© EuroFootball.com
Today in the remaining two quarterfinal matches, Madrid's "Real" will face "Monaco" and "Chelsea" will play against "Arsenal".
Match start: 21:40 Lithuanian time (Live broadcast on TangoTV, video recording at 23:05 on TV3)
In the London derby, the two best clubs in the city will clash. They have already faced each other multiple times this year. Firstly, because "Chelsea" chasing "Arsenal" in second place in the "Premier" league. The teams have also met in the FA Cup. "Arsenal" won all three times with the same result - 2-1. "Chelsea" has not won in the last 16 games played between these teams. However, after Roman Abramovich's "revolution", which allowed "Chelsea" to acquire many stars, these derbies have become more interesting, and someday luck must turn in another direction.
Leading up to this match, rumors circulated in the press that this could be the last season for coach Claudio Ranieri at the club, and the club did not rush to deny it. It was thought that this could create an uncomfortable atmosphere in the team, but Ranieri thanked the players for their support: "Players are my blood, my strength. Their support is like a big vitamin." There was even a rumor that Ranieri would be replaced by his current opponent Arsene Wenger. But the Arsenal club director promptly dismissed these speculations.
Chelsea's last defeat was on February 21st, against the same Arsenal. Meanwhile, the Arsenal club is unstoppable - 10 consecutive victories and already 29 matches without a loss. One of the reasons is the fantastic performance of Thierry Henry. The French national team striker is currently considered one of the best, if not the best, player in the world, and Chelsea defenders will have to work hard to stop him.
Claudio Ranieri must choose who will guard the team's goal. The main goalkeeper Cudicini is still injured, so he will be replaced by either , who played last Saturday, or Sullivanas. Damien Duff, who has recovered from injury, will play and pose a real danger on the flank.
Wiltord and Parlour will not be able to help Arsenal due to injuries, but after a long break, Bergkamp will play in the Champions League "away" match, as he won't need to fly by plane.
Match start: 21:40 Lithuanian time
At the "Santiago Bernabeu" stadium, Madrid's "Real" will host "Monaco". This match should be a feast for the eyes, as both teams play attacking football.
Recently, both Real and Monaco have slightly lost form in the league and are stumbling. The French club was overtaken in the country's championship by "Lyon", while the Spanish capital's team squandered their points advantage and now leads "Valencia" by just one point.
An interesting thing is that Fernandos Morientes is returning to Madrid, where he spent six years and was beloved by the fans. Now the striker is on loan to Monaco, but an excellent performance in this match could be an incentive for the Spaniards to bring him back.
Morientes's former teammate Ronaldo has not played for some time due to injury. His absence is one of the reasons for Real's drop in form. It is expected that he will recover soon and may even be on the bench today. Madrid's team will also be without defender Roberto Carlos, as he is suspended.
For "Monaco", captain Giuly will finally return to the lineup, and it remains to be seen if Squillacis and Bernardis will play just before the match.
