sweet sixteen

Sixteen sides are plotting glory on Europe's biggest club stage as the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League arrive on the calendar.

Predictions are always a tricky business. However, each squad left in this season's competition possesses strengths and weaknesses, offering hints towards why they will be the set of players to lift the trophy in Rome on 27th May.

Bookmakers - eager to keep hold of their cash - rarely stray too far from the probable winners and we will therefore look to our friends at Sky Bet for an offering of a possible order, with favourites down to also-rans.

Barcelona - 3/1

Pep Guardiola has had a stunning impact at the Camp Nou this season and Barcelona are purring.

The Catalan giants are runaway leaders of Primera Liga in spite of their weekend setback against local rivals Espanyol.

Guardiola, a midfield general in his playing days, not only has arguably Europe's star asset in Lionel Messi, joint top scorer in the competition with five goals, but he also has cultured Xavi and Andres Iniesta back to their supreme best, although the latter will miss the first leg against Lyon through injury.

The 2006 winners face the French champions in the last 16 which, on paper, is favourable to other possibilities, but this could also be La Blaugrana's downfall.

Barca are one of those pesky clubs who can struggle when favourites, the pressure often weighs too heavy and, after a kind and relatively comfortable passage through Group C, it will be interesting to see the reaction under sterner examination.

For a club which enjoys a supreme status in world football, a record of only two European Cup triumphs - the first coming in 1992 - is nothing short of woeful and suggests something is amiss when the heat is on.


Manchester United - 5/1


The English champions, the European champions and the world club champions - but only second favourites in the eyes of the bookies. Could they be worth a flutter?

After downing domestic rivals Chelsea on penalties in last year's showpiece, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are being touted as possible quadruple winners this term.

In England, United are in the League Cup final, the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and lead the way in the Premier League.

The critics have been waxing lyrical over the strength in depth, creativity, defensive resilience and ruthless nature of Ferguson's squad as Cristiano Ronaldo and company appear ready to sweep all before them.

However, the Red Devils will not need to be reminded that no side has successfully defended the Champions League in its current format and, as holders, you are always viewed as an extra-special scalp.

With Inter Milan and ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho lying in wait in the knockout stages, Group E-toppers United unquestionably face a side who will be desperate for success and a man who knows how to get the better of Ferguson.

It will also be intriguing to see how United's laudably bottomless squad, which looks impressive when dismantling the likes of Derby, copes with the cream of the European crop.


Chelsea - 7/1

A ranking as third favourites may surprise a few following their Premier League shortcomings, but the Blues can never be dismissed in Europe.

Ole Big Ears is the trophy Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich covets the most and no side will be as driven by heartbreak like Chelsea, who are well experienced in the latter rounds over recent years.


Defeat to United followed three previous semi-final setbacks and the club are desperate to win the Champions League, well aware that it increases status and marketability.

The recent arrival of Guus Hiddink until the end of the season also works in the Blues' favour, with the Dutchman enjoying one of the most respected coaching reputations - he steered PSV Eindhoven to the last four in 2005 as well as winning the European Cup with the same club in 1988.

Frank Lampard is an ace up the Russia boss' sleeve as the England international has caught the eye in 2008/09 and has 12 shots on target and four assists to his name, despite Chelsea only finishing second in Group A.

Hiddink, though, faces possibly his sternest coaching examination in west London as he bids to mould a divided dressing room and extract the best from an ageing squad.

There is also the possibility of a headline elimination unfolding as Juventus manager and former Blues boss Claudio Ranieri - sent packing by Abramovich in 2004 due to a failure to secure trophies - could gain revenge with a knockout success over his former employers.


Inter Milan - 9/1


The perennial underachievers in the Champions League but now, maybe, with Jose Mourinho at the helm they can banish their failings.

There are positive signs for the Giuseppe Meazza men. Inter are nine points clear in Italy and look certain for a fourth successive Serie A title.

Mourinho, ever the shrinking violet, will also be itching to remind everyone in England of his managerial ability with victory over United in the last 16.

The presence of the Portuguese - who guided Porto to the crown in 2004, knocking United out along the way - is also a possible reason why Inter are a different long-term competition animal.

Add to the mix the fact that Mourinho is no doubt dreaming of an opportunity to recreate his famous celebratory sprint down the Old Trafford touchline when crossing swords with Ferguson, and Inter appear strong contenders.

However, as said, Inter choke on Europe's greatest stage. The club have not won the competition since 1965 and their greatest achievement since that date was a final appearance seven years later.

A shock second-placed finish behind Panathinaikos in Group B following a measly haul of eight points also sets alarm bells ringing and question marks exist regarding the true pedigree of star strikers Adriano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.


Liverpool - 10/1


The men from Merseyside cannot be ruled out and will be a club most were keen to avoid in the knockout stages.

Five-time winners Liverpool possess a historical mystique in Europe and the style of current manager Rafa Benitez revels on the continent.

Real Madrid are first up for the Reds in this season's do-or-die stages, offering Spaniard Benitez an emotional return to his home city and a meeting with the most successful club in the European Cup.

But Benitez's side - captained by the force of nature that is Steven Gerrard, who joins Messi on goals scored - will enjoy the tag of underdogs (ask 2005 final opponents AC Milan) and will not be shy of again going far.

Liverpool also reached the final in 2007 and progressed to last season's semi-finals, epitomising the recent English dominance.

However, Liverpool's continued presence in the competition could be at risk if Gerrard or striker Fernando Torres suffer further injuries as Benitez's squad is horribly lacking in attacking reinforcements and it remains to be seen where priorities lie as a Premier League title challenge, which has rocked over recent weeks, is balanced against a thin squad.


Real Madrid 14/1



The most successful club in European football after nine trophy-winning campaigns and Real Madrid enjoy a 100 per cent record in 2009.

Those sort of statistics always brings an aura to Real and instill an intimidation factor in opponents.

A last-16 outing against Liverpool will be viewed as winnable by most at the Bernabeu and manager Juande Ramos - who has transformed fortunes in the Spanish capital since replacing Bernd Schuster - will be eager for a piece of silverware to boost his surprisingly flagging popularity as he bids to earn a contract beyond the summer.

The Primera Liga champions, however, have been trading on their reputation for a number of years and are nowhere near the side they were at the turn of the Millennium.

Real are flailing behind bitter rivals Barca in La Liga for a reason and could find it tough to go all the way in Europe this term.

As much as supporters will see Liverpool as a team they can beat, there will also be many other names they would rather have seen come out of the hat.

Home and away defeats by Juventus in Group H - which also included the unimpressive Zenit St Petersburg and BATE Borisov - implies there are weaknesses when the big boys come calling.

Arsenal - 14/1


Arsene Wenger's side have endured an eventful season and have been as good as ruled out of the race for the Premier League.

The Gunners are also facing a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League following the emergence of Aston Villa.

However, when Wenger's talented and aesthetic side turn it on there are few teams that can live with the passing and attacking flair, and there is a chance that inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas and winger Theo Walcott could both be back fully fit and firing on all cylinders when it matters.

Arsenal were on the verge of the semi-finals last term before a dramatically late defeat to Liverpool, and reached the final in 2006, demonstrating that Wenger has the nous to guide a side to the business end.

However, the Emirates outfit lack experience and have demonstrated that on more than one occasion.

A last 16 contest with Roma looks like it could produce another place in the quarter-finals, but it is doubtful Arsenal - who finished second in Group G - have the legs and the European know-how to go all the way for the first time in their history.


Bayern Munich - 14/1


You know what they say about the Germans: never write them off, and Bayern, especially, cannot be forgotten when listing possible winners.

The four-time champions have been kindly drawn against Sporting Lisbon, who finished second to Barcelona in a relatively easy Group C, and it will be a shock if a quarter-final place is not booked.

Jurgen Klinsmann endured a rocky start to his career as Bayern boss, and lost two of the first three games after the winter break in the Bundesliga, but they moved through Group F with relative ease.

Bayern recorded 14 points in the group stages, a total matched only by Liverpool, and that ensured they are the last remaining German team.

Franck Ribery is Bayern's ace and leads the way with five tournament assists, while Miroslav Klose has reinforced his goalscoring reputation with five goals - joint top scorer with Messi, Gerrard and Lyon's Karim Benzema.

Bayern, therefore, do not lack attacking threat, but Group F - which also included Lyon, Fiorentina and Steaua Bucharest - was arguably the weakest on offer and statistics must be taken in perspective.

German sides know how to get the job done when the going gets tough and a place in the last eight looks probable, but anything beyond that would be a surprise.


Juventus - 16/1


The Italian side are seasoned veterans in the Champions League and it has been too long since they featured at the fine end.

Ranieri has had the club on the up, but the Bianconeri have struggled in the past month.

Domestic league glory looks unlikely as Inter continue to set a relentless pace and Ranieri - who will know that he will ultimately be judged by major trophies - could welcome a distraction.

Players of the calibre of striker Alessandro Del Piero - who was a revelation when helping his team-mates finish above Real in Group H - and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon hold experience in abundance and will help some of Juve's players who are less familiar with the knockout stages.

Although unfortunate to draw Chelsea from the second-placed sides, Ranieri will be desperate to put one over on the English and Abramovich as both sides go in search of the prize.

But Juve's lack of 'been there and done it' over recent years will count against the club and Ranieri's failure to convert Chelsea into champions could point to shortcomings.

Serie A is also no longer the strongest of leagues in Europe and it is difficult to use domestic form as a marker.



Roma - 16/1



Romans will be dreaming of their team reaching a final in their home city, but the Serie A competitors are a curious and frustrating prospect.

Roma have been given the big build-up for several seasons, but they often flatter to deceive and crash out earlier than predicted.

Finishing above Chelsea in Group A, irrespective of the Blues' in-house problems, deserves respect and could offer an indicator that Luciano Spalletti has his side singing.

Spalletti will not be disappointed after drawing Arsenal in the last 16 and a win against the Gunners could increase confidence, such a vital characteristic in football and sport as a whole, in the Eternal City.

Julio Baptista will be a familiar face for Arsenal and the Brazilian will be keen to upset an old club, while midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a reason to be fearful.

The lack of an out-and-out striker who instills fear in opponents is a weakness and a sixth-placed Serie A position does not reflect well.

Roma and Arsenal look two evenly matched sides, but progression beyond the quarter-finals for either would appear highly unlikely.


Atletico Madrid - 25/1



At long odds, Atletico look worth a pound of anybody's money. Before that is met with general guffaw, stranger things have happened.

They could, and probably should, have beaten Liverpool at home and away in Group D, but were forced to make do with two 1-1 draws.

Having had to settle for second place, the raffle has been kind to Atletico, and Porto await in the last 16, which looks a positive draw for the Spanish side.

There tends to be a dark horse in the Champions League and Atletico, driven by the talent of Sergio Aguero, earn the tag this season.

Argentine playmaker Aguero is the latest player to be touted as the new Diego Maradona. Whether he lives up to that billing remains to be seen but the 20-year-old is class.

Combined with the potency of Diego Forlan and Simao Sabrosa, Atletico hold a dangerous attacking threat.

However, former manager Javier Aguirre - who was in charge in the group stages - recently paid the price for a dip in form which has seen the Vicente Calderon outfit drop to sixth in La Liga and has been replaced by Abel Resino, which indicates all is not well.

Their inability to kill off Liverpool on two occasions could come back to haunt them and hints at a weakness against established rivals.


Villarreal - 28/1



The Yellow Submarines twice frustrated United in goalless stalemates in Group E and have deservedly set up a knockout meeting with underdogs Panathinaikos.

Villarreal's ability to avoid defeat by United demonstrated the efficient mindset which is required to be a success.

Manuel Pellegrini's side are also going steadily in Spain and sit fifth in La Liga, indicating they are a strong side.

The 2006 semi-finalists no longer have their star player of three years ago, Juan Roman Riquelme, but Spain international Marcos Senna remains a key player in the heart of midfield and is an expert at spoiling tactics.

However, as with Atletico against Liverpool, it could be suggested that the draws with United point to a deficiency in killer instinct and it will be interesting to see how they deal with the 'favourites' pressure against Panathinaikos.

Villarreal look likely to reach the quarter-finals, but there are many other clubs with more experience and ability in the nitty-gritty stages.


Lyon - 40/1



The Stade de Gerland outfit have won the Ligue 1 title for seven successive seasons and stand a good chance of recording another.

Claude Puel has guided his team to a four-point advantage and there appears no one to stop them, domestically.

In Europe, Lyon have promised much over recent campaigns, but have faltered in the knockout stages.

This season Lyon have again strolled through the group stages, behind Bayern in Group F, and are preparing to face favourites Barcelona.

The goals of the in-demand Benzema (5), who looks to have come of age, and the assists of experienced Brazilian Juninho Pernambucano (3) were impressive in the group stages.

However, the French league is not a genuine measure of quality and winning an eight-goal thriller with Steaua in the group stages implies defending could be a weakness.

A meeting with Barcelona would also be the last wish of any team in the last 16 and progress would appear far from certain.


Porto - 40/1


The 2004 champions are nowhere near the side they were five years ago, but they are on a roll and could book a quarter-final spot.

While Atletico are dangerous opponents, Porto will be aware that they could have drawn a tougher tie and may fancy their chances.

Jesualdo Ferreira steered his side to the top of Group G, above Arsenal, which is an achievement, but with the Gunners' rollercoaster form it would be churlish to read too much into that outcome.

Striker Lisandro impressed in the group stages and will prove a handful for any side after netting four goals so far, while Raul Meireles pulls the strings.

An upset could be on the cards against Atletico, but it is likely Porto will be found out when they meet genuine top-notch opposition.


Sporting Lisbon - 66/1



Sporting finished only one point behind Barcelona in Group C but, while it was admirable finishing hot on the heels of the Spanish, with Shakhtar Donetsk and Basel completing the foursome, qualification was expected.

It is difficult to see how Paulo Bento will plot a route past Bayern, despite their post-winter break decline, and winning the competition is perhaps a dream.

Portuguese teams always offer a degree of technical skill and they could likely rattle Bayern in the home leg at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

However, with the second fixture at the Allianz Arena it would seem likely that Bayern will prove too strong and Sporting will be forced to wait for another season.


Panathinaikos - 80/1



Panathinaikos are the rank outsiders and have probably already surpassed expectations by finishing above Inter and stinging the pride of Mourinho in Group B.

Former Chelsea coach Henk ten Cate guided Panathinaikos to a remarkable November win in Italy, demonstrating there is potential.

Greek sides always offer a difficult match when on home soil and Ten Cate will hope to take advantage of the level of expectancy weighing on Villarreal in the last 16.

Talisman Giorgos Karagounis will be expected to create for his side and if he fails to deliver Panathinaikos could struggle.

Ten Cate will be looking to milk all he can from underdog status and it is not impossible for his side to progress past Villarreal, but anything beyond that would be nothing short of remarkable.

Inter Milan 0-0 Man Utd




Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo go head-to-head for supremacy in Italy

Manchester United dominated for much of this lively Champions League last-16 clash but had to settle for a goalless draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro.

A Cristiano Ronaldo bullet header was well saved after four minutes and Ryan Giggs then missed when clean through.

Inter were much-improved in the second half as Zlatan Ibrahimovic burst to life, and after dummying for Adriano the Brazilian shot tamely wide.

A new-look United defence stood strong as Inter pushed for a late winner.

Old adversaries Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho started the week by trading friendly jibes, with the United boss disputing claims his side would play defensively, emphasising the importance of away goals.

With Nemanja Vidic suspended, and Gary Neville and Wes Brown injured, Ferguson's hopes of improving on a measly record of one win in 12 games against Mourinho rose slightly with Jonny Evans and John O'Shea declared fit an hour before kick-off.

But the Inter boss, without Patrick Vieira, Marco Materazzi and Walter Samuel, might have felt vindicated on hearing that his opponents were leaving Wayne Rooney on the bench with Dimitar Berbatov playing alone up front.

However, if either team was guilty of playing cagey football it was Mourinho's side, who were off the pace for much of the first half.

With Giggs and Michael Carrick dominant in the middle in the opening exchanges it was the visitors who settled the quickest, with Ronaldo in the thick of the action.

The Portuguese winger had already gone close with a free-kick, and after four minutes his rocket header from a Giggs corner was brilliantly saved by the left arm of Julio Cesar.

While Inter's attackers were struggling to make friends with the ball, their defenders were faring little better and were lucky to get away with a Giggs through-ball to Berbatov, who failed to cross to the unmarked Ji-Sung Park.

A shockingly-timed Nelson Rivas tackle then allowed Giggs to squirm his way though again but the Welshman could only blast the ball at the over-worked keeper.

The home support became increasingly agitated as the sea of red piled forward, with Ronaldo just inches away from opening the scoring with yet another free-kick. He then headed just wide.

Ibrahimovic, misfiring until the 40th minute, pulled the ball back for Adriano but Edwin van der Sar sniffed out the danger. The Inter bench even got in on the action just before the interval as reserve keeper Francesco Toldo was booked for dissent.

The Inter manager was the first to change tactics, the Colombian Rivaz making way for Ivan Cordoba, and it seemed to rouse his team.

Esteban Cambiasso crossed from the left and, after an Ibrahimovic dummy, Adriano's shot flew high and wide.

The Brazilian was soon shouting for a penalty but his theatrics that followed a Rio Ferdinand hand on his shoulder did not fool the referee.


Wayne Rooney clashes with Esteban Cambiasso in the final few minutes

The Italians were much better and more composed in the second half with the menacing Cambiasso pushing the United defence regularly onto the back-foot.

Mario Balotelli and Julio Cruz were thrown on for Inter, but the Old Trafford side were not content to sit back with Ronaldo pulling back for Park, whose sliding legs just avoided the ball.

Giggs, once again on imperious form, went on a dazzling run, only to be thwarted by a lunging blocked tackle by Cordoba on the penalty spot and then Rooney, on as substitute with five minutes left, was denied by the legs of Cesar.

After Cordoba had brought Ronaldo down on the edge of the box in injury time and the Portugal star strolled up to take the free-kick, you sensed the headlines may be his.

But the ball flew safely within range of the impressive Cesar and so Old Trafford awaits for battle to recommence in a fortnight.

Although United cannot celebrate an away goal, they can take pride in increasing their unbeaten Champions League run to 20 matches and breaking the record they shared with Ajax and Bayern Munich.

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Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Rivas (Cordoba 46), Chivu, Santon, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari (Cruz 76), Stankovic, Ibrahimovic, Adriano (Balotelli 77).

Subs Not Used: Toldo, Maxwell, Figo, Burdisso.

Booked: Toldo, Chivu, Maicon, Cordoba.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Park (Rooney 83), Berbatov, Ronaldo.

Subs Not Used: Foster, Nani, Scholes, Fabio Da Silva, Gibson, Tevez.

Booked: Fletcher, Rooney.

Att: 84,000

Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).



Arsenal 1-0 Roma




Van Persie was a major nuisance for the Roma defence

A first-half penalty from Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a narrow lead going into the away leg of their Champions League last-16 clash against Roma.

Arsenal were the better team over the 90 minutes, taking a deserved lead when Van Persie was fouled by Philippe Mexes and then fired in low from the spot.

Fellow striker Nicklas Bendtner struck over from eight yards, while Emmanuel Eboue sent his shot inches wide.

Marco Motta went close for Roma but his 25-yarder was saved by Manuel Almunia.

Apart from that and a John Arne Riise shot that fizzed past the Arsenal upright, the team from Italy's capital did little to excite their band of supporters at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's side dominated for large periods, created many chances and should have added a couple more to Van Persie's solitary effort. Nevertheless, it was a vast improvement on Arsenal displays of recent weeks.

The key to their success on the night came in the form of the trio in attack - Bendtner, Samir Nasri and Van Persie.

None of the three occupied the conventional positions up front which confused Roma's backline from the whistle.

Bendtner largely played on the left but that did not stop him from bulldozing into the area whenever he saw the defensive door left ajar.

His forays almost paid big dividends on a handful of occasions.


The lanky Dane's first effort suffered as a result of mis-control from Nasri's fine ball into the area, a good block inside the six-yard area then denied him a second bite before he smashed wildly over the bar from eight yards after the break.

One man who was more proficient in front of goal, when it mattered, was Van Persie.

The Dutchman's penalty strike came just before the interval, won when he was tripped by Mexes after being played into the area.

Van Persie's low, driven spot-kick gave Doni no hope in the Roma goal.

The second half opened in farcical fashion as Arsenal only had nine players on the pitch when Roma kicked off.

William Gallas was receiving treatment as the players were called out for the restart, but a superstitious Kolo Toure waited for his team-mate as he is always the last man to leave the dressing room.

Luckily it did not cost Arsenal, who had numerous chances to extend their lead in the second half.

Apart from Bendtner's wasted effort, Abou Diaby had a wonderful low strike tipped around the post by the agile Doni before Eboue flashed wide after pouncing on a mistake by Simone Loria.

Roma, who have only won one of their previous 15 games away to English sides, were a better proposition in the second half but provided little threat in attack, with Francesco Totti and Julio Baptista disappointing.

Wenger brought on Mexican left-sided forward Carlos Vela and Welsh youngster Aaron Ramsey in the hope that they could give his side a little bit more to play with at the Stadio Olimpico, but it remained at 1-0 with the promise of a nail-biting second leg.

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Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue (Ramsey 82), Denilson, Diaby (Song Billong 62), Nasri, Van Persie, Bendtner (Vela 67).
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Merida.

Booked: Toure, Nasri.

Goals: Van Persie 37 pen.

Roma: Doni, Motta, Mexes, Loria (Diamoutene 71), Riise, Perrotta, De Rossi, Brighi (Pizarro 56), Taddei, Julio Baptista (Vucinic 82), Totti.
Subs Not Used: Artur, Ribeiro, Tonetto, Montella.

Booked: Mexes, Brighi, De Rossi.

Att: 60,003


Lyon 1-1 Barcelona

Barca's Thierry Henry celebrates his leveller at the Stade Gerland

Thierry Henry rescued Barcelona with a second-half goal in their Champions League last 16 first leg tie in Lyon.

The hosts took the lead thanks to an amazing free-kick, Juninho lofting an extraordinary effort over keeper Victor Valdes' head from way out on the left.

Samuel Eto'o toe-poked a shot against the upright as Barca hit back, before Lyon's Karim Benzema struck the post.

Barca improved after the break and Henry got their leveller, stooping to head in a corner at the far post.

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Lyon: Lloris, Mensah, Cris, Boumsong, Grosso, Keita (Pjanic 88), Makoun, Toulalan, Juninho (Kallstrom 78), Ederson (Delgado 64), Benzema.
Subs Not Used: Vercoutre, Gassama, Mounier, Piquionne.

Booked: Toulalan, Grosso, Cris.

Goals: Juninho 7.

Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Pique, Marquez, Puyol, Xavi, Toure Yaya, Busquets (Keita 77), Messi, Eto'o, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Caceres, Sylvinho, Hleb, Bojan, Gudjohnsen.

Booked: Dani Alves, Puyol, Busquets.

Goals: Henry 67.

Att: 40,000.

Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).


Atletico Madrid 2-2 FC Porto

Lisandro Lopez celebrates his first goal for Porto in Madrid

Lisandro Lopez spared FC Porto keeper Helton's blushes by bundling in a leveller to earn a draw at Atletico.

Atletico took the lead when Sergio Aguero's pass was hammered in by Maxi Rodriguez, before Lisandro had a goal wrongly disallowed by the referee.

He fired in to level soon after, but Atletico went ahead again when Diego Forlan's speculative 25-yard shot somehow went straight through Helton.

But after blazing another chance over, Lisandro tapped in to earn a draw.

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Atletico Madrid: Franco, Seitaridis, Pablo, Ujfalusi, Antonio Lopez, Maxi (Miguel 80), Paulo Assuncao, Raul Garcia (Maniche 67), Simao, Forlan, Aguero (Sinama Pongolle 56).
Subs Not Used: Coupet, Pernia, Heitinga, Camacho.

Booked: Raul Garcia, Paulo Assuncao.

Goals: Maxi 4, Forlan 45.

FC Porto: Helton, Sapunaru (Pedro Emanuel 79), Rolando, Bruno Alves, Cissokho, Lucho Gonzalez, Fernando, Raul Meireles (Costa 90), Lopez (Sektioui 90), Hulk, Rodriguez.
Subs Not Used: Nuno, Stepanov, Mariano Gonzalez, Farias.

Booked: Sapunaru, Lopez.

Goals: Lopez 22, 72.

Att: 54,000.

Ref: Howard Webb (England).

Real Madrid 0-1 Liverpool



Benayoun rose unmarked to head home Aurelio's free-kick in the 82nd minute




Liverpool put themselves in a strong position to overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League by beating the Spaniards with a professional display.

Yossi Benayoun scored the Reds' winner when he headed in a Fabio Aurelio free-kick from eight yards.

Real had been poor and Arjen Robben had their best chance when his shot was steered over by keeper Jose Reina.

Liverpool had barely given Real a sight of their goal and comfortably closed out the first leg last-16 tie.

The Champions League has always brought out the best of Liverpool under manager Rafael Benitez, whose tactical expertise has flourished in the competition, and this fixture was no different.

Benitez has made an exact science out of defensive durability, frustrating the opposition and punishing teams on the counter-attack. The formula worked to perfection once again.

Real struggled to break through the discipline of Liverpool and, despite Raul's early swivel and shot being saved, the Reds were comfortable from the start.

They held the home side at arm's length and could then have taken the lead when they twice caught out Real's defence with two long balls forward.

Fernando Torres was the first to race through on goal but his angled shot from the right was excellently palmed wide by Iker Casillas.

A similar ball almost let Benayoun in but the Spain keeper was more alert than his defence and came to the edge of the area to block as the Reds midfielder attempted to chip him.

Liverpool were given a scare when Reina saved a Sergio Ramos header and Gonzalo Higuain put in the rebound.

But the effort was disallowed for offside and, that chance aside, Real were limited to speculative long-range shots.

However, it was Alonso who came closest to finding the net from distance when his audacious strike from his own half was tipped over by Casillas.

The home side were being nullified by Liverpool and Juande Ramos brought on Guti after the break to add some guile to their sloppy play.

It did little to help the Spanish club and it was Liverpool who looked the more likely to score and take the crucial away goal back to Anfield for the second leg.

The threat was not materialising into clear-cut chances and the visitors were not helped when Torres went off with a niggling ankle injury.

Real finally showed a glimpse of the danger they pose when a swift counter-attack ended with Robben's shot being tipped over.

But the Reds finally breached the Real defence when the unmarked Benayoun nodded past the helpless Casillas after former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze had needlessly hauled down Dirk Kuyt.

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Real Madrid: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Heinze, Robben, Gago, Lassana Diarra, Marcelo (Guti 46), Higuain, Raul.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Saviola, Sneijder, Metzelder, Miguel Torres, Van der Vaart.

Booked: Cannavaro, Gago.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Carragher, Aurelio, Benayoun, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera (Gerrard 88), Torres (Babel 61), Kuyt (Lucas 90).
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Ngog.

Booked: Torres, Mascherano, Riera.

Goals: Benayoun 82.

Att: 85,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).



Chelsea 1-0 Juventus

Didier Drogba celebrates putting Chelsea ahead against Juventus


Didier Drogba's early goal gave Chelsea a slender advantage over Juventus after a tight encounter in the last 16 of the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba slid home Salomon Kalou's pass after 13 minutes, but former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri will have real hope for the second leg in Turin.

Juve gave Chelsea anxious moments, with keeper Petr Cech saving brilliantly from Alessandro del Piero.

Pavel Nedved was also just off target late on, but Chelsea held on to win.

It gave Chelsea's temporary coach Guus Hiddink his second successive single goal win after starting his reign with a victory at Aston Villa on Saturday.

And while Chelsea were unconvincing after the break, Hiddink will be delighted with the triumph - and the fact that his side prevented the Serie A side from scoring an away goal.

Ranieri was afforded a great reception by the Stamford Bridge crowd as they showed their appreciation of his stint at the club.

But Chelsea extended no such sympathy to their one-time boss as they made a lively start, with Kalou's low 20-yard effort testing Gianluigi Buffon and Drogba heading over from Jose Bosingwa's cross.

Drogba made no mistake after 13 minutes when he took a slide-rule pass from Kalou in his side and drilled a powerful finish past Buffon.

Juventus veteran Del Piero then showed a flash of the old magic with a shot on the turn that brought an equally fine save from the diving Cech.

Giorgio Chiellini then just failed to get on the end of Tiago's flick from a dangerous Del Piero corner.

The game was delicately balanced and switching from end-to-end, with Juve taking a bold approach in a bid to get a crucial away goal.

But Drogba was left frustrated when his penalty claims were ignored by Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca as he tumbled under challenge from Chiellini.

Juve, however, were posing a real threat and twice substitute Claudio Marchisio was just off target as Chelsea's first-half supremacy was seriously challenged.

Nicolas Anelka had been quiet, but almost scored a spectacular second for Chelsea with four minutes left with an angled drive that beat Buffon and flew only inches wide.

Ranieri had sent on David Trezeguet in a positive move, and he was almost rewarded when the experienced striker found space in the area, only to shoot hopelessly wide.

Juventus had been the better side after the break, and they almost snatched an equaliser in the closing seconds when Nedved's shot beat Cech but slipped agonisingly wide of the post.

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Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Kalou (Malouda 72), Ballack (Mancienne 81), Lampard, Mikel, Drogba, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Di Santo, Stoch.

Booked: Ballack.

Goals: Drogba 13.

Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Molinaro, Nedved, Camoranesi (Marchionni 51), Sissoko (Trezeguet 86), Tiago (Marchisio 62), Del Piero, Amauri.
Subs Not Used: Manninger, Grygera, Poulsen, Iaquinta.

Booked: Molinaro, Sissoko, Marchisio.

Att: 38,079

Ref: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal).



Sporting Lisbon 0-5 Bayern Munich


Bayern have now scored in their last 14 Champions League away matches

Bayern Munich are now firm favourites to reach the Champions League quarter-finals after a comfortable first-leg last-16 win at Sporting Lisbon.

Franck Ribery barged his way through two defenders to coolly put Bayern ahead, while Miroslav Klose bundled in Luca Toni's flick on for the second.

Philipp Lahm was brought down in the box and Ribery converted from the spot.

Ribery then turned provider, crossing for Toni to head home and then feeding the striker to slot in the fifth.

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Sporting: Tiago, Abel (Bruno Pereirinha 61), Tonel, Caneira, Anderson Polga, Izmailov (Vukcevic 60), Rochemback, Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli, Liedson, Derlei (Djalo 71).
Subs Not Used: Ricardo Batista, Grimi, Daniel Carrico, Silva.

Booked: Tonel, Bruno Pereirinha.

Bayern Munich: Rensing, Lahm, Oddo (Lell 66), Lucio (Van Buyten 78), Demichelis, Ribery, Ze Roberto, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger (Altintop 71), Klose, Toni.
Subs Not Used: Butt, Ottl, Borowski, Podolski.

Booked: Van Bommel.

Goals: Ribery 41, Klose 57, Ribery 63 pen, Toni 84, 90.

Att: 35,163

Ref: Bertrand Layec (France).


Villarreal 1-1 Panathinaikos

Villarreal travel to Athens for the second leg on 10 March

Giuseppe Rossi's second-half penalty earned Villarreal a vital equaliser in their last-16 Champions League tie against Panathinaikos.

The Greek side took the lead and got that all important away goal when Giorgos Karagounis's 25-yard shot crept off the crossbar and into the net.

Seven minutes later and Robert Pires was brought down inside the box by Jakub Wawrzyniak and Rossi converted.

The hosts dominated throughout, with Rossi missing a host of chances.

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Villarreal: Diego Lopez, Angel, Senna, Fuentes, Godin, Eguren (Pires 62), Santi Cazorla, Ibagaza (Cani 70), Bruno, Rossi, Llorente (Nihat 61).
Subs Not Used: Viera, Javi Venta, Cygan, Fernandez.

Booked: Senna, Angel.

Goals: Rossi 67 pen.

Panathinaikos: Galinovic, Spiropoulos, Nilsson, Wawrzyniak, Sarriegi, Goumas (Gabriel 46), Vyntra, Silva, Karagounis (Salpingidis 84), Simao, Mantzios (Rukavina 90).
Subs Not Used: Tzorvas, David, Ivanschitz, Cleyton.

Booked: Goumas, Silva.

Goals: Karagounis 59.

Att: 25,

do any of them race horses?