Wembley dream only four matches away

The road to Wembley continues as the eagerly awaited UEFA Champions League final comes ever closer – and the eight teams left in this season's competition are entitled to cherish real hopes of carrying off European club football's most prestigious trophy.

"Everybody has the right to dream. And dreams seem closer to reality at a stage when only four matches separate the teams from the final at Wembley Stadium," UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said at today's UEFA Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draw ceremony in Nyon.

"They might represent 360 or even more minutes of extreme emotions and drama," he added. "But with the UEFA Champions League attracting a global audience of such magnitude, it is important that all the actors remain aware of their role-model status and combine the intensity of top-class football with a true spirit of respect. Everybody regards the UEFA Champions League as the world's showcase club competition and we must ensure that the very best of sporting values are on display."

The 2010/11 UEFA Champions League continues to throw up unforgettable excitement. "The 112 matches played so far have lived up to UEFA Champions League expectations in terms of entertainment, drama and quality," said Mr Infantino. "Attendances have once more been very high – and none higher than the impressive figure of 95,486 spectators who last week watched FC Barcelona entertain Arsenal FC in a repeat of the 2006 final."

The UEFA general secretary congratulated the quarter-finalists. "As usual, it is a privilege that has not been easy to achieve," he said. "The round of 16 is renowned for its surprises. This time, last season's finalists were drawn against each other. Fourteen of the 16 teams had previously taken part in the final of a UEFA competition and 13 had been winners. This alone speaks volumes for the quality of the participants and tells us very clearly how difficult it is to reach the last eight."

Mr Infantino also conveyed the European football family's support to Japan and its people amid the current crisis. "This time sadness is felt in our hearts," he said. "We cannot forget the huge tragedy that is hitting Japan and we wish to say wholeheartedly: we are with you, European football is with you, our friends. With the strength and the pride of your people, you will certainly recover from this very soon."