CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUND OF 16

A NIGHT AT THE BERNABEAU

I felt for Riyad Loonat last night, the Madrid man invited all of us over to the Santiago Bernabeau in Ormonde.We had a full house there watching the Madrid ,Liverpool game and catching a odd glimpse of the Juve game.

It was a s@#t game to be honest and when Benayoun scored late for a precious away goal the lads were going mad, including my oom Ebie Loonat, a Heavy Liverpool supporter. Riyad was heartbroken as you can see in the picture lambasting Heinze for causing a unnecessary and stupid foul. The delivery was perfect and with Madrid defence it was a perfect result I think to take to Anfield. We couldn't ask for anything more.

Reyna was superb and Benitez ignited the fire again by taking off Torres and bringing on Lucas. When he brought on Lucas with all but 3 minutes to go the lads were fuming.

Just a point about Xabi Alonso, A few guys that went to Anfield and saw the man live commended his remarkable vision. It showed yesterday when he almost beat Cassilas spectacularly from the half way line. if it was any other keeper that was in.

On the whole though Liverpool fans can only be happy taking a precious goal with them at the Bernabeau

Joy turned to despair when my Juve went down to Chelsea. Someone let the Drog out and we down 1-0, needing 2 in Turin. Can we do it. Its gonna be a tough task. I didnt watch the game, just the highlights but Juve almost got the crucial away goal at the death, a deflection of a Nedved shot.

Amauri also cam close when he should have burried a header but Gus has navigated a tricky tie and Chelsea have the upper hand in Turin.

Villareal drew and Killa , your Bayern Munich were rampant led by Ribery in a mesemerising assault of Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon. They have surely qualified and lie in wait for the rest.

We watched the game last night with Mo Cassim and Seth, with me and Mo obviously punting for Inter. Shakes I agree, not dull..dull in a sense that a game of that magnitude I wanted to see goals.The MANCS deserve to be at least three up in the first half. Penaltino looked menacing and for a man of Ryan Giggs calibre he had to make the best of the two chances that he had in the game.

I cant understand how this Inter Team is leading Serie A. After half time Mourinho must have given them a pep talk of some sort as they came out with a little vooma. Adriano the culprit on a few occasions. But 0-0 I think the MANCS should be happy with that result. My panel on the night stated clearly that it will be difficult for Inter to come to Trafford and get victory.

But if they nick one , and they have the firepower to do that, then its a whole different story.
For me the man of the match was Cesar. He kept an amazing Penaltino header out and at the death with that ball swerving around he kept the MANCS at bay.

I asked the guys about Fergusons tactics of not playing a 4-4-2 with Rooney and Berbatov upfront. I met get lambasted but the toppie could have gone more attacking with a 4-4-2 and an in form Wayne Rooney. I was just baffled a bit.

I dunno I guess I expected Inter to really force the pace. The MANCS were so comfortable at times , its as if they were playing at Old Trafford and not the San Siro.
So who should feel better, Inter or Man Utd. Its that away goal thats a scary prospect

Barcelona, surprisingly drew away to Lyon, and it was Lyon who took the lead. Interesting away leg looms for Lyon. Arsenal , beat Roma surprisingly. I expected Roma to produce the goods. But credit to Arsenal for not conceding and going a goal up. Porto were also happy that they got two important away goals.

As for tonight......I dont think the Juve vs Chelsea game will yield a big scoreline from both teams. Its gonna really tight with two coaches that boast an array of tactical prowess. So if Juve nick an away goal Im sure we will snuff them out at the Bridge. The thing that worries me though is that under Hiddink, we are facing a rejuvenated Chelsea. Im gonna go for 1-1 at the Bridge

As for Liverpool, many said that better Real madrid in the round of sixteen than any other team. But that was when Madrid were s3$te. Now they are in rampant form. What can I say. Rafa knows his place in Europe. I think wel beat Madrid by two goals. Tonight we will see!