Liverpool edge Chelsea. Again. ZZZZZZZZZz

What I have to say about 210 minutes of semi-final football ?








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To Liverpool: I don't know how you do it. Keep doing it to Chelsea. Good on you.

To Chelsea: (Nelson Muntz Style) - Ha-ha!

Milan set up rematch while torching United

Milan 3 - 0 Manchester United

So the final of Europe's premier club competition is now in place. Liverpool will take on Milan in Athens in a repeat of the classic final from 2005.

It has been said before and I have said it as well, Milan were found guilty of match fixing domestically, and therefore, should not have been allowed to play in Europe this year. Fine. I do not dispute that. But from a footballing perspective and taking their performances on the pitch into concern, they have done remarkably well so far. Having been entered into the tournament, albeit at the qualifying stage, Milan fully deserves their place in the final. Of that there can be no doubt. I wonder how many people would cry hoarse about Milan's involvement if United had gone on to beat them. As a team Milan has played well and should not be grudged their progression.

Several times this season we have seen United come under pressure against teams that either run at them or pass well. There's no denying that United have had a great season and are a very good team. Yet once teams start attacking them (as opposed to sitting back and attempting damage control - like Bolton), United do come under pressure. Any team that can string together several good passes and move around their midfield - like Arsenal, will have an advantage. Due to United's overpowering consistency this has often been overlooked. However this flaw remains. Milan exploited it ruthlessly.

In addition, most teams fail to close down on the space afforded to United and either allow them to run with the ball or shoot from distance. Milan's Rino Gattuso ensured that United got to do neither. Coupled with Milan's seamless movement and balletic passing, they comprehensively dismantled United's dreams of a second Champions' League win under Alex Ferguson. A day after Chelsea's delusional quest for a quadruple came crashing down, United's hopes of a second treble were similarly rubbished. United have been outplayed several times this season but have managed to paper over the cracks with some fortuitous goals - most recently at Everton on the weekend, Fulham before that, Liverpool at Anfield. This time there was no respite, as, in addition to Milan playing very well, both of United's matchwinners in Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney had an off day and were closed down and suffocated. Gattuso ensured that Milan had a counterfoil to their natural attacking instincts.

Milan always seemed to have an extra player on the pitch and their movement while playing the ball diagonally wide and then back in to the middle with someone running in at pace was a joy to behold. Kaka confirmed that he is the heir apparent to Ronaldinho in the long list of Brazilian footballing phenoms - even Alberto Gilardino got a goal. Whenever there was a 50-50 ball, Gattuso or Ambrosini came away with it. Whenever Ronaldo or Scholes got the ball, Gattuso or Ambrosini came away with it. Their passing in little triangles was oddly reminiscent of Arsenal's at Old Trafford in September. However in addition to their passing game, Milan had two defensive anchors, runners on thw wings and an all-round style that stretched United every which way. Alessandro Nesta, rejuvenated since his return from injury played a solid game at the back, his long-ball delivery to Kaka leading to the opener. Clarence Seedorf's shot, after finding himself with the ball, on the edge of the area found the corner and you sensed Milan could score a goal almost at any time from anywhere. Kaka tormented the backline throughout - his early run and cross across the six-yard box almost leading to the opener.

Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher tried to stem the tide but were no match for their counterparts in Milan. Throw in some comical defending from Gabriele Heinze and a suprisingly static display from Nemanja Vidic and United were in for a real battering. One wondes if Vidic was quite ready for the game, seeing as he seemed to prevaricate over every ball. His feerlessness was absent, his fluid enthusiasm for danger while defending replaced by a form of stiffness. United fans may point to the absence of Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Patrice Evra but on this display there is little United's first choice defense could have done. The sight of Massimo Oddo galloping down the right flank and firing in some composed crosses while namesake Ambrosini was an able foil to Gatusso gave an indication of how deep and how well drilled this Milan team was. This was, quite possibly, their best performance of their season. They played a fantastic game from back to front - end to end. And their talismanic evergreen captain Paolo Maldini was absent.

United's away form has been pedestrian in Europe for a while. Their well taken, but lucky, win over a determined Lille was followed by a loss at Roma and now this. Add to that their losses to Celtic and FC Kobenhavn (albeit with a weakened team) in the group stage and the verdict is clear. United have not been great in Europe this season - and generally awful away from home. Strong home form can only take you so far. Like I mentioned in the last round, Carrick's shots from distance won't go in all the time, the space at the front of the box will rarely be sighted again. United's luck has run out - their flaws have derailed an otherwise excellent season.

From what's left, Milan seem to be the best team left and from an attacking standpoint have the edge over Liverpool. After having watched the dour snorefest that was the other semi-final, most neutrals will root for a Milan victory. However I wonder if they can reproduce their form in the final. I doubt Rafa Benitez will let Kaka and Seedorf run wild like they did. Overall Milan are less spectacular but deeper than United, but their 3-0 win here was like United's 7-1 win the round before - amazing but hard to repeat. The final should be a real classic. The last time Liverpool played Milan in the final we all know what happened. The last time Milan played the final in Athens they won 4-0.

Champions' League semi-finals - II

Chelsea - Liverpool

How fitting that around the same time Quentin Tarantino releases his movie called Grindhouse, its literal footballing equivalent will play itself out in the Champions' League. Step up Liverpool and Chelsea.

Chelsea have been in the odd position of not leading this season. Trailing to United all season in the league, they've had to ensure their consistency is maintained under pressure not normally present. This pressure may be finally getting to them. This past weekend was a classic case in point. Having been given a glimmer of hope with Boro's halting of United, Chelsea themselves fired blanks in a misfiring performance at Newcastle. Jose Mourinho may, for once, have a bit of a point about penalties and United, but it did little to deflect criticism from a rather anaemic performance from his men. If they had won they would have been one point behind United. Having squandered their chance, will their sterility carry over to the Champions League ?

Liverpool on the other hand have been clicking into top gear and coming into form. Rafa Benitez's rotation may have resulted in some of their inconsistency in the league but it has been crucial in their run to another Champions' League semifinal. His safety first attitude has been built on a solid defence with a blend of workmanlike and inspirational attackers in front of them. It all works very well in Europe where Liverpool have been very good churning out wins over PSV, Bordeaux, Galatassaray, Barcelona and PSV again. Without being imperious, they've never quite looked beatable. The question though, is, how will they fare against Chelsea, who are a much more powerful version of themselves.

Liverpool prioritise defence over attack, performance over entertainment. Chelsea do all the same and are masters at getting the whole team to play as a unit from the back forwards. Ominously they have added an element of power to their grinding style. The most notable of these powerhouses, Michael Essien will miss the first leg. But in his stead they ever improving Jon Obi Mikel will probably suit up. As good as Jamie Carragher and Dan Agger have been in the heart of defence for Liverpool, Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry have been more impressive. Their last meeting ended in a a comprehensive win for Liverpool, but more tellingly the last time they met at full strength, Chelsea edged it 1 - 0 back in the germinal stages of the season. Herein lies the greatest irony, Liverpool have been Chelsea's best imitators as far as style goes, yet have somehow managed to be better at it. Chelsea crush other opponents better than Liverpool but against Rafa's men get out-defended.

Chelsea played their best game of the season in their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Valencia in the last round. This might prove telling as Liverpool had a virtual walkover PSV in the second leg. Once again Rafa's deployment of Steven Gerrard may be important but Chelsea's ability to shackle Alonso will be crucial. With their first choice central defensive pairing available, Didier Drogba present and Andriy Shevchenko (finally) coming into some form, Chelsea's threat may be more ominous. On the other hand, Peter Crouch may be Liverpool's most potent attacker, his gangly style producing the goods time and again.

I doubt Jermaine Pennant will make much headway against ex-teammate Ashley Cole down the right and with Carvalho a much better defender positionally than Essien, long balls to Crouch and Kuyt will be dealt with efficiently. Chelsea are still moaning, as usual, about Liverpool's goal that knocked them out 2 seasons ago. This tie will be very close, but it should give the moneyed upstarts from Fulham plenty of opportunity for redemption. Chelsea might be favourites, but only by a bit. This is as watertight as they come.

Champions' League semi-finals - I

Manchester United - Milan

Looking at the upcoming semi-finals of the UEFA Champions' League, it's easy to think it's just another round of the Premiership. With 3 teams hailing from there, there is a definitive English club feel to the round.

Limping into the final stretch of the season, with defenders seemingly falling by the wayside every game, Manchester United have had to rely on outstanding performances from the rest of their playing corps to stay in contention for another possible treble. A generous slice of luck by way of refereeing decisions has helped as well. Whereas Michael Carrick's step up from quiet midfield maestro to goalscoring hero has been timely, the lack of penalties awarded to the opposition in their last 2 premiership outings is every bit as significant. The decision (to not award a penalty) at Sheffield United when Gabriel Heinze took out Luton Shelton may have had no outcome on the game but Darren Fletcher's upending of Dong Lee in their latest game against Middlesborough should have denied them even a point. Contrast those two games with their elimination of said same opponents over two legs in the FA Cup. Whereas the penalty given for Jonathan Woodgate's challenge on Ronaldo in the second leg was arguable, the spot-kick awarded for George Boateng's handball in the first leg was farcical. Make no mistake, as good as United have been this season, their treble charge should really have been contention for a league and Champions' League double.

Still, United have shown that their resilience and mental strength is second to none. At this late stage of the season, the machine that Ferguson has had running smoothly all season is well oiled and gelling fantastically. His two biggest matchwinners in Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo are fit and everyone on the team knows how to compensate for the lack of key personnel. They might be missing three of their first choice back four but they are still favourites over their opponents Milan.

If UEFA were stronger they would have prevented Milan from contesting this year's Champions' League. Having been found guilty of cheating domestically and docked points, it beggars belief that they were allowed to compete in Europe. Money, not merit, runs the modern game. One can only hope the dark influence of the G-14 is quelled somewhat by the new maverick that is Michel Platini.

On the football field, away from the politics, Milan have done well. They've never been overpowering and all conquering but have been quiet and steady. Benefiting from not being one the favourites for the title has played into their hands as they have gone about their business with quiet efficiency. A moderate, if tricky, opening group stage was dealt with minimum fuss. in the round of 16, Celtic were edged in true Milanese fashion. This Milan team under Carlo Ancellotti, has a history of doing just enough to progress in the knockout stages in Europe and they did just that against the Scottish team who ran them very close. Since Ancelotti took them to the top prize in 2003, Milan have been the Champions' League's most consistent team. This is their 3rd straight semifinal appearance and their 4th in 5 years. If it weren't for a spectacular comeback from Deportivo in 2004, Milan would have made 5 consecutive semis.

Their previously injured central defensive rock Alessandro Nesta is back and their 2 attacking aces Kaka and Andrea Pirlo are both fit. With Ronaldo chipping in with crucial goals of late and Rino Gattusso still his imperious midfield self, Milan's prospects, despite being underdogs, seem good. If they let United come on to them, Milan's lack of pace at the back will be telling, but if they attack United from the off and create havoc amongst United's makeshift rearguard, the tie will be interestingly poised. United are favorites, but Milan have a few tricks up their sleeves.

United crush Roma, Liverpool ease past PSV

Manchester United 8 - 3 Roma (on aggregate)

Comprehensive wins for Liverpool and Manchester United along with composed performances by Chelsea and Milan have ensured progression for the quartet to the final four.

United's emphatic win at Old Trafford annihilated whatever advantage Roma had built up in the first leg. Now on, Alexander Doni will probably always move a little to his left after he was beaten on that side five times by United. Given that Roma's centre backs forgot all their positioning and were generally calamitous in their marking, the additional two goals will add further pain to the Roma custodian's memories of this encounter.

One was expecting a home win that built on the away goal. When United scored first you sensed that win might be secured with a degree of comfort not previously imagined. However, once Michael Carrick scored off a quite brilliantly taken shot from just outside the area, the floodgates opened and the ensuing deluge all but swept Roma away.

At the end of it all Roma didn't play that badly, United simply played really well. Whereas most of Roma's shots were off target, even their only goal being an optimistic one-timed volley from De Rossi, almost all of United's shots were bang on the money. An eighth goal was narrowly missed when United hit the post.

Ronaldo's running with the ball, Alan Smith's and Wayne Rooney's running off it and United's long passing onto the wings stretched Roma's rearguard every which way. With both Phillipe Mexes and Christian Chivu completely clueless as to where they should stand, whom to mark and which avenue to cut out, it was left to David Pizzaro and Daniele De Rossi to track back and cut the angles and space out. With the latter two more devoted to game upfield and seemingly unable to prevent the ball from being sprayed diagonally sideways and then back in, there was way too much space just in front of the area. Balls crossed in from the flanks were left to fall to United players running in to tap them home. No one was closed down when they found themselves with the ball just outside the box.

Luciano Spaletti is a brave man, going for the jugular in the away leg, yet in retrospect defending deeper and having his twin midfield anchors protect the back four would have seemed saner and safer. Without taking anything away from the comprehensive United performance, you have to say though that most of their strikes were very opportunistic. Basically all of United's attempted shots went in, every flick on found its way to the right place or person and every cross was met at the right time by a a runner with the right amount of space. Not that this should take anything away from the performance but United should remember that days like this, when just about everything goes your way, do not come regularly. Carrick may try more shots from distance in the future and will fancy going for the top right corner more often, but I doubt he will score many more like that. Even Smith must have been astounded at his good fortune when the ball not only found its way to him, after some typically slack defending from Roma, but his first time shot left Doni rooted. For Roma, nothing came off. After a bright start in which they narrowly missed the far post with some long range drives, and other than Francesco Totti's close control and back pass, everything failed. Even Doni's strike was a lucky, first time, volley that I'm sure he doubted would go in. But on a night in which almost every optimistic strike happened to find the back of the net, it duly obliged.

Still, United showed that for all your technique, skill and artistry, the basics of the game, if done well, will serve you immeasurably even on the grandest stage. Their running was dedicated and their passing simple. Other than Ronaldo who threatened to singlehandedly take Roma apart, no one really displayed individual brilliance. But off every attack, there were runners accelerating into avenues and0 balls was always played into space. And whenever United got a chance, they decided to shoot.

On this performance, United should be the most feared team left in Europe. No one will want to visit Old Trafford now.

Liverpool 4 - 0 PSV (on aggregate)

Liverpool had done most of the hard work in the away leg and barring a miracle were set to go through after the home leg. Peter Crouch ensured that his recent purple patch continued and scored the game-winner but there was little really to write home about.

PSV were decimated by injuries themselves and came out to limit the damage. Phillip Cocu and Jefferson Farfan were the only players on the Dutch side who threatened to score a goal. Watching the body language of both teams you sensed PSV knew they had no chance and Liverpool ensured they did just enough to keep PSV at bay.

Jermaine Pennant sparkled on the right wing and his constant harrying of Carlos Salcido will go a long way towards convincing his biggest critics that he indeed does have a future at a top club. If Pennant does go on to win the Champions' League this year, it will be vindication for his supporters after indiscipline and a lack of focus and motivation threatened to derail his early career.

For all his juggling and rotation Rafa Benitez has instilled a defensive solidity to this Liverpool side. Now that they are coming together on the opposite side of the pitch, their play is more balanced and structured. Balls are quickly played out of defence and onto the wings or a runner moving towards the middle. They are clinical without being spectacular and while keeping things simple have managed to add a degree of poise to their style. However their approach often takes time. Against teams with more effort and discipline (read next opponents Chelsea) it may run aground.

Despite their lead, it took debutant Dirk Marcellis' dismissal to finally breach PSV's net. In fact throughout this tie PSV have not tried as hard as they could have (or should have) and the onus has been completely on Liverpool to find a way through. Whereas being 4-0 up on aggregate should have given Liverpool license to attack more freely, Rafa's approach has meant they will simply lock down and grind away till the end. Liverpool may have rested best players in Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher while pacey threat Craig Bellamy may have hobbled off with an injury early, but they should still have won with greater aplomb.

No matter, they are arguably one of the toughest sides to beat in a knockout tie and thoroughly deserved their progression against a very poor PSV. The latter should really question their approach. 4 years ago Deportivo La Coruna lost a first leg 4 - 1 to Milan and then triumphed 4 - 0 in the reverse to go through in the Champions' League. Although a 3 goal win in this fixture was unlikely it was not impossible. The defeatism emanating from the Dutch camp was disgusting and on this performance purely denigrating to the Champions' League. Top competition demands total effort, no matter the situation, the professional approach demands nothing less. How fitting then that there is only one remaining domestic champion left.

Semifinals First Leg Roundup

Milan 2 - 2 Bayern

Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions' League Quarterfinal first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria in the driving seat knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two pricless away goals, the advantage i very much in the German team's favour.

Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they had dominated the proceedings till Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time when a very spurious penalty was given when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing Karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.

The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions' League Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have been able to come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all footballing fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them.

Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions' League, they went behind to Real but hung in with 2 late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed in the home-leg. Oddly, and for Milan, worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.

PSV 0 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool produced a solid, efficient and classy performance to emphatically beat PSV in Eindohoven. PSV's anemic display will cause embarrassment and anger in equal measure across parts of North London, as they folded in juvenile fashion against a rampant Liverpool team. This was definitely a big game for Liverpool and they ensured they put one leg in the semi-final by crushing their opponents on the night. Overall a good week for Liverpool so far. How coincidental that PSV's victims in the earlier round were also the side Liverpool beat one game earlier.

Rafa Benitez''s claim that Liverpool are better this year than they were in 2005 would seem true as they are better placed domestically and have been more consistent on the road. They are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005. How fitting would it be for their new American owners if they are crowned champions of Europe again. Rafa Benitez's policy of rotation is loudly mocked after an away loss but there is clearly a method to his madness.

Sadly for PSV, their season seems to be coming apart. Despite playing as a good solid unit for the better part of the season, it seems the loss of talismanic central defender Alex, has reduced them to a motley crew of journeymen footballers. Are they really a one man team with their strength coming from the back ? It's hard to argue for that notion but the sad truth is that they have been a different side since his injury. This defeat followed a crushing 5-1 defeat domestically to rivals Ajax. Have the wind finally gone out of PSV's sails ? Did they peak too early in that tight win over Arsenal ? The fact of the matter is that Liverpool play a simple direct style and ensure they put their chances away. Clearly they are incapable of mounting a consistent challenge in the Premiership, but since the ascension of their Spanish coach, have become something of Champions' League specialists.

It's hard to see PSV coming back from this - there were simply no positives. Liverpool should be proud. PSV should be ashamed.

Roma 2 - 1 Manchester United

Italian hacks will no doubt play up this win. Roma dominated from start to finish and their win was a small reward for their thoroughly efficient performance. But the away goal will rankle. United fans will point to the lucky deflection for Roma's second goal but deep inside they know that it was every much Roma deserved. And given that United's season have been littered with the odd lucky goal and penalty decision, it would be hard for them to complain. Cue United fans writing in to dispute that claim.

Still they cannot feel too hard done by. Their loss was minimal, given that they played the better part of the game with 10 men. And Wayne Rooney's goal ensured they have an away goal to take back to Old Trafford. As predicted by many United missed Gary Neville and Nemanja Vidic at the back. Roma's convoluted midfield, meanwhile, posed a hydra like threat that was never quite nullified by the Premiership leader's defence. Roma's formation and tactics play off their lead man in Francesco Totti and in Rodrigo Taddei and Mancini, have two players capable of unsettling almost any defence on their day. United's star, Cristiano Ronaldo, was conspicuous by his absence, both during the game and from the deck.

The fact of the matter is that this result, though deserved, cannot be read into too much. United have had a stellar season. Consistent, strong and balanced. Everyone has a bad game or a game in which they are thoroughly outplayed by their opponents. It happens. There is still too much momentum on the United juggernaut for them to be derailed yet. Even a steady 1 - 0 win in the return leg will see them through on away goals. Luciano Spaletti knows this and will guard against complacency from his players. Still, Roma having the lead and United having to attack them on home turf will pose an enticing matchup that the neutrals will be salivating at.

For Roma a job well done. For United a (potentially) minor hiccup. Watch for more mind games from Alex Ferguson as he seeks to unsettle Totti and Roma some more.

Having talked about the result there are two minor points that must be touched upon.

Firstly, this was the second game in which visiting United fans were heckled and engaged. With finger pointing to start and the anti-English backlash being readied by the Italian press, one wonders just how easy it is to rile United supporters. At Lille they protested their innocence and high-handed treatment by the French Police. If there is, indeed, an agenda against traveling United fans, one would have expected them to not get provoked easily. Sometimes actions speak louder than words, in this case stoic silence (as impossible as it would seem), for as long as possible would serve to add ballast to their claims. On this evidence however, they are no better or worse than any other set of ultras.

Secondly, watching Paul Scholes getting dismissed so early for two terrible stone cast fouls, the case of English players getting preferential treatment at home is once again highlighted. It is quite possible that Scholes, and other English players, have escaped similar censure in the premiership where such challenges are often glossed over, especially when the offender is local. With such a nurturing atmosphere of domestic double standards small wonder that the English national team performs so poorly abroad.

Chelsea 1 – 1 Valencia

Ever since Jose Mourinho took over the reins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have become this inevitable unstoppable force. A machine that, more often than not, just keeps on rolling. Whereas the performance have remained mechanical, this season Chelsea have been lucky to be home to a certain Didier Drogba maturing into Europe’s most complete forward. On the other hand, Valencia have made workmanlike performances into an art form. They are a very well drilled unit, balanced, experienced, tactically aware and garnished with the world class skill of David Villa up front.

This match had tactical draw written all over it. And it contained a goal of truly sumptuous quality from David Silva. His strike from the left channel, a good distance outside the box while running with the ball, was truly spectacular. Yet somehow you sensed that inexorably Chelsea would score. That Drogba, their player of the year and marquee star, hit the equalizer, was only fitting.

However, other than those 2 goals though you sensed a certain stalemate brewing. The 2 teams canceled each other out with Valencia’s reactive style matching Chelsea’s safety first approach.

Valencia have been odd this season, equally capable of scaling giddy heights as of plumbing dark depths. They play excellently against top billing but sometimes get caught out and tied up by the lesser lights. However in this, the late stages of Europe’s premier contest, they should have no problem finding top teams to beat. With a precious away goal and masters of away goal progression, Valencia will be heading back to the Mestella feeling pretty confident.

Chelsea have seemed more fallible this season than any other in their short time in the sun under Mourinho. Yet, they seem better placed and more imperious in the Champions’ League this time than ever before. If Jose does leave at the end of the season, this may present Chelsea’s best chance of winning the Champions’ League. Whereas Abramovich’s billions may attract the best managerial talent from across the globe, the poisoned chalice that is his obsession with Europe’s top prize may keep them away. And if Chelsea do fall here, unable to force a favourable result in Spain, Chelsea’s fall back to the mediocrity whence they came may be as meteoric as their rise.

Round of 16 Wrap Up

Then there were 8.

Aggregate Scores:
Valencia 2 - 2 Inter (away goals)
Liverpool 2 - 2 Barcelona (away goals)
Bayern 4 - 4 Real (away goals)
Man U 2 - 0 Lille
Arsenal 1 - 2 PSV
Lyon 0 - 2 Roma
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Milan 1 - 0 Celtic

Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following last night's second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop has been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.

After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to knockout defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.

Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy who regard this as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.

Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Liverpool ended up losing despite dominating an opponent at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they too advanced on away goals. The 2-1 away win priceless for Benitez and his men. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start stop performances have never really convinced.

Lyon, on a slide since the start of the year, ensured they tripped when presented with their best chance of going deep in the draw. After stuttering in Rome they were clinically beaten at home by Roma. Luciano Spaletti got his tactics spot on as he ensured Lyon paid for their defensive mistakes with some efficient finishing from decent chances - Arsenal are you watching yet ? Notoriously inconsistent, Roma ensured they held firm at a crucial stage of their season. Being off form is one thing but questions must be asked of Gerrard Houllier who has taken a championship outfit and made them distinctly midtable. If talismanic midfielder Juninho and attacking presence Florent Malouda leave over the summer, Lyon's era of dominance may be truly over.

Lille out-muscled Manchester United again in a good performance on the field that doesn't deserve their childish behavior off of it. United, though have ensured this season that they take points from games despite their performance on it. They deserved their win in the tie but were run very close by Lille. The benefit of experience in your side is the presence of mind they bring when the going gets tough. Witness Giggs' smartly taken free kick in the first leg and Larsson's composed strike here. Lille have done themselves proud on the field but have let themselves down off of it. United, on the other hand, have shown that grinding out wins is not below them if the situation demands it.

Chelsea, on the other hand are the epitome of grinding out wins. Of all people, passenger of the year, Michael Ballack scored the winner after Arjen Robben drew Chelsea level. Ricardo Quaresma had scored the opener to give Porto an early lead both in the game and tie. Chelsea have come back strongly and their resilience in the Champions' League is to be admired. Jose Mourinho may claim that he is unperturbed by events on the pitch vis-a-vis his future but make no mistake - he wants to leave with Europe's top prize his, once again.

Celtic took 2003 winners Milan all the way before Kaka finally made sure one of Milan's astonishing 38 shots finally went in. Throughout the match Milan thrust but Celtic parried. Having played better in the home leg, Celtic were always up against it in Milan but they kept their more illustrious opponents at bay for almost 120 minutes. In the end it was only a moment of brilliance from one of Milan's stars that separated the two sides. That's all.

I was extremely skeptical of the fare that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would serve up but they proved me wrong as they ensured their tie was the most absorbing. Real won the first leg 3-2 but then Bayern triumphed 2-1 in the second to go though on away goals - the third team to do so in the round. 8 goals all round with even a scuffle thrown in. Bayern's favorite midfield nuisance Mark Van Bommel tussling with Real's new nuisance - Mahamaddou Diarra. Both promptly got sent off.

Finally, Arsenal ensured that once again, they would end their Champions' League campaign earlier than it should have with a classic combination of defensive lapses and offensive impotency. Few teams in the last decade would have lost this tie to PSV having created the number of chances Arsenal did. Results have rarely mirrored performance for Arsenal and this season that discrepancy has reached an all time gap. PSV, soldiered on without doing anything special, 3 real shots on goal in 120 minutes and they go into the draw for the last eight.

Stat Wrap Up.
There are no representatives from Group G (Porto, Arsenal) and Group E (Real, Lyon) left while Group C (Liverpool, PSV) and Group D (Valencia, Roma) still have both their representatives going strong. In the 16 games, 3 were scoreless, a further 5 were 1-0 affairs and only 2 games featured more than 3 goals. Chelsea, Bayern and PSV are the only domestic champions left. 3 ties were decided on away goals. Milan, Roma and Manchester United did not concede a goal. Meanwhile Lille, Lyon and Arsenal didn't have a single goalscorer in their ranks this round. Inter went out despite not losing. 29 goals were scored in 16 games - less than 2 a game - 8 of them came in the Real-Bayern tie. Arsenal and Lyon are the only group winners who didn't make it.

Goal of the round:
Mancini's 'step'over Lyon.

Team of the round over both legs:
4-4-1-1
Gomes; Riise, Albiol, Lucio, Carragher; Silva, Deco, Cambiasso, Robben; Totti; Raul

Gracious Loser: Gerrard Houllier - he knows when he's truly beaten.

Stupid Comment: Jamie "Best night in Europe" Carragher. What about that win over Milan 2 years ago ? Stick to letting your football do the talking Carra.

Moron Award: David Navarro

Special mention for consistent Dejavu: Arsenal. Stick. ball. in. net.

Do-nothing-but-still-notch-2-goals award: Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Scrappy to the very end.

Chelsea hold off Porto, Roma and Lyon hold hands

Round of 16 - First Legs IV

Again - Mourinho at the Dragao, Lampard off a deflection.
Porto 1 - 1 Chelsea

For me the first name on the team sheet for Porto, is a healthy Lucho Gonzalez. For others it might be winger Ricardo Quaresma (he'd be second for me). For Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira, you suspect, the first 2 players are central defenders Pepe and Bruno Alves. Throughout this season, whether in Europe or domestically, the duo at the heart of the Porto defence have been pillars at the back. Unheralded outside Portugal, and probably largely unheard of and unseen among fans of the bigger, more popular leagues, they are arguably one of Europe's premier central defensive combinations. Thanks to their efforts Porto have kept 3 clean sheets in the group stage of the Champions' League, and 10 clean sheets (in only 18 games) while conceding just 10 goals in the Campeonato.

Unfortunately, Andriy Shevchenko, seemed to have picked this game to remind everyone that he is indeed (still) a world class striker. Whereas, normally, one would expect Porto to shut up shop after Raul Meireles' opener (deliciously, deflecting off Frank Lampard of all people) and rally around their two defensive lynchpins; they were quickly pegged back by the Ukrainian striker within minutes of taking the lead, and so had to abandon those plans. Thereafter, there was a refreshing look to the game as both sides seemed intent on attacking and scoring. Chelsea were second best for large parts of this game. Michael Ballack was notably anonymous yet again, picking up a yellow card in another mediocre performance. Porto really should have made the Londoners pay for their lapses at the back (Makalele seemed to be a little off), especially once defensive talisman Terry had to go off.

If Mourinho had taught Porto how to defend their way to titles, then this return to his launching pad, was crucial in being a refresher course on how to attack. Interestingly, rather than advocating a defensive approach, Mourinho responded to the gauntlet being thrown down by Ferreira, by going on the attack himself. Predictably, Arjen Robben was thrown on once Terry had to leave and Porto had taken the lead. Fittingly, he was decisive in securing the equalizer. Rather less exciting was Robben himself going off for the dire Jon Obi Mikel within half an hour of coming on.

Porto had more chances, Chelsea counterpunched, the game ebbed and flowed as both teams seemed to enjoy the space afforded by the other. On the left Ricardo Quaresma was in imperious form, coming close to snatching back the lead twice - first off a free kick, Petr Cech needing two tries to collect, and then hitting the bar.

However, rather than going for the jugular, Porto decided to throw in the towel and opt for a more defensive approach 10 minutes into the second half with Marek Cech coming on for goalscorer Raul Meireles. This allowed Chelsea to slowly impose themselves and Frank Lampard and Drogba both had shots on target. I wonder, if you're doing well while attacking at home, why change that ? Was Ferreira afraid of conceding another goal off a counterattack ? Why not try and score one yourself - which I feel would have happened had Porto not abandoned their initial approach.

At the end a fair result, better for Chelsea in getting the away goal while not losing. Ominously, Chelsea's tacklers mostly picked up yellow cards - Essien, Makalele and Ballack.

Olimpico No Show
Roma 0 - 0 Lyon

So this was supposed to be one of the most exciting games of this round. I feel silly in making such a prediction and disappointed in it not coming true. This was supposed to be 2 attack minded teams filled with accomplished and entertaining players orchestrating brilliance in a spontaneously choreographed foot-ballet. Francesco Totti, Juninho Pernambucano, Florent Malouda, Rodrigo Taddei, Alessandro Mancini, Sidney Govou - more than enough firepower capable of turning a match on its head. Like a teenager's first dalliance between the bed sheets - this promised so much but delivered so little. If you told me that the Porto - Chelsea game would finish 0-0 with 11 yellow cards - I'd have believed you. Not this game though, it promised more sparks and came loaded with more firecrackers. Looking at Lyon's left side line up - Abidal, Juninho and Malouda - one can conclude that they surely are one of the best left sided teams in Europe. Meanwhile Totti is enjoying an Indian summer and is running away with the scoring title in Serie A.

Of course having the game constantly interrupted by that doyen of refereeing, Mike Riley, did not help. Still, with so many free kicks being taken, one would have expected a peach of a delivery from either Juninho or Totti. For their 16 shots on goal, only 5 were on target for Lyon and crucially, none went in. They edged the game overall and had a real period of dominance around the middle of the match but could not find a way to score. Govou and Juninho were both just off while Alexander Doni ensured Malouda's shot was caught - eventually. Other than Totti and Stefano Perrotta no one else from Roma really seemed up for the game - perhaps still suffering the hangover from the weekend defeat in Serie A. Lyon for their part were just a little jaded from their come-from-behind win over Lille in Ligue 1. As United found out - overcoming the muscular Lille is not easy task.

It's so hard to talk about a game in which the talking point was the lack of action and the flurry of cautions. One can only hope that the return leg delivers more.

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Post Script

Over all the Champions League first legs have been a downer. Five of the games yielded just four goals - a combination of caution, defensive tactics, a loss of form and a lack of fluency contributing to more busts than one would have liked. On the other hand, several away teams emerged with credit - none more so than the English duo of Manchester United an Liverpool who both recorded away wins - the latter impressively so. Valencia beat Inter at its own game and notched 2 away goals in a draw. Chelsea left Porto with a precious away goal but without their captain and defensive anchor. Arsenal, Lyon and Roma all failed to rise to the occasion; while other than David Villa's free kick and Edison Mendez's goal- there was little to write home about.

Finally, I may be wrong here, but I think Lille's Tony Sylva is the first African goalkeeper to feature in the knockout stages of the Champions' League.

The bigs boys have felt each other out - they'll be going for each others' throats next time round.

Celtic and Milan Bore, Man U spill Lille

Round of 16 - First legs III

Much Oddo about nothing
Celtic 0 - 0 Milan

The return of Rino Gattuso to Glasgow could scarcely have been more underwhelming.

A dire 0-0 draw that Milan may have edged but Celtic had the better chances. Nakamura's vicious swinging free kick, cleared by Zeljko Kalac at the near post, was arguably the pick of the bunch. Celtic came at Milan hard, knowing full well the value of the home tie. 3 times this season in the Champions' League, they have won at home and lost away. Having drawn here, and kept Milan off the score sheet, one wonders if they can travel to Italy and get the result they need. A win would be nice, failing which a scoring draw would do quite well.

Despite the performance, Gordon Strachan may be privately fearing that his side have lost their chance, having failed to hit the back off the net against a Milan side that has been underachieving this season and was reeling with injuries for their visit. Personally, I think Milan is ripe for the taking, lame at the back, lethargic at the front, only potent in the middle. In my opinion they should not have been let back into the Champions' League, despite finishing 4th after the points deduction the season before. But the power brokers of the club ensured that UEFA would be pressured into letting them back in and the latter saw fit to include a tainted team in it's competition. Their participation may continue for atleast another match but if they were to go on and win the title - it would reflect badly on the state of UEFA on the whole.

I'll take blatant dives for 400. Since Milan can't seem to score against decent opposition, it seems they have resorted to conning their way into the score books. It's evil enough to dive, it's criminally stupid to do what Alberto Gilardino did - choosing to crumple a full meter away from the nearest Celtic player and a full 2 seconds after the he had lost the ball. In that moment Milan displayed the sheer desperation that churns inside, they knew that they needed something extra to break Celtic - but instead of conjuring up magic like the great Milan sides of old - they chose to resort to devilry.

In retrospect, not starting Alessandro Costacurta and Cafu was wise by Carlo Ancelotti, knowing full well the lack of pace that would be exploited by Kenny Miller, Jan Vennegoor(of Hesselink) and Aiden Mcgeady. Having Kakha Kaladze, Milan's most consistent defender this season, shore up the backline with the ageless, but slow Paolo Maldini, made sense. With Massimo Oddo playing deeper than Cafu would at right back - Celtic's threat down that side was minimised. Additionally not having enough strikers, fit, available or otherwise, played into Milan's hands as it allowed them to deploy both Massimo Ambrosini and Gattuso in midfield while Kaka roamed upfield and Yohan Gourcouff sped down the right. It's a pity then that their strike force was as blunt and useless as Gilardino was on the day. It's always seemed that Gilardino is an unlucky striker, somehow unable to find the back of the net now matter how her tries - one hopes he doesn't add cheating to his list of options.

For Celtic, Evander Sno and Neil Lennon put in typically hardworking shifts in the middle of the park, the latter departing before destroyer in chief, Thomas Gravesen, arrived to kill any semblance of a chance that Milan may have had. For all their possession Celtic could only manage a handful of shots on goal - home advantage resulting in a performance that was more whimper than roar. Vennegoor and Miller should have done better when they sighted goal - but now have to repeat it on away soil. Celtic are notoriously poor travelers in Europe this season.

Entertaining after the first leg, both sides have it all to play for. Celtic need to be more creative and Milan more clinical when they meet again in a week's time.

All is not black and white.
Lille 0 - 1 Manchester United

Lille may have a point but have acted like novices.

No matter what happens - you cannot walk off the pitch. Displaying the mental fortitude of a 6 year old who's been pushed off his favorite playground slide, Lille walked off the pitch after Manchester United scored off a free kick. They may claim that quick free kicks are not allowed in France. Lille may claim that they were not ready or that they had not heard/seen/caught on to the fact that the referee had allowed a quick free kick. Nonetheless they have backed themselves into a corner by choosing to take matters into their own hands and trying to call the tie off. Whatever the rules in France, it does not matter, this is the Champions' League. And it's all a pity really, since Lille played rather well.

Lille took the game to their opponents and really had a go. Manchester United may be rolling over opponents domestically, but they once again they came unstuck against a team who were not afraid to play at them and attack United from the off. Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced shortly after an hour. Him, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, Henrik Larsson and Ryan Giggs, as attacking a quintet as you will ever find, were restricted to one measly shot in the first half. Lille are a defensive, muscular team to being with, but United are supposed to be this unstoppable juggernaut of attacking football. They were generally outplayed by the plucky French outfit.

Thereafter, Lille tried to go for the jugular as it strove to impose its advantage on United but both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand held firm. Matthieu Bodmer, Lille main offensive fulcrum, came closest with two shots after the break but in general there was little to suggest that the deadlock would be broken. Bodmer's linkup play with the equally impressive Nicolas Fauverge was very good and should give Lille lots of heart for the return leg. Peter Odemwingie headed home but thanks to a gentle nudge in the back of an already flailing Vidic, the goal was correctly ruled out. Odemwingie should have realised that he would have headed the ball in anyway and need not have pushed the defender. Yet, sometimes enthusiasm overshadows endeavour and his push was really quite silly and totally unnecessary. The referee's call was correct but one wonders if he would have been as particular if the roles were reversed. It's a well known fact that United, like many big clubs, get better calls than their smaller counterparts. Would United have taken it in their stride if a goal was chalked off for a minor infraction and then they were sucker-punched by a quick free kick ?

If you look closely at the replay, there seems to be an exchange between, Giggs, Rooney and the referee - albeit very hurried. In what seemed to be a carefully rehearsed move, Rooney placed the ball swiftly but quickly and Giggs took a shot - deliberately aimed for the corner away from Sylva. Lille were not aware of what was happening and were caught cold. Yes it was unfair but it was legal. They have reason to feel robbed - but walking off and sulking in the corner is no way to even things out. One remembers a Champions' League tie between United and Lyon several years ago. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored a hat trick of goals from offside positions. Despite the officiating, Lyon stuck to their task manfully and never gave up - or walked off.

Lille should regroup and grow up. This is a good team with a solid core. The next time they walk off they should try to do so as winners.

Inter slip against Valencia, Liverpool stun Barcelona

Round of 16 - First legs II

Rafa Rumbles the Nou Camp
Barcelona 1 - 2 Liverpool

If this game is any indication, managers everywhere should order up copies of Fight Club and sign up for the bulk plan from PING. Throw out the training videos, what your team needs is some Karaoke fuelled drunken aggression and a handy supply of golf clubs. Craig Bellamy and John Riise as a pair, do not even remotely resemble Edward Norton and Brad Pitt but on this performance it's safe to say both find random violence equally therapeutic.

What a turnaround for a club seemingly troubled and unable to find the away day consistency required to mount a creditable challenge in the league. Lesser teams may have folded after conceding an early goal at the Nou Camp but Liverpool battled back to draw level and then take the lead and win. How fitting that the two miscreants in Portugal - Bellamy and Riise made up by matching each other on the scoresheet. If only every club could have its players take out their violent competitiveness on the opposing team.

Is Frank Riijkard losing the plot ? Most managers would have dealt with Samuel Eto'o's selfish attitude on the weekend with a more direct disciplinary approach. Teams don't pay players to play when they feel like - it's a player's responsibility as a professional to turn out whenever fit and required whether it's for 92 minutes or just 2. As disgusting and pathetic as Eto'o's remonstration, justification and follow up make up was - it was only matched by Riijkard's effete resolution of the affair before belatedly leaving Eto'o out of the squad for this match.

Perhaps starting Andres Iniesta in place of Thiago Motta and pushing Xavi further back to protect the back four would have given Barcelona more balance and attacking bite - then again perhaps playing only 2 forwards instead of 3 may have left Barcelona less threadbare in the middle of the park. In actual events Liverpool controlled the midfield while no one could deal with Bellamy's pace down the left. The Catalan club had more attempts on goal but the crucial ones were by Liverpool and more importantly resulted in goals. The best player on the pitch may have been Deco but the best team was definitely Liverpool. The training pitch pictures were a tad artificial but the teamwork on display here was real.

Momo Sissoko's return to the Champions' League lineup was a welcome return as it allowed Benitez to give his other midfielders license to rampage forward. After the first 20 odd minutes, when Barcelona were rampant, they slowly relinquished their dominance and Liverpool increasingly came into the game. Javier Saviola's miss when he went past Carragher was the turning point. Professional would be a fair description as Liverpool took their chances while Barcelona missed theirs. Deco tried all he could but everywhere around him a lack of creative focus seemed to blunt all of Barcelona's intentions. It was telling that Liverpool scored their second goal of a rebound, Bellamy passing back across goal for Riise, but when presented with his best chance off a rebound, Lionel Messi had his deflected over.

Barcelona have to go to Anfield and win by 2 goals. With games against Sevilla and Real on the horizon as well, Rijkaard's end may be nigh.


Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object
Inter 2 - 2 Valencia

It baffles me beyond sanity why and how Inter insist on making things hard for themselves again and again. It amazes me how incredible Valencia are at ensuring you can never write them off. Keeping in theme with Brad Pitt's movies; In Guy Ritchie's movie Snatch (2001) starring Pitt, there is a crucial scene where a massive hired goon goes one on one in a fistfight with a much smaller and skinnier Pitt. The larger man repeatedly batters the hollywood heartthrob with a series of crushing uppercuts and hooks. Each time Pitt gets up. Eventually, Pitt takes his chance and socks the giant.. and fells him.

For giant read Inter - for Pitt say hello to Valencia.

For the opening and better part of the match Inter slaughtered Valencia. Storming forward, irrepressible and focussed it seemed a miracle if Valencia escaped a hiding. Inter promptly took the lead and continued pressing. They hit and missed posts, poured forward in numbers. Santiago Canizares was kept busy, Roberto Ayala and Raul Albiol were undersiege more than they have been this season. Yet, you sensed somehow, Valencia were not out of it. Slowly they held firm, rode their luck to a certain extent (One wonders what would have happened if Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header against the post had gone in). Inter dominated this match but failed to capitalise on their superiority - they may live to regret this.

I wrote earlier on about how this may be the plum tie of the round of 16 in the Champions' League - more importantly, this was Inter's acid test in Europe. The prognosis so far ? They're still a bit off the pace. No doubt battering a slightly substandard Serie A week in week out has added a touch of complacency while lowering the performace levels of Europe's best stocked squad. To be the best you must play agains the best. Valencia, on the other hand, play in the toughest league in Europe, having to play week after week against a variety of balanced, tricky opponents. This gulf in experience paid off for the Spanish team as they came back and evened out the tie.

David Villa is more than just a sumptuous striker, as he creates so many chances for his team mates in addition to scoring goals. His free kick here was unstoppable, displaying a potency from set-piece as well as open play. Julio Cesar stood no chance and suddenly, Valencia had stopped a rampant Inter team in its tracks. You feared for Inter, them of the fragile mental state at times. Yet Inter continued where they had left off and bulldozed forward - aptly Maicon teamed up with Julio Cruz to slot home Inter's second. You felt that's it, Inter had held on. Surely Valencia were done. But no. With virtually the last play of the game, David Silva, volleyed a cleared corner into the goal. Inter were stunned, Valencia ecstatic.

The coaches both played interesting starting lineups - Roberto Mancini should have deployed Olivier Dacourt instead of Luis Figo at the start. Later on as Dejan Stankovic seemed to have run out of steam, he should have brought Figo on. Similarly, Hugo Viana would have done better in midfield than Carlos Marchena. More natural in that position he would be a better foil for dogged ball retriever David Albelda. The introduction of both into the respective lineups - in Dacourt's case earlier than Mancini would have liked, was perhaps an indication that both coaches had gotten their opening balance a tad bit wrong.

Inter may have lost the advantage but Valencia has surely captured the impetus in this tie. Away goals are crucial in the knockout round - having a brace is priceless - especially against Inter. Conquering armies have been broken by a stubborn last stand - Inter's season hangs in the balance. Inter have it all to do now - the Mestella awaits.

PSV edge Arsenal, Real outslug Bayern - Round of 16 Tuesday I

Round of 16 - First Legs I

Remarkably Unremarkable

PSV 1 - 0 Arsenal

Arsenal's insistence on doing things the hard way was highlighted yet again as they picked a rather inopportune time to slip to their first defeat of 2007. Despite marginally outshooting their Dutch opponents overall and arguably dominating the first half they left the Philipstadion nursing a 1-0 defeat. PSV, missing half their top striking partnership in the form of an injured Jefferson Farfan, made the most of their opportunities and sealed a good win over their opponents from London. Despite leading the Eredivisie there has been a lack of imperious authority about PSV's performances since the start of the new year. This win should serve as a filip for reigniting the dominance that saw them soar in 2006 and race to a handy lead in the race for domestic honours.

On a day when their attack was a little disjointed, their talismanic rearguard came through with flying colours. Brazilians Gomes, in goal, and centre-half Alex, gave a clinic on positioning and snuffing out attacking threats as they ensured Arsenal's attack kept another clean sheet. Gomes' close range stop from Thierry Henry's turn and shot was crucial in setting the tone of the contest and he ensured that no one and nothing got past him. On the one occasion that Tomas Rosicky's shot eluded him, Carlos Salcido cleared off the line. In a nutshell that summed up the performance for Arsenal. Ronald Koeman managed to get an off colour PSV team to perform much better than the sum of it's parts. PSV might not dazzle and destroy but can make the odd period of dominance pay off in spectacular fashion. A quality oddly lacking in their opponents on the day.

Admittedly the game was unremarkable and Edison Mendez's strike, from 25 yards out, was comfortably the pick of the day's goals. Yet if Arsenal's season extinguishes itself in the next 2 weeks, games like this will surely serve to highlight their weaknesses. Their complete lack of consistent attacking inventiveness around the box has come back to haunt them time and again yet there seems to end in sight. Against Blackburn one could argue that a wall of 7 defenders around the 6 yard box made things very hard. But PSV offer more optimistic fare and there was plenty of space for Arsenal to push through. Yet the space around the backline was wasted and there was a worrying lack of urgency to the proceedings.

Emmanuel Adebayor, strangely off-colour, was left on for the whole game when a more enterprising approach would surely have replaced him with Jeremie Aliaderie from the bench. In the event Wenger resorted to throwing on the clumsy Julio Baptista who only served to confirm that his future lies away from the Gunners. Thierry Henry's morbid mercurialness plumbed new depths as he seemed to give up and not care once his first 2 shots didn't go in. His pathetic claims of being hit in the face when he was pushed was matched only by his general apathy to the cause. Wenger needs to take a stand. For every game that Henry plays brilliantly, there follows a spate in which he's unremarkably rubbish. This is not captaincy material.

One only look at Timmy Simons's game to see how far hard work and grit gets you when the chips don't fall your way. Along with a seemingly evergreen Phillip Cocu, they managed to keep a much more gifted Arsenal midfield at bay the whole game. With Salcido and Manuel Da Costa putting in solid shifts at the the back, PSV strove to ensure that when they were in the ascendancy, for the first part of the second half, they got results. Crucially, Mendez's arrival for Aruna Kone's layoff, was a couple of yards away from Gilberto. Positioning was the defining aspect of this tie.

Still, this tie is far from over, Arsenal can easily overcome this deficit at home - but they have to be wary of conceding away goals off counter-attacks despite dominating - the hallmark of their season so far. Arsenal will be wary of a repeat of their elimination at the hands of Valencia in 2001 - on away goals despite winning 2-1 at home (albeit in the first leg). And Farfan should be back - PSV will look to seal the deal.

There's life in this corpse yet
Real 3 - 2 Bayern

It is decidedly ironic that the 2 worst teams remaining in the draw should serve up the best game of the round. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have won the competition 13 times between them but are outside bets for this year's title. Both are in need of new personnel, retooling and a fresh approach. Whereas Bayern have already replaced their coach, rumous emanating from the Bernebeu suggested that Real were about to do the same.

In the event, both teams got down to play some serious ball and served up a trully thrilling contest. Raul's opener came from the sweetest move of the night as a through ball from Ruud van Nistelrooy (of all people) found Raul beyond Bayern's creaking backline. The latter's finish was clinical more than clean and for the upteenth time this season, Bayern had been opened up by some clever pacy passing. Daniel van Buyten's lack of positional sense (or lack thereof) and unease against pace has surely come to signify his possible departure from the Bayern starting XI once a genuine contender emerges.

Lucio on the other hand is a hard working defender who, for all his limited ability, never has a really rank game. His arrival to meet Willy Sagnol's free kick, unmarked was completed with the easy header into Real's net for the equalizer. One felt Real were ripe for the taking. However, David Beckham of all people ensured that Real had plenty left in the tank. 2 set piece plays - one a corner and the other a free kick - found Raul and van Nistelrooy respectively. 2 scrappy finishes later Real were leading 3 - 1. If Gonzalo Higuain had converted after being sent clear by Beckham, Real may have sealed the game early in the second half. In the event, Higuain missed, got substituted and Fabio Capello lost his nerve. Not happy with having brought on the defensive midfielder Michael Salgado for Higuain, he then took wingback Roberto Carlos off for a pure defender in Raul Bravo. Carlos had earlier taken out Owen Hargreaves, who suffered another ankle injury - Manchester United will watch developments closely no doubt.

Eventually, Bayern came back strongly, Van Bommel's shot from outside the box, eluding Casillas, was the least they deserved. The jury may still be out on Gonzalo Higuain but I've made up my mind - he's not that good. In time he may become an above average forward in Spain but at present he's out of his depth. For Bayern, Lukas Podolski and Roy Makaay were typically anaemic for the upteenth time this season. Claudio Pizarro, who came on for the former, shone briefly but did little to convince that he can carry Bayern's attack. Unable to work themselves into games, Bayern's attacking corps need to be euthanised sooner than later. Bastian Schweinsteiger was notably anonymous, hounded throughout by Fernando Gago, who was preferred to the diabolical Emerson, in the Real backfield. Whereas his contribution outshone his compatriot Higuain's, Bayern will not be quaking in their boots for the return leg. For Real it is a damning indictment of their lack of personnel that Beckham, who leaves at the end of the season, was their attacking fulcrum.

Even though Real won, the 3-2 scoreline would, at best, be described as pyrrhic. In a week's time they return to Bavaria.

Round of 16 beckons II

The Calm before the Storm - Part 2 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional healthy strikeforce. All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.

A little wobbly

Liverpool
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses over all. In 2 cup ties: 2 home losses.

While sailing along smoothly in the league, Liverpool's showing in cup play have been worrying. Although some of those defeats can be attributed to the surely departing Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool's positioning and closing down of opposing players was poor. The talisman that is Steven Gerrard may play out the rest of the season the middle but his performances are increasingly hit or miss - terrific when on song, rubbish when not. Surely carrying an entire team on his shoulders is beginning to take it's toll.

Benitez will no doubt refocus and motivate them for the game against Barcelona - especially with the Catalan's looking a little leaden footed themselves, but Liverpool lack few matchwinners if the team as a whole is playing badly.

Lyon
3 wins 1 draw 4 losses overall . 4 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away loss 2 away wins.

I would never have thought Lyon would lose back to back matches all season, leave alone being winless in 5 in all competitions. I wouldn't write them off yet, as their collective talent, skill and experience still makes them formidable, but they do look to be reeling. Add in the fact that they replaced John Carew, whom I rate as bruising, crushing, centre forward with a rather ropey Milan Baros (goal on debut notwithstanding). Lyon's style is fast, fluid and direct. Although Baros would fit in perfectly in that style, he will need some time to gel and is still short on form. Carew however represented a different approach which could have served Lyon well if things were to ever get tight. Especially since they're still a little short on strikers.

They did notch up 2 away wins though, albeit against lower level opposition. Still, Lyon need to get a few solid wins under their belt before they meet Roma.

PSV
2 wins 2 losses overall. In 1 cup tie: 1 home win.

Think Lyon, but on a smaller scale and in Holland. PSV are still clear the top in Eredivisie but they're lead is down to 5 points and have split their 4 games. It could just be start of the year jitters coupled with the fact that they have one eye on their tie against Arsenal. Then again, AZ Alkmaar did play play but PSV were at home. The game before they were comprehensively beaten at Roda. So something's definitely up, since upto this point PSV had won 18 out of 21 with only 1 loss.

Milan
3 wins 2 draws 2 losses overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away losses.

Milan have never quite shaken off the sloth permanently all season. It seems Kaka and Pirlo are encases in this sludgy ether that prevents them from breaking free. They are mired in midtable and came unstuck in their first real test in the Coppa Italia, losing to Roma. Judging by the distance that separates them from Inter, one would have felt Milan's best chances of silverware this season would have been the Cup. Losses at Arezzo and Roma put paid that dream however and surely Ancellotti must be nervily loooking over his shoulder whenever he sees Galliani.

When teams are a little static and seem to be going through the motions without getting tangible results, common sense dictates getting a player that can turn things around and fire them up. Not at Milan though, who acquired Ronaldo, thereby ensuring that they will stay mired in the mud, both metaphorically, and judging by Ronaldo's physique, literally.

Barcelona
4 wins 3 draws 2 losses overall. In 3 cup ties: 1 home win 1 away win 1 home loss.

Being defending champions and one of the best teams in Europe has it's own set of expectations. Barcelona has not met those, ridiculously high they may be. Getafe and Espanyol first showed them to be a little impotent up front while Osasuna and Zaragoza have ensured the Catalans have gone 2 complete matches without scoring. Despite Saviola's impressive return, and Iniesta's consistent performances, Barcelona are in a slumber and need to wake up.

If the desire in Rijkaard's fist when he punched out of a glass panel during their defeat at Espanyol, could be channelled into his team, Liverpool are doomed. On current form however, Liverpool look primed for an upset.

Porto
1 win 2 losses overall. In 1 Cup tie: 1 home loss.

Hard to spot much of a trend here since they've only played 4 times. I will say this. Losing at home twice in both games since the start of the year is not the perfect tonic for a long continental run. Getting knocked out of the Cup and then losing at home to lower-midtable Estrela Amadora (gotta love the way that rolls off the tongue though) would certainly have given coach Ferreira a few worries. The integration of Argentine defender Lucas Mareque and Colombian striker Wason Renteria needs to be completed soon as well.

They still have a few games before meeting Chelsea but the gulf in class seems to have widened since 2007 started.

Wheels coming off ?

Real Madrid
2 wins 2 draws 3 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home draw 1 away draw (lost on away goals).

When purporting (however self-proclaimed) to be the world's biggest club one one expects a certain amount of class to emanate from the so ordained. Real possess none. With the death of the Galactico culture, they have ensureed that they now possess a team that is neither very good and not even marketable anymore. Their behavior after being second choice to the MLS was more worthy of 7 year old playground pup whose been told to get off the swings than a global giant about to embark on a winning run in the Champions' League.

Turns out they're pretty rubbish in the league too. Acquiring the two Argentines Higuain and Gago may pay off in the future but at the moment they are still too raw. Raul and Ruud look rustier than usual and their pathetic return of 2 goals in 7 games since the new year won't send shivers down anyone's spine - even in the MLS.

Bayern Munich
1 draw 2 losses overall. No cup ties.

Which brings us, finally, to that other moribund excuse for an erstwhile continental giant - Bayern Munchen. How far have the mighty fallen. The truth is, they've been slowly rotting in the Champions' League for a few seasons but only now has their disease become terminal. Ironically, the only team that may be worse off then them are their opponents, David Beckham's Real.

Bayern are off the pace in the Bundesliga and their style of play is being prescribed for insomniacs from Bavaria to Bremen. The latter, may not need them anymore, judging by the daylight opening up between their team and Bayern.

Tragically, one of these 2 will live to go into the hat for the quarterfinals, whereas elsewhere 2 of Lyon, Roma, PSV and Arsenal will go home.

Round of 16 beckons I

The Calm before the Storm - Part 1 of 2.

We're in the final home stretch leading up to the first legs of the knockout round, here's a look at where all the various contestants stand. The engines are revving in the pit lane and we're about to embark on the warm up lap - the last few matches before they square off Feb 20/21. Who's hot, who's not and who's still looking for a working clutch pedal - or in Lyon's case a functional, healthy strikeforce. (All stats since the new year and accurate upto Friday Feb 9 2007.)

Running Smooth:

INTER
6 wins 1 draw overall. In 4 cup ties: 1 home win 1 home draw 2 away wins.

It seems the only thing preventing Inter from officially claiming the Serie A title is the suspension of the domestic championship. Luckily for Inter the Champions' League is more resilient to fan violence and considerably better supported financially. If the only worries for Roberto Mancini come matchday is whom to omit from the bench, he'll be content. Keeping this squad motivated, hungry and focussed is trickier than it may seem.. especially when you consider that one of Europe's other form teams, Valencia, pose their hardest test this year in the round of 16.

VALENCIA
4 wins 1 draw 2 losses overall. In 2 cup ties: 1 home loss 1 away draw.

Whereas the minor blip in the league against Betis can be put down to an away day blue (not so rare) in the notoriously cut-throat Primera Liga, more worrying for Quique Flores will be the elimination at the hands of Getafe. Madrid's third team is one of the tightest defensive units in the league and more akin to Inter than anyone else Valencia will meet this season. The prognosis was not good. The Kings' Cup may not rank high on Valencia's list or priorities this season but the Champions' League surely does, anything less than 100% against Inter and their continental adventure could be over by the first week of March.

CHELSEA
7 wins 2 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 3 home wins 1 away draw.

The sludge in the engine remains, some may say in the bulky frame of Ballack. Their wins have been barely functional and hardly imperious - but they've still been victories - and the hallmark of a good team is the ability to grind out a win even when not on song. Chelsea have regressed in the year since they last got knocked out by Barcelona, but they still pose a potent threat to anyone left in the draw. Now, they've gotten their defence back, as a bonus, Ballack has been injured in an International friendly. If only we could all lose dead weight from the middle that easily.

MANCHESTER UNITED
5 wins 1 draw 1 loss overall. In 2 cup ties: 2 homes wins.

They are the form team of the Premiership at the moment - churning out victories with refreshing and often ridiculous ease. Larsson's acquisition have given them further depth up front and Saha's return will boost them further. Their team is firing on all cylinders and all parts seem to be gelling at just the right time - from Vidic at the back to Ronaldo and Giggs on the wings.

Ferguson's only worry will be United's lack of cutting edge against teams who are not afraid of playing at them. Their defeat at Arsenal was comprehensive and for the first half hour against Spurs they were definitely outplayed. Whereas teams in the Premiership often surrender after conceding the first goal to United, their opponents in Europe will show more fight and gumption - and none more so than Lille who they face first up. The away leg of a cup tie should prove an acid test of their credentials.

Having said that though, few managers would pass on trading up with Alex Ferguson right now.

LILLE
4 wins 2 draws 1 loss overall. In 3 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 away loss.

The only team besides Arsenal and Inter who have managed multiple away wins in cup ties this calendar year - a very good statistic to have. The significance of an away win cannot be overstated enough. Cup ties on enemy turf are the most intimidating matches a team can face during a season - winning then are arguably the most impressive of the a team's season.

Lille seem to care little for reputation and will plunge themselves into any tie with relish and zest. Like a pack of young huskies who know no fear, Lille's physical approach will ruffle more than it's fair share of feathers. The injury to Mathieu Bodmer however could prove to be a serious setback - one hopes he can return in time for United. He, more than anyone symbolises the all action style of Lille.

CELTIC
6 wins overall. In 2 cup ties. 1 home win 1 away win.

Solid, well oiled, robust - they just keep winning. Celtic have made dominating in Scotland look even easier than normal. The loss of Shaun Maloney shouldn't make much difference as Celtic have enough players to compensate for his absence, with Paul Hartley's arrival ensuring that the midfield corps retains its depth and threat. Their pace against Milan's aging backline should be crucial - however their lack of matchplay against quality opposition will be telling, Dumbarton and Livingston are a far cry from teams they will meet in Europe. The irony being that no matter how good their domestic form is - it's Milan's form that will decide the tie.

Celtic should make sure they never lose that winning feeling or that winning attitude. Their tie against Milan could not come at a better time and if they do not have to travel to the San Siro for the away leg, their chances may increase substantially.

ROMA
3 wins 4 draws overall. In 4 cup ties: 2 home wins 2 away draws.

They've been efficient rather than overpowering but they've added steel to their normally inconsistent performances. Milan may be limping a little right now, but Roma's victory over them in the Coppa Italia semifinals was still a good performance. 2 legged ties are often won by winning the home leg and holding out away. Roma have shown that they can do both. Their new found resilience and the fact that their opponents Lyon are in a slump themselves may make this tie tilt a little in their favour than before.

If Totti can keep his head and their midfield can swarm the opposition, progression is definitely on the cards. Their opponents look ripe for the taking.

ARSENAL
6 wins 3 draws overall. In 5 cup ties: 2 away wins 1 home win 1 home draw 1 away draw.

Unbeaten since the new year despite an injury list that seems to grow longer even longer every time they play. Arsenal seem to have welded grit, determination and resolve to their normally turbocharged frame. The gunners have never lacked the talent or skill to be successful in Europe but have now developed a clinical resilience that makes them harder to beat. Along with Chelsea, no one has played more times since the new year and just like their west London neighbours - are still unbeaten. More Importantly, no one has played Group Phase winners more often and crucially, beaten them.

If the comeback win against United at home was stellar, their back to back wallopings of a Liverpool side at Anfield are surely the pick of the bunch. Provided Arsenal stay healthy and retain focus, a place in the quaterfinals seems likely.

The Exorcism of Internazionale

Inter's time is coming.

In every championship season, there comes a moment that proves to be the definitive challenge for a team. Usually it's a match, sometimes it's a transfer, other times a press conference gone horribly wrong (Kevin Keegan anyone) or terribly well. Often this moment is preceded by smaller challenges, each an obstacle to greatness in themselves, each one slightly bigger than the one previous. But they are all preludes to that big, critical moment when the team in question must finally rise to the challenge and define their season - go on to glory or fall by the wayside.

On Feb 21, 2007, Inter take on Valencia at the San Siro. Two weeks later they meet again at the Mestella. For Internazionale, this tie, is the defining point of their season. If they can beat the Ches they may well go on to win the Champions' League in addition to the Serie A title.

So far, this season, they have disposed of Milan in the Milan derby with ridiculous ease, the 4-3 scoreline notwithstanding, banishing some demons from earlier hidings they have gotten in that fixture (a Maurizio Ganz inspired 6-0 win in May 2001). They have beaten erstwhile contendors Palermo as well as second placed Roma, both away from home. Those matches may have settled the issue on the domestic front, lending an inevitability to the notion that the Nerazzuri may indeed, finally win the title again. However, they cannot finish the season having fulfilled their potential and ambition if they do not come close to winning the Champions' League as well. This may well be their best chance. So far they have answered all the critics to lay the foundation for a memorable season. To that end the tilt against Valencia is more seminal than any other tie this season.

Arsenal's 2003-04 unbeaten season was forged in the heated cauldron of a premeiership season where more physical and better heeled teams sought to knock them off their perch with both brawny tactics and money. As much as the draws against Manchester United counted - notably the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford - Arsenal's crucial moment came when they went into the half time break down 2-1 against Liverpool, days after having been knocked out of both the Champions' League and FA Cup. On that occasion, Henry scored a hat-trick and singlehandedly dragged Arsenal back into the match and onto the league title, unbeaten, unconquered, invincible.

Likewise, Arsenal's league and Cup doubles in both 2002 and 1998 were sealed with comprehensive dismantlings of rivals United at Old Trafford both times - Overmars and Wiltord step forward.

Barcelona's first league title under Rijkaard and with Ronaldinho was cemented with a clinical win over arch rivals Real Madrid. Milan's unbeaten season in 1991-92 was based as much on the zero in the losses column as on the win over Juventus in the Del Alpi. United's treble win in 1999 had it's seminal moments aplenty - Dennis Bergkamp's missed penalty in the FA Cup replay and Winterburn's broken nose against Leeds, not to mention, Pippo Inzaghi putting Juve up 2-0 within 11 minutes in the Champions' League semi-final second leg. Heck even Porto's sublime treble season in 2004 had it's critical juncture, the tie against United in the Champions' League knockout rounds. The list goes on.

Teams have been there before, and winked, Arsenal versus Chelsea in the Champions' League Quarterfinals in 2003-04. Arsenal versus Manchester United, in the FA Cup semifinals in both 1999 and 2004. Inter, on the last day of the 2001-02 season. Milan, in the second leg against Deportivo in the Champions' League in 2003-04. Eternal French Champions' Olympique Lyon, when they contrived to lose to Milan in the Champions' League quarterfinals last year.

Quite simply, Inter, must hold their nerve.

If, Inter do go on to complete a most unique unbeaten league title (their matches against Milan and Roma seem to be the only obstacles on that course) and add to that the Champions' League, they would have replaced the demons in the trophy cabinet with some pretigious silverware. And as a Milan and Arsenal fan, I will be the first to congratulate them.

Game on then

Group Runners-up II - Real, Celtic, Porto, Lille.

Group Runners-up II - Real, Celtic, Porto, Lille.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Champions' League clubs in the round of 16.

REAL MADRID
Weaknesses
Inconsistent:
Their defeat before Christmas, at home to Recreativo Huelva, ensured that the whispers of a crisis would not be absent over the festive season. For all the talk about their rejuvenation under Fabio Capello (beating Barcelona earlier in the season), they still remain a work in progress, devoid of the imperious consistency that sends shivers down the spines of opponents. Definitely beatable, they seem to fluctuate between dropping easy points without playing well and winning... without playing any better. Fair game for their opponents on any given day.
Aging stars:
Raul is beginning to show the ravages of a decade in the top flight playing for one of the biggest teams in the World. Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro and Roberto Carlos are all on the wrong side of 30, with the Brazilians especially on their last legs, while Ruud van Nistelrooy is approaching his 4th decade as well. Emerson might be their lynchpin in midfield but he turned 30 this year and David Beckham is 31 and fading fast. Elsewhere, erstwhile first team regulars Ivan Helguera, Guti and Michel Salgado are all past 30.
Slow and ponderous:
Rather than rebuilding around the youthful vigour and pace of Jose Antonio Reyes, Sergio Ramos, Robinho and Cicinho, Capello opted for the safety first policy of playing two hachetmen in midfield, the destructive Emerson and the equally morbid Mahamadou Diarra. The result is a style that is cynical and unadventurous.
Strengths
One of best defensive midfields in the game:
Emerson and Diarra may not be easy on the eyes and do no favours to romantics who scorn at tackling in all its forms, but they are very, very effective. By deploying them together, often in tandem, Capello has ensured that the spine of his side remains intact. Real, more than any other team this season, can lock opponents down and break down attacks.
One of the best finishing corps in the game:
While Raul still produces the odd goal that retains the touch of class and pedigree that his legacy will maintain, Van Nistelrooy is still the poaching, goal king he always was. Standing just onside, the Dutchman will, more often than not, stick the ball in... and then there's Ronaldo, never shy to poke the odd goal in. While not being terribly entertaining, their finishing puts Real on a level their gameplan would otherwise not be able to sustain. If only this practicality in front of net were to lend itself to Arsene Wenger and Frank Rijkaard, the 2 prettiest teams in Europe may well be favourites to rendevouz once more in the final.
Experienced coach:
Capello has won it all with Milan, and turned Roma around while scooping up the Scudetto in Serie A. The latter, more than anything, suggests he may be the man to lead Real back to the summit of European club football. Behind the glasses is a man keenly in tune with the modern game and not welded to stubborn notions that may seem impractical.


CELTIC
Weaknesses
Inexperience and thin squad:
Despite their progress (including their win over perennial heavyweights Man United), Celtic do not have an entire first team who possess Champions' League calibre. Outside the first XI, the options are limited further. If injuries and and suspension take their toll - they could very well be consoling themselves with the notion of the SPL title and that title alone - very soon.
Lacking continental style of play:
The Champions' League is played at a slower, almost regal pace, notwithstanding the 110 mph starts of many of its entrants over the year. The ability to break down teams with weighted passes and patience while holding firm at the back without over-extending oneself is an art that is learned over time. Celtic's (in)ability to slow down the pace of games will be crucial - the irony being that by doing so, much of their sting will be nullified.
Strengths
Enthusiasm and pace:
Conversely, if Celtic can use their barnstorming style (see their 4-1 demolition of Benfica) to score crucial goals without exposing themselves at the back, they could hold on and secure passage into the later rounds. Additionally while trailing, they could use this asset to their advantage - but beware the counterattack in the knockout rounds of the Champions League - Gordon Strachan will rely on the veterans of Neil Lennon, Bobo Balde and Paul Telfer to keep their heads amid the mayhem. Celtic must tread a very fine line between composed and reckless.
Fitness and physicality:
Lively and fit, their physical squad will pose many problems with their 'up and at em' style. Thomas Gravesen is a bruising backfielder and Shaun Maloney, Gary Caldwell, Lee Naylor and Shunsuke Nakamura are young pups whose up-tempo style could unsettle many of Europe's big guns.


PORTO
Weaknesses
Thin attacking corps:
Helder Postiga is their only experienced out and out attacker - their sole fox in the box if you will. While Bruno Moraes, Adriano and Jorginho performed competently when called on (the former even scoring a goal), Porto will need more experienced goalscorers in the knockout rounds where chances are few and far in between.
Tendency to go wide:
Width may be Porto's greatest strength but also their biggest weakness. While Raul Meireles has done an admirable job holding down the defensive centre he can only do so much. The tendency of the full backs to bomb upfield combined with the disdain of the 2 deployed defensive midfielders to track back into the centre often leaves a worrying hole in the middle of the park and in front of the centre halves. Porto usually start upto four wide men with only one a natural defensive midfielder - Paulo Assuncao. Much will depend on the integration of new Argentinian left back Lucas Mareque.
Strengths
Wingers and attacking midfielders:
First of all they have Ricardo Quaresma, the best young left winger in the world. He tormented and terrorized everyone in the group stage, creating several goals and constantly moving defenders out of position. If you add Lisandro Lopez and Lucho Gonzalez to the mix, both capable of drifting in from the wing and/or playing in the middle, one wonders which other team has such talent hugging the touchline. While Lucho has been a revelation, with his Argentinian call-up more than deserved, Lopez has made a knack of being in the right place at the right time to pick up on loose balls and well placed crosses. Full backs have their work cut out for them.
Settled first XI:
They don't lead the Portugese Campeonato without good reason and gave Arsenal a real run for their money in Group G - their first XI is settled with 10 players picking themselves when fit. This familiarity lends itself to their confident approach and excellent teamwork - qualities tantamount in their hard fought, 2-0 win over CSKA in Moscow in November. Their away win over Benfica proved to all the doubters that this team plays as well away as it does at home.


LILLE
Weaknesses
Lack of experience and depth:
Simply put - too green. They may have built on last season's success of beating Manchester United but they may find the knockout round against the same opposition a bit too much this time around. Enthusiasm and a bruising physical approach can only take you so far (See Celtic), established veteran teams may well withstand the pressure to deliver a potent recoil. Outside their first 8 names on the team sheet the quality drops off significantly.
Lack of proven finisher:
They've been lucky, in that their midfield have chipped in with crucial goals, but their lack of a cultured striker could prove to be their undoing. Kader Keita, Jean Makoun and Daniel Bodmer are hardworking industrious midfielders but the space afforded them by Milan, Anderlecht and AEK Athens may not be similarly available against the likes of Manchester United. Peter Odemwingie may still be a few years off from becoming the next great Camerounian striker despite his competent displays as a lone striker.
Strengths
Physical, hardy and enthusiastic:
Stathis Tavlaridis, Gregory Tafforeau and Nikolas Plestan take no prisoners at the back - getting well up for any high balls and crosses. Keita and Bodmer are tireless, often chasing balls right to the touchline while the rest of the midfield embody what Lille is all about, limited ability, unlimited heart. Ever since their opening game draw with Anderlecht they have been talking up their chances of progressing and after a hard fought away win over Milan - and here they are.
Balanced midfield up for a scrap:
Keita can play in the middle, as a defensive scrapper or on the wing; Bodmer as both an attacking midfielder or a defensive anchor; Nicolas Fauverge as an attacker in the hole or on the wing and Makoun as an all action tackler and passer who can play anywhere in the midfield. This flexibility allows coach Claude Puel to rotate and balance out the fringe players while giving his defence more cover when the going gets tough.