Eight teams in the quarter-final, four of which are English teams, have seen four matches being played in the first leg of the Uefa Champion League Quarter-Final. Chelsea was the only English team that loses their first leg away encounter with Fenerbahçe. However, that is not to be disheartened as Chelsea boss Avram Grant suggests that was something positive to bring home; that is, they managed to score a precious away goal.
The other match that was running concurrently on Wednesday is Arsenal at home to Liverpool. This is a classic example of a crash between these two teams, which will take place 3 times within a short space of 6 days. This weekend on Saturday, Liverpool will meet Arsenal in the English Premiership as the latter attempts to overhaul Chelsea to second spot. The first leg between these two teams eventually resulted in a stalemate, with a goal apiece, although Arsenal was claiming that there should be a clear penalty awarded to them.
Last Tuesday, Manchester United travelled to Italy to face AS Roma, who suffered a 7-1 demolition by the former in the previous season of the Champion League. Inspired by the confidence of Cristiano Ronaldo, he undoubtedly drew first blood as he headed the first goal of the night, despite being played as an unfamiliar long striker role. Wayne Rooney was working at the flanks. Switching the two positions after half time, with Manchester United playing a 4-3-3 formation, the Red Devils were instantly rewarded with their second goal by Wayne Rooney as they went ahead to win 2-0. The other match between Barcelona and Schalke resulted in a 1-0 away win by the former, a goal scored by the second youngest goal scorer in the Champion League.
The eight teams will meet next week, with Manchester United and Barcelona as favourites to meet each other in the semi-finals. The other four teams remain uncertain; with Liverpool at home to Arsenal, it is quite likely that Liverpool may progress to the next stage. On the other hand, Chelsea always has strength in defence at home, this may eventually be a win for Chelsea, a 1-0 win will do.
Says,