Celta, Vigo, Spain
How did they get into the 1/16 UEFA Cup: Having confidently figured out the Belgian Standard in the preliminary round, Celta got into the strongest group stage team: Newcastle, Fenerbahçe, Palermo and Eintracht. Pretty quickly, it became clear that Celta faced a fight for second or third place with Palermo, Fenerbahçe and Eintracht, while Newcastle moved into favorites. The decisive match with Fenerbahçe was a benefit for Esteban Suárez, the goalkeeper, who pulled a penalty and helped out in a number of other situations. A victory (1: 0) and second place in the Celte group brought a gorgeous blow from Kanobbio free-kick.
Things to be afraid of: The openwork attacking game “Celts”, in which Fernando Bayano solo (video). The fast and technical Brazilian fantastically started the season, scoring 10 goals for Celta - 7 in the example and 3 in the UEFA Cup. “Celte” hardly has a match against outsiders, but in games with leaders she regularly gives real performances. Particularly noteworthy are the victories over Valencia and Real Madrid. And the latter was won at the Santiago Bernabeu.
How to win: Celta is Spain’s most undisciplined team. In 14 matches of the championship of Spain “Celta” managed to collect a collection of 4 red cards and 30 yellow. Despite the big names of the defenders (Diego Placente, Pablo Contreras), “Celta” misses too often - and can not always compensate for this with an attacking game.
Matches with Spartak: February 14/15 (in Moscow), February 22 (in Vigo).
Optical composition (4-4-2): Jose Pinto - Contreras, Angel Lopez, Tamas, Plasente - Borja, Nene, Canobbio, Irenaeus - Gustavo Lopez, Fernando Bayano.
Website: http://www.celtavigo.net/
Maccabi, Haifa, Israel
How they got into the 1/16 of the UEFA Cup: Despite the fact that Maccabi have to play home games not in their hometown, but in relatively safe Tel Aviv, 6 out of 7 final points were scored by the team on Israeli soil. The second place in group A to the club from Haifa was brought by a draw on the road with Livorno - the decisive goal was scored in the third minute added.
What to fear: The striking power of the Israeli team - naturalized Argentine Roberto Colautti (in the video - his very goal against Livorno), who scored two goals in the UEFA Cup and three in our Euro 2008 qualifying group. The Brazilian trio of midfielders Bokkoli, Anderson and Shavira, organizing the team’s game. Good teamwork - the basis of the team is made up of local players who have met more than once in the national team.
How to win: Army Brazilians undoubtedly outperform their Maccabi compatriots in class - this factor should predetermine the Muscovites playing advantage. The main task will lie on the shoulders of the defense under the leadership of Sergei Ignashevich: to restrain Colautti and another striker of the Israeli national team Yaniva Katan. That CSKA is quite capable: in the Champions League and not so restrained. Additional information about Maccabi will be gathered by the army team in the Channel One Cup, which will take place two weeks before the first match. The club from Haifa will definitely play with Spartak, and possibly with CSKA.
Matches with CSKA: February 14 - 15 (in Moscow), February 22 (in Tel Aviv).
The optimal composition (4-4-2): Davidovich - Harazi, Casey, Olarra, Keynan - Anderson, Bokkoli, Masudi, Shavir - Kolautti, Katan.
Website: http://maccabi-haifafc.walla.co.il