UCL - First Knockout Round, Titans Clash

Alright! It's time for now for everyone's favourite club football competition. More than that, it is the knock out stage with plenty of mouth watering clash to look forward too.

When I first saw the draw, I must say my overall opinion on this was not too good. There will be some high profile casualty by the end of this round but that's what makes football such beautiful game to see.

So here is my preview on the selected matches involving the Albiceleste.

Atlético Madrid vs. FC Porto

A match set to feature plenty of Albiceleste flavour. Both teams will be banking on an influential midfielder and a deadly finisher.

Porto will look to the return of Lucho GONZALEZ to inspire them and provide much of the assist for Lisandro LOPEZ to score. While Atlético will be keen to see Maxi RODRIGUEZ flying on the wings and the new member of the fatherhood club, Kun AGUERO to deliver for them.

Ever BANEGA is expected to be out for the match but Atlético will have Leo FRANCO in goal for them. Porto may also rely on Ernesto FARIAS from the bench.

Olympique Lyon vs. FC Barcelona

I love Barcelona simply because I love Lionel MESSI. Lyon as always are a dangerous team to play against. Though the defeat to Espanyol might have hurt them a bit but I can tell you that was just a temporary setback.

Lionel is fire at the moment and it will only make me happy to see him putting up a strong performance and stamping his mark in this round. After all the French should no better how tough it can be to face him.

Internazionale vs. Manchester United

There has been a lot talking about this game. But for me since it is very painful to see Carlos TEVEZ on the bench for such occasions. I keep asking myself what did Carlitos did so wrong last season that he had to ended up like this. Therefore without further due I'm going to throw my support for Jose & his boys.

An interesting one on one battle is likely to take place in this match. The evergreen Javier ZANETTI could be in for match to mark out Cristiano RONALDO (should he play on the left).

Then there is Esteban CAMBIASSO (who scored during the weekend) who will be up against either Paul SCHOLES or Michael CARRICK. Julio CRUZ might make a potential entry from the bench. Walter SAMUEL is doubtful for the match.

Real Madrid vs. Liverpool

Forget about all those Spanish connection between these two European giants. There more important aspect (from an Albiceleste point of view) that we should take note about this match.

The last time I saw both Javier MASCHERANO and Fernando GAGO on the same pitch, they were formed a deadly combination together and made Diego a happy man. This time both will go for a head on collision in the middle of the park.

GAGO’s intelligent game while Gonzalo HIGUAIN youth and effectiveness would be crucial for Real. However every football fans will tell you as long there is Javier on the field he is not going to make it easy for anyone.

Other notable names to be mentioned, Villareal’s trio (Gonzalo RODRIGUEZ, Ariel IBAGAZA and Fabricio FUENTES), Sporting Lisbon Leandro’s (ROMAGNOLI and GRIMI) and Martin DEMICHELIS.