The UEFA Champions League round of 16 continues to heat up this week with the second of the two biggest ties, Chelsea versus Barcelona, commencing tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge. The other huge match-up, Real Madrid vs Paris Saint-Germain, began last Wednesday with a win by Madrid at home 3-2, this past Wednesday.
Coincidentally, those are the two teams that consistently get linked in transfer rumors to Chelsea star Eden Hazard. The Belgian forward has been especially linked to Real over the past few years, and when taking media queries on the topic, he always gives the same answer. He says he’s happy at Chelsea, but also adds that you just never know what might happen someday.
Today however, saw Hazard admitting that he’s been pursued by both European powers. Asked if he was flattered byย Real Madridโs interest, he replied: โYes, but itโs been several years now theyโre interested โ when itโs not Real, itโs Paris, when itโs not Paris, itโs Real. Iโm happy where I am.โ
However, he also said during the same media session that he’s very happy where he is right now.
โIโm here, I still have two-and-a-half years on my contract,” Eden Hazard stated. โIโm very settled here and playing every game. The fans like me a lot and my family likes it here. Weโll see.โ
For the time being though, the 2014-15 PFA Player of the Year is focused on staying put and winning matches with Chelsea, as a huge clash looms tomorrow night. Of course, we once again still managed to leave the door slightly ajar right there. Earlier this week, Hazard was actually advised by a former Arsenal man turned pundit to reject Real’s advances and join Tuesday night’s opponent, Barcelona instead.ย
Odds: Chelsea 5/2, Draw 12/5, Barcelona 21/20
Chelsea starting XI prediction: go to this link
Injury Report for both teams: go to this link
Feel free to post your own Chelsea and/or Barcelona starting XI predictions, as well as your best guess as to what the final score will be.
Paul M. Banks runsย The Sports Bank.netย and TheBank.News, which is partnered withย News Now.ย Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times,ย NBC Chicago.comย andย Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly toย WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging communityย Chicago Now.
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