Another big day at the UEFA Champions League!

One half of the pre-quarterfinal matches are over and there are some huge ones left tonight.. I'd like to discuss the concluded matches first..

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus
This scoreline ensures that the second leg is very interesting provided Juventus are able to come up with a more sparkling performance.. The loss of Nedved early in the first half and the absence of Trezeguet certainly affected their performance but I shouldn't take anything away from Real's performance.. They were unlucky not to win with a greater margin which would have given them a nice cushion going to Turin in two weeks' time. Zidane showed everyone his class once again with a masterly performance in the midfield..

Bayern Munich 3 -1 Arsenal
The most satisfying scoreline for me among the matches already played! Arsenal showed once again that they are capable of faltering in the Champions League.. Defensively, they seem all at sea without Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole.. The last minute goal scored by Kolo Toure atleast has given them a lifeline and some hope of turning their fortunes around at home.. As for Bayern, they have done enough to ensure another quarter-final place if they can keep their wits about them when they play at Highbury..

Liverpool 3 - 1 Bayer Leverkussen
Before the start of the game, Liverpool would have happily taken this scoreline. However, they shouldn't have allowed Leverkussen to score the late goal which still keeps them in the hunt for a pass to the nest round. Leverkussen would still give themselves a chance having scored a vital away goal in the dying moments of the game. But Liverpool's comfortable victory overshadows the fact the Leverkussen 'looked' the better side.. However, what matters is the fact that Liverpool has a really good chance of finally making a point this season by qualifying for the quarters in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

PSV Eindhoven 1 - 0 AS Monaco
Just one goal in this match, that too very early in the game. PSV's victory did come as a surpise to me as I was expecting Monaco to win this tie. However, a 1-0 margin is hardly enough to guarantee a place in the next phase. If they are able to repeat their performance in this match, they'd be well on course in achieving that feat. I suspect if Monaco score early in the second leg, then it might become tough for PSV.

Now coming to tonight's HUGE encounters. The one I am looking forward to the most is undoubtedly Manchester United v/s AC Milan.. Needless to say, I am hoping and praying that Milan is able to atleast hold Man U though that would take some doing. As for them scoring goals, it'd be tough without both Shevchenko and Inzaghi. However they have the depth in their squad to bounce back and they have got into some form lately in Serie A. But there are more few things more unnerving than playing against Man U at Old Trafford in such a huge match.. Keeping my fingers crossed in this one..

Next, Barcelona v Chelsea.. League leaders of Spain and England respectively.. Both in-form teams, tremendous talent bank and inspiring coaches. Chelsea has been affected by injuries to Duff and Robben and this might result in a slight advantage to the spanish side. Chelsea have one of the best away records this season and it should be interesting to see how they fare at Nou Camp.. The prospect of watching the Barca stars trying to pick at the Chelsea defence is very exciting! Let's see who prevails on the night..

The third match is between the defending champions FC Porto and Inter Milan.. Porto are a shadow of the side that won last year with half of their players moving out to other clubs.
Inter has not been beaten yet this season in the champions league.. They are tough opponents considering the fact that their strikers Vieri and Martins are available and fit for selection.. I have a feeling this encounter might end up in a draw though..

Last but by no means least is the match between Lyon and Werder Bremen.. Although not very well known cubs, they are the league leaders in France and Germany respectively.. I think whichever club wins this tie might go on to big things this year.. Just a gut feeling!
Lyon have already proved their mettle by finishing on top of their group ahead of Man U.. Bremen need to ensure that they win today as winning the return leg at Lyon is definitely a daunting task.

And guess what, I am going to my friend Anant Saraf's place to watch the matches today.. No chance I am going to miss the Milan-Man U encounter!! Go Milan!!
Talking of Milan, I recently bought myself a Paolo Maldini T-Shirt in full support of my favourite soccer star! As long as he's playing for Milan(which may not be very long), there's no way I can support any other team..