Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford is of interest to UEFA, and the Portuguese also expressed willingness to face Manchester United. However, the Real Madrid team still hopes to meet such strong teams as late as possible.
As for Barcelona, after going through tough challenges to finally eliminate Arsenal, the players' stamina has been affected, and the number of injuries within the team is increasing. Under such circumstances, Barcelona's desire for revenge against Inter Milan and proving their strength in front of the strongest teams has been temporarily put on hold.
Guardiola's team likewise hopes to draw weaker opponents.
Schalke 04 and the inexperienced Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League knockout stages are ideal opponents in Barcelona's eyes.
Another theoretically weaker team, Shakhtar Donetsk, is not the preferred opponent, as this Ukrainian team has caused Barcelona embarrassment in the 2008-09 Champions League group stage and the European Super Cup.
