Here is a look at the second leg of the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League, including the teams advancing to the final eight.
Inter Milan (ITA) vs. Chelsea (ENG)
- Result: 1-0 (Inter) - 3-1 Aggregate (Inter)
- Thoughts: The headline match-up of the week. I think most people thought that Chelsea would take control of this game at home and make it three for three for English teams. However, Inter came out strong and fast from the start and dictated the tone for the match. Eto'o's strike helped prove his summer move was worth while for Inter and Jose Mourinho continues to look like a Champions League master.
CSKA Moscow (RUS) vs. Sevilla (SPA)
- Result: 2-1 (CSKA) - 3-2 Aggregate (CSKA)
- Thoughts: Overshadowed on Tuesday's scoreboard, but CSKA went in with nothing to lose having never advanced this far before in the tournament. With two away goals in the second leg the Russian looked like the more quality side and will probably be the biggest underdog in the final eight.
Barcelona (SPA) vs. Stuttgart (GER)
- Result: 3-0 (Barcelona) - 4-1 Aggregate (Barcelona)
- Thoughts: The champions came into the game even with Stuttgart after a 1-1 result from the first leg, but no one expected any trouble for Barcelona. Two outstanding goals by Messi symbolized the performance by the Spanish side. Messi and company looked at their best on Wednesday evening and will be hard to eliminate on their quest for back-to-back titles.
Bordeaux (FRA) vs. Olympiacos (GRE)
- Result: 2-1 (Bordeaux) - 3-1 Aggregate (Bordeaux)
- Thoughts: Strong in the first leg, Bordeaux opened the second leg with another goal from a set piece. Never behind in the tie the French team should prove to be an excellent upset candidate for one of the bigger clubs. Bordeaux advances to the final eight for the first time since 1988.
So now we are down to the final eight in the 2009/2010 UEFA Champions League: Manchester United (ENG), Arsenal (ENG), Lyon (FRA), CSKA Moscow (RUS), Bayern Munich (GER), Inter Milan (ITA), Barcelona (SPA) and Bordeaux (FRA).
The first legs of the quarterfinals will be played on March 30th and 31st, while the second legs will be played on April 6th and 7th.
What are your thoughts on the final out? How about Chelsea getting knocked out during the quarterfinals?
Great post. I have friends who are big Chelsea fans, and I had a good laugh when they didn't make it.
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