So, Manchester United and Villarreal progress after a 0-0 draw in Spain, that gave each the point they required. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both played, with youngster Darron Gibson coming on late for almost-namesake Darren Feltcher on the 80th minute. Who gets top spot will go down to the final match-day, with Rooney and Co. taking on Aalborg at Old Trafford, with Villarreal dueling with Celtic. Now who would bet against United NOT taking top spot?
Arsenal's bad week was given a little lift with a last gasp win over Dynamo Kiev which booked their spot in the last 16 as well. New skipper Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie both involved in the move that set up Nicklas Bendtner for the last winner at the Emirates.
Danish giants Aalborg and FC Porto recorded 2-1 wins each against Celtic and Fenebarche respectively, with Aalborg all but sealing a UEFA Cup spot, and FC Porto very much with a shot at qualifying along with Arsenal.
Captain marvel and legend Raul Gonzalez gave Real Madrid a 9th minute lead they kept till the final whistle, to allow them to join group leaders Juventus in the last 16. It was kinda funny to see Schuster bring off Raul AND Saviola in the final minutes of the game, like preserving them and taking them off the firing line, with Ruud van Nistelrooy already out for the rest of the season. Forward Alberto Bueno and Javi Garcia came off the bench and took their places.
Juventus and Zenit St Petersberg held each other to a 0-0 draw in snowy Russia.
Lyon and Bayern have all but booked their spot in the last 16 with wins over Fiorentina and Steaua respectively. Miroslav Klose (2) and Luca Toni were amongst the goals in a 3-0 drubbing over Steaua, and Karim Benzema scored the winner in the Lyon-Fiorentina game.
So tomorrow morning is Liverpool's turn against Marseille at Anfield, with revenge in the minds of the Reds', following a late winner by Marseille at Anfield a year ago at the same stage of the competition. Rafa will put out a strong line-up, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the last 16 and a great chance of leapfrogging Athletico Madrid and claiming top spot, especially if Athletico drop points against PSV in the other game. Rafa's possible line-up: Reina; Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio (please. please, don't play Dossena anymore... put Insua as understudy for Aurelio. please.); Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Riera; Gerrard (C); Torres. Subs (in order on the chances of coming on): Babel, Keane, El Zhar, Benayoun, Hyypia, Lucas, Dossena, Cavalieri.
C'mon!!!!
Finally a video, a song I just stumbled upon on my iTunes.