UEFA Champions League: What We Can Expect from Each Team During Quarterfinals

The UEFA Champions League is in its final stages, with eight teams still standing for a chance to win Europe's great football prize.

England put three teams in the the final eight. Chelsea FC cruised, while Tottenham and Manchester United used workmanlike performances to advance.

Italy was saved from embarrassment when Inter Milan shocked Bayern Munich. Shakhtar Donetsk carried Ukraine in the quarterfinals with it's surprising run. Schalke 04 carries the banner for Germany. Barcelona and Real Madrid, the prides of Spain, complete the final eight.

On Friday, the matchups will be set. Home-and-away ties begin April 5, with aggregate goals deciding who moves on.

But what issues are pressing each team and what do they need to do well to advance? Here's a breakdown for each team in the quarterfinals.

Shakhtar Donetsk Needs to Keep Riding the Gravy Train

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ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 16: Jadson of Shakhtar Donetsk celebrates after scoring his first goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between AS Roma and Shakhtar Donetsk at Stadio Olimpico on February 16, 2011 in Rome, Italy. (Photo

Where did this Shakhtar Donetsk team come from? The little Ukrainian club had never been to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League and now they've charged into the final eight.

AS Roma practically didn't show up to play in the round of 16 against Shakhtar, losing 6-2 on aggregate. But it was more about Shakhtar's strong play that led to the dominance.

As for the next round, Shakhtar's main objective should be to remain confident. They've proven their right to be this far in the competition. Just reach down deep and try to find some more magic. They'll already be kings for what they've accomplished.

FC Schalke 04 Must Adjust to Its New Coach

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LA MANGA, SPAIN - JANUARY 13: Coach Ralf Rangnick of 1899 Hoffenheim instructs his players during day five of his team's training camp on January 13, 2009 in La Manga, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Wednesday, Schalke 04 sacked manager Max Magath, after the team slipped to 10th in the Bundesliga. The season, however, isn't lost. The Gelsenkirchen side has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League, where Ralf Rangnick will take over.

Rangnick was the man-in-charge at Schalke from September 2004 to December 2005. He helped the team to second in the Bundesliga that year.

Schalke has plenty left to earn. Rangnick is signed through 2014 and could help secure that future by advancing to the semifinals. What style of play changes will be made have yet to be seen.

Manchester United Needs to Get Healthy and Fast

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's third goal with team mates Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra (R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Tr

Manchester United's back line keeps taking injury hits. After the club survived the round of 16 without  the best centerback duo in the world, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić, the Red Devils have lost John O'Shea and Rafael due to injuries suffered in the second leg against Marseille.

O'Shea is expected to be gone for five weeks. Ferdinand could be gone for the entire final eight stage. Rafael will try to hurry back in time for the first leg of the last eight. Ferdinand should be fit enough to at least attempt a comeback.

No matter what combination of players is fit, the back line will be thin and not be able to take on much more in the way of casualties. Wes Brown played well in the second leg, despite his own goal against Marseille. Chris Smalling has stepped in admirably.

Real Madrid Need Not Be Satisfied with Quarterfinal Berth

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MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring from the penalty spot during the la Liga match between Real Madrid and Malaga at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 3, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Ima

For the first time in seven seasons, Real Madrid is through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. They put themselves through with a 3-0 aggregate win over Lyon. With their backs against the wall, Los Merengues responded with a 3-0 thrashing of their French opponent in Madrid.

But breaking the curse isn't enough. The team needs to continue to stay hungry and not get wrapped up in changing its recent Champions League luck.

Cristiano Rinaldo looked fit in the second leg against Lyon. Karim Benzema continues to perform. But Kaka now may need some more time off. His availability is in question.

Tottenham Must Have a Healthy William Gallas

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MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 15: William Gallas of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 15, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex

Tottenham Hotspur are not in position to earn a Champions League spot next season while in fifth place in the English Premier League. Only a top four finish would bring such a reward. The other option is to win this year's Champions League.

Tottenham is in rarefied air. The last eight include such power clubs as Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. Calling this place home is something that Hotspur must believe it deserves.

Having William Gallas fit for its back line will be key. The veteran pulled up with a hamstring injury this week that appears non-threatening at first glance. As long as it doesn't become more, Hotspur will have its experienced and talent fullback to go against some of the best strikers in the world.

Inter Milan Needs to Capitalize on Chances

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MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 06: Goran Pandev (R) of FC Inter Milan celebrates with team mates after scoring the fourth goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale Milano and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 06, 2011 in Milan, Italy. (Ph

For the entire first leg of the round of 16 against Bayern Munich, Inter Milan created attacking movement after movement, but was never able to find the back of the net.

It took Goran Pandev's spectacular game-winning goal in the second leg to make up for his missed chances earlier in the game and send Inter through.

Inter can't afford to let its gilt-edged opportunities pass by in the next round. The chances of playing a team that will capitalize on its own chances is higher than ever. It was remarkable enough for Inter to overcome Bayern.

Barcelona Must Pass Its Drug Testing

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SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 13: Lionel Messi (L), David Villa (C) and Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona line up a free kick during the la Liga match between Sevilla and Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on March 13, 2011 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jaspe

UEFA will conduct a surprise anti-doping test on 10 Barcelona players including Lionel Messi, David Villa, Andres Iniesta and Xavi. Those four key players as well as Ibrahim Afellay, Jeffren, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Pinto and goalie Victor Valdez will all be tested.

UEFA pretty much went after the who's who of Barca. Losing anymore than one of Messi, Villa, Xavi, Iniesta, Pique and Valdez would be greatly detrimental. However, there is no reason to believe that any of the players will fail.

That won't make the process any less nerve-racking for the club's investors and supporters. Barca is trying to return to the top two years after last winning the Champions League.

Chelsea Must Keep Didier Drogba Engaged

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 16: Didier Drogba (R) of Chelsea takes on William Kvist (L) of FC Copenhagen during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen second leg match between Chelsea and FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge on March 16, 2011 in Londo

World class Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has taken a reduced role in the Blues' attack in recent weeks, notably after the signing of Fernando Torres. Drogba has seen less time on the pitch.

Word coming out of Stamford Bridge is that Drogba is okay with his changing role, as long as he still provided enough opportunities. Only Drogba can know how many is enough.

Keeping the Ivorian striker involved in English Premier League play can help make sure he's ready to contribute in the Champions League. Torres has yet to find the form that has made him into the star that he is and Drogba might be the better option in the next round.