the final and find which team emerges triumphant.
In England we often hear about our league being the best in the world. But is it really?
It may well be the biggest money spinner but I very much doubt that the technically minded would agree with the assumption of it being the best Read on and see what YOU think.
One of the few ways we can draw comparisons between the leagues of Europe is of course this cup competition. And the history of it makes fascinating reading.
By nation, Italy and Spain have both provided the champions on eleven occasions followed by England on ten, Germany and Holland on six apiece then Portugal on four.
Scotland (of course), France, Romania and Yugoslavia, as it then was, complete the set.
Individually the roll of honour showing the number of times each side has won the trophy and the number of times they have finished runners-up reads:
Real Madrid 9/3
AC Milan 7/4
Liverpool 5/2
Bayern 4/3
Ajax 4/2
Juventus 2/5
Barca 2/3
Inter 2/2
Manchester United 2/0
Porto 2/0
Of the sixteen clubs remaining in the knock out stages this season, eight are previous winners. The full draw with their ratings positions in brackets (from latest betting odds) read:
Schalke (13) v Porto (12)
Roma (11) v Real Madrid (5)
Olympiakos (14) v Chelsea (3)
Liverpool (9) v Inter Milan (4)
Celtic (16) v Barcelona (1)
Lyon (10) v Manchester United (2)
Fenerbahce (15) v Sevilla (8)
Arsenal (6) v AC Milan (7)
Matches to be played 19/20 February. Return legs early March.
So Barcelona, despite their draw against rank outsiders and previous winners Celtic, are the bookies favourites to win. This would, of course, edge the Catalan giants closer to the phenomenal Real Madrid but it would also send Spain clear at the top ahead of Italy as the dominant European nation on victories.
With Manchester United (2), Chelsea (3), Arsenal (6) and Liverpool (9) in contention, the English representation looks very strong this time around. Will we see Arsenal or Chelsea win it for the first time? Of the other first-time hopefuls I could only make a case for Sevilla owing to their recent UEFA cup successes.
I have to feel, however, that it will be a previous champion who will conquer again.
Money may not buy you everything but the richest clubs buy the best players and the world's richest clubs are all in contention here.
It may appear, following last week's article on Alex Ferguson, that I have become a Manchester United fan. I assure you reader that nothing could be further from the truth. I can however see them emerging as champions of Europe again this year.
What do you think?
Why not join the hilarious and controversial message board and air your views. Y'all welcome now, you hear.
Louis Spence
JOIN THE DEBATE AT THE COME ON BORO MESSAGEBOARD
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