It's a miracle! No, I'm not talking about today's Champions League draw. My internet connection is back, son!
Let's move on.
So, my best friend sent me a text message at about 9 o'clock this morning asking is I had seen the CL draw. Since 9 a.m. is more like 5 for me, I ignored and went back to doing the sleep thang. Does this story have a point, you ask? Yes.
During my return to slumber, I dreamt that Chelsea had drawn Liverpool for the 34th consecutive season (actually the fifth). How right I was.
Chelsea v. Liverpool highlights the quarterfinal round of the Champions League, to be played April 8 and 14. The other ties, all of them drab, include: Manchester United v. FC Porto, Villareal v. Arsenal and Barcelona v. Bayern Munich. The Chels-Pool winner will face either Bayern or Barca in the semifinals -- oh, goodie.
At least there's some consolation, here. Liverpool will host the first leg, leaving Chelsea in the pole position. Last season, Chelsea advanced 4-3 on aggregate despite having to travel in the return leg.
CL Draw in full
Quarterfinals
Tuesday 7 April
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v Porto
Wednesday 8 April
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich
Tuesday 14 April
Bayern Munich v Barcelona
Chelsea v Liverpool
Wednesday 15 April
Arsenal v Villarreal
Porto v Manchester United
Semifinals
Manchester United or Porto v Villarreal or Arsenal
Barcelona or Bayern Munich v Liverpool or Chelsea
Semi-final ties to be played on 28-29 April and 5-6 May