Chelsea and Bayern Munich to Progress to UEFA Champions League Final

Ever since UEFA revealed their quarterfinal draw, footballing forums have been plagued with predictions of a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona El Clasico final. Although there is a possibility of that happening, there are equal probabilities that might not be the case, as there are several other world-class teams left—notably Chelsea, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. 

This is football after all, a game characterized by a great level of uncertainty, and games can swing in any team's favor.

My bet is that Bayern Munich and Chelsea will progress to the finals. 

And given the draw, there is a huge possibility of that happening. 

The draws, as revealed by UEFA, are as follows: 

1. Real Madrid vs. APOEL

2. Bayern Munich vs. Marseille

3. Chelsea vs. Benfica

4. Barcelona vs. AC Milan

Real Madrid should easily win over Cyprus-based club APOEL and mark an end to their Cinderella story. The Spanish giants are in superb form and coupled with the acumen of Jose Mourinho, this draw should be a walk in the park for them. 

Similarly, Bayern Munich should easily defeat Marseille. Bastian Schweinsteiger is fit again, and the combination of Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez will outclass and outplay the French club. 

The draw between Chelsea and Benfica might seem a little tricky, but Chelsea are a resurgent side. Benfica were tested by Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg, and Chelsea might prove too much for them. 

The forth quarterfinal draw is a tricky one; a draw that will test both sides. Prior results have indicated that if there is one side that might put a stop to Barcelona, it might be AC Milan. The two were paired off in the group stages as well. 

The first match, despite having been dominated by Barcelona, saw Milan exposing the Barca defense and getting a deserved draw.

The second match, which was played at the San Siro, saw both teams playing an exciting blend of football. And although the Catalunyans won, the game could have gone either way. 

Milan did look vulnerable in the second leg against Arsenal, but it was more because of the lax attitude that they employed than anything. But having gone 4-0 up in the first leg, could any one have blamed them? Milan would not go into a game against Barcelona with such an attitude and will push them to the maximum. 

The Champions League is a league that has its fair share of upsets. And I expect Milan to "upset" Barcelona, although I think Milan are playing superb football, akin to Barcelona. 

The semifinals will see the winners of quarterfinal 1 and quarterfinal 2, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, square off against one another. The winners of quarterfinal 3 and quarterfinal 4, Chelsea and AC Milan, will play in the other semifinal. 

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich

This is perhaps one of the most difficult matches to predict, as both teams are in phenomenal form and have superb lineups. 

Bayern's midfield is solid with the likes Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos, and they have perhaps two best wingers in the world with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery—not to mention Philipp Lahm operating as a full-back. 

And they have "Super" Mario Gomez and Thomas Müller upfront. 

In my opinion, Bayern's wing play might prove too much for Real Madrid, and they might very well progress to the finals. 

Also, a chance to play the final at their home ground is a tempting one. 

Chelsea vs. AC Milan

This tie will be an entertaining, free-flowing fixture. If Chelsea get their defensive lineup right, I can see them winning a hard-fought encounter. 

Even if Barcelona were to win against AC Milan and progress to face Chelsea, I think the Blues will be looking to exact some revenge and might potentially win the tie. If Tom Henning Øvrebø doesn't officiate, of course. 

So there you have it. There is a great possibility that we will have neither of the two Spanish clubs in the final. Let the games begin! 

What do you think of this prediction? Please Leave your opinions.