Mar 18, 2011

Chelsea drawn with United in last eight

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There will definitely be a Premier League team in the Champions League semi-finals after Chelsea were drawn to play Manchester United in the quarter-finals of this season's competition.

Surprise package Tottenham Hotspur's run of glamour ties continues with a last-eight clash against nine-times European champions Real Madrid.

Tournament favourites Barcelona have been pitted against Shakhtar Donetsk while defending champions Internazionale will face German club Schalke 04.

The semi-final draw was also made, with the winner of Chelsea v United scheduled to play the winner of the Inter-Schalke tie.

That raises the prospect of a semi-final between bitter Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the favourites for the trophy, should they win their last-eight ties.

Chelsea, yet to win the competition despite the playing riches bestowed upon them by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich over the last eight years, will have the chance to avenge their shattering penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the 2008 final.

Club captain John Terry slipped while taking the potentially winning penalty in Moscow.

Spurs' clash with nine-times winners Real Madrid will see a return to London for former Chelsea manager and current Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

Should Spurs, playing in the modern Champions League for the first time, upset the odds and reach this season's final, they would have to beat both Spanish giants if Barca overcame Shakhtar.

Favourites Barca lost 3-2 to the Ukrainian outfit in the Camp Nou in a group stage match two years ago.

As Schalke were drawn against holders Inter then United or Chelsea in the semis, Real Madrid legend Raul will definitely not have to return to the Bernabeu in another club's colours this season.

If he were to feature against Los Merengues, it would be in the Wembley final on May 28.

QUARTER-FINALS

April 5/13:

Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur

Inter Milan v Schalke 04

April 6/12:

Chelsea v Manchester United

Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk

SEMI-FINALS

April 26/27 and May 3/4

Inter Milan/Schalke 04 v Chelsea/Manchester United

Real Madrid/Tottenham Hotspur v Barcelona/Shakhtar Donetsk

source: yahoo sports



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