Bayern face Milan in quarterfinals

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ATHENS, Greece -- European powerhouses Bayern Munich and AC Milan have been paired together in the quarterfinal draw for the Champions League which was made in Athens on Friday.

Four-time winners Bayern, who knocked out Real Madrid in another heavyweight clash on Wednesday, will be looking for their first success in Europe's premier club competition since 2001.

Six-time winners Milan, who have been struggling in Serie A this season, made it to the last eight thanks to a Kaka goal in extra time to see off Scottish champions Celtic.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told Italian Sky TV: "Bayern Munich are always strong in the competition, they've got a great tradition.

"They're very strong, they're a muscular team. They had a poor period during the winter but now they're getting stronger again.

"I think it will be a very evenly balanced tie. Any team that has beaten Real Madrid must be in good form. It's one of the hardest teams we could have got from the draw."

Great class

Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said: "They (AC Milan) are opponents of great class and it will be a big challenge against one of the best teams in Europe. Milan have great players like Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi."

England's three representatives in the Champions League avoided each other in a draw which largely kept the favorites apart.

Five-time winners Liverpool, who put out holders Barcelona in the first knockout stage, have been drawn against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

Premier League champions Chelsea must face Valencia of Spain and Manchester United are paired with AS Roma.

The winners of the Bayern -- AC Milan match up will play either Roma or Manchester United in the semifinal draw which was made at the same time.

Liverpool, who beat Chelsea in the semifinals on the way to their 2005 Champions League final success against AC Milan, could meet Jose Mourinho's men again if both progress.

The first leg quarterfinal games will be played April 3-4, with the return legs April 10-11.

The semifinal ties will be on April 24-25 and May 1-2.

The final will be in Athens on May 23.

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