A mouthwatering match-up, when English champions Manchester United faced Italian champions Internazionale at the San Siro. United, who I expected to play a little defensive, being an away leg first and down with most defenders, played the more attacking football in the first half. Ronaldo and Berbatov got close shots in but were unlucky. Second half showed Inter fighting back and creating a few chances, though none were on target and van der Sar was never in any trouble. All in all, I would say a good match with some chances. United would feel the unluckier with no away goals to show. It's game on at Old Trafford, where Inter will relish the chance to score away goals to make their progress. But, United may just have the upper hand, with Vidic set to return and Rooney back in shape.
A van Persie penalty was all that Arsenal could muster after a dominating performance at the Emirates against Roma. Arsenal created many chances, and seemed to be the only team to do so, while Roma's defense faltered and caved. They should be thankful that the scoreline shows only one goal, thanks to an Arsenal side who have failed to score on the last three Premier League matches. Bendtner, who feels he should start every game, showed why he does not. A wayward touch and then a clear shot over the bar means that Wenger will want Eduardo and Adebayor fit for the trip to Rome. Meanwhile, Roma have to get their act together and play some attacking footbal. Totti who was almost invisible tonight has to score and while de Rossi is suspended, the gap in the midfield needs to be filled. I back Arsenal to reach the next round, only because Roma is not up to the challenge.
Lyon hosted Primera Liga leaders Barcelona. They started well, and a spectacular free kick from Juninho meant Lyon had a deserved lead. They created many chances. Benzema struck the post and showed he was as good a defender as anyone in Europe. Barcelona seemed to be leering from the defeat at the Camp Nou on the weekend and had just one chance from Eto'o in the first half which struck the post. The second half showed more chances for Barca as they looked for the crucial away goal. Henry struck with a header and Barca came level with Lyon and that's how it ended. Barca, with the away goal and a home tie, look to be favorites to go through to the next round. But if Lyon can spring a goal as they did here, it would be game on.
The Iberian derby was played in Madrid between Porto and Athletico. The game started slow, but was a treat to watch as the sides drew 2-2. Porto came back twice to level the score and take a massive away goals tally to make their passage to the next round a reality. Athletico have the firepower to make Porto pay, with Forlan and Maxi Rodriguez, but it may not be enough as Porto are a powerhouse at home.
