UEFA Champions League Update - 2/24

Olympiacos (GRE) vs. Bordeaux (FRA)
 - Result: 1-0 (Bordeaux)
 - Thoughts: While the game did not produce long spells of entertaining action, Bordeaux had several chances to run up the score. The French side looked like the most dominate on the night and with the away goal, the lead and heading back home should be able to advance from one of the easier knockout round pairings.
 - Next Match: March 17th @ Bordeaux


Stuttgart (GER) vs. Barcelona (SPA)
 - Result: 1-1
 - Thoughts: Stuttgart got off to a great start in front of their home crowd. They looked comfortable taking the game to the world champions and got the early 1-0 lead. However, that wake up call sprung Messi and the rest of his team back to life. They leveled early in the second half and controlled the rest of the game. While giving up an away goal Stuttgart should be happy with their current situation.
 - Next Match: March 17th @ Barcelona


Inter Milan (ITA) vs. Chelsea (ENG)
 - Result:2-1 (Inter)
 - Thoughts:Table leaders in England vs. Italy. Jose Mourihno faces his old side Chelsea for the first time. If neither of lose were enough for you, this draw turned out to be the most entertaining match of round (in my opinion). Inter struck early in the third minute, several yellow cards handed out and Peter Cech carted off the field due to an injury. All of this sets up for the second most anticipated second leg (after Beckham's return to Old Trafford).
 - Next Match: March 16th @ Chelsea


CSKA Moscow (RUS) vs. Sevilla (SPA)
 - Result:1-1
 - Thoughts: A fairly even match-up with both sides getting chances and Sevilla taking the early lead. However, CSKA's bullet strike in the second half will most likely go down as the goal of the week. Neither of these two were likely projected as a final eight team, which makes the next leg all the more exciting.
 - Next Match: March 16th @ Sevilla




So we are half-way through this round of 16, and while many teams will be behind and having to travel for the second leg everyone is still alive. A week break and then the action returns on March 9th.