The draw that Barcelona wanted in the Champions League
Free from suspision, Friday's draw in Nyon was one to be celebrated for a change
What a draw! The Champions League draw, which took place on Friday in Nyon, threw up some spectacilar pairings and was, strangely, free of suspision.
For Barça things went OK. They avoided the Spanish sides, which was the club's desire. It's physically and mentally draining to play Atletico Madrid over two legs, while two Clasicos against Real Madrid would have been tough on both clubs' players.
Juventus are a team who hold happy memories for Barça after the Champions League final in Berlin, the last won by the club under Luis Enrique. It's true that Dybala has rejuvenated the Italian champions, but they're a beatable rival. The first leg will be tough in Turin, though, as Barça try and balance their league aspirations with those in Europe at the same time.
In contract, Madrid, familiar with the law of the ex in the Champions League having been knocked out by a Morata goal before, will face a manager who knows them better than anyone. Carlo Ancelotti without doubt knows how to stop them and knows their players well. He also has the benefit of coaching Bayern, one of Europe's top sides.
Whatever happens, we can celebrate the draw thrown up by the Champions League.
