Barçelona brilliance turns tables on Bayern:
 | Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munchen |  | ||
An enthralling first-half display put FC Barcelona within touching distance of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons as FC Bayern München were brushed aside at the Camp Nou.
Outstanding display
Two first-half goals from Lionel Messi plus one each from Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry ripped through the resistance of a Bayern side who had themselves scored a record 12 times against Sporting Clube de Portugal in the previous round, comprehensively ending the German club's 100 per cent competitive record against Barça here. Ten years on from their final defeat by Manchester United FC there was more misery in Barcelona for Bayern, for whom Hans Jörg Butt made only his second start of the season in goal in place of Michael Rensing. The decision to opt for experience was to no avail as the Liga leaders imposed themselves at will with all three strikers in dazzling form.
Early breakthrough
Barça were into their stride from the first whistle and, even before Messi's ninth-minute opener, a lovely interchange of passes between Daniel Alves, Xavi Hernández and Henry allowed the latter to round Butt. Martín Demichelis cleared off the line but the respite was brief for a Bayern defence already deprived of Lucio and Daniel Van Buyten and with a calf injury restricting Philipp Lahm to a place on the bench. Within moments Andrés Iniesta dribbled past Hamit Altıntop and Eto'o held off Breno before setting Messi free to slide past Butt.
Carnival atmosphere
The falling rain made the playing surface quick, but Barça's passing and movement were even slicker and Eto'o duly made it two in the 12th minute. Iniesta and Messi combined again, the Barça No10 picking out Eto'o's run in time to let the striker slip the ball under the advancing Butt. The carnival atmosphere was dampened slightly when Josep Guardiola was sent to the stands for his protests after Messi went down under Christian Lell's challenge, but in the 38th minute the Argentinian reacted by adding his eighth goal of the competition – becoming its leading scorer in the process – applying the finishing touch to Henry's low cross despite the attentions of three defenders. Three became four when Messi tormented the Bayern defence again and, though he was felled by Mark van Bommel, Eto'o expertly exploited the advantage to help the ball reach Henry. Having scored Barça's 700th goal in UEFA club competition against Olympique Lyonnais on Matchday 8, Henry took the pass and rolled his own 50th UEFA Champions League strike inside the far post.
Excellent save
Perhaps naturally the tempo dipped slightly in the second half as the home side moved the ball around crisply and Bayern worked intensely hard to staunch the flow of goals. Nonetheless it took a wonderful save from Butt to deny Messi his hat-trick; Gerard Piqué's long crossfield pass was controlled perfectly and Lell outsprinted before Messi hit a fierce left-footed shot which the keeper parried on to the crossbar and over. After Carles Puyol had denied Bayern even a consolation with a perfect tackle on Zé Roberto, substitute Seydou Keita inadvertently kept the score at 4-0 by blocking Messi's goalbound shot although Bayern's task in Tuesday's second leg is already sufficiently daunting, a match Barcelona's Rafael Márquez will miss through suspension after his late booking.
Unlikely hero Ivanović heads Chelsea charge:
 | Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea |  | ||
Two headers by Branislav Ivanović and a clinical finish by Didier Drogba brought Chelsea FC to the verge of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals as they ended their barren run of European visits to Liverpool FC.
Goal flurry
Chelsea had only a John Arne Riise own goal to show for the previous four recent UEFA Champions League trips to Anfield but Serbian defender Ivanović, who had never previously scored for Chelsea, found the net from two corners either side of the break, while Drogba neatly tucked the third in from four metres out. Liverpool now have an enormous job on their hands at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday if they are to stay in the competition, despite forging an early lead through Fernando Torres.
Torres strikes
Dirk Kuyt set the move rolling for that sixth-minute goal with a superb back-heel out to the right wing, where Álvaro Arbeloa crossed for Torres to calmly side-foot the ball into the corner of the net from close to the penalty spot. Moments later, Drogba had a glorious chance to equalise when he found himself through on Pepe Reina after being released by Salomon Kalou at the Kop end, but the Spanish goalkeeper – making his 100th appearance in UEFA club competition – blocked the Ivorian striker's shot, which was straight at his body.
Chelsea response
Chelsea responded well and had Liverpool under pressure after earning two free-kicks in promising positions, both blocked by the wall. Florent Malouda then threatened Reina's goal after being found by Drogba, but the Frenchman dragged his left-foot shot wide. Play ebbed and flowed with no sign of the tension or nerves of previous meetings between these two sides on Merseyside as Torres shook off the close attention of Frank Lampard before curling an effort over the top.
Ivanović off mark
Michael Ballack then played Drogba into space with a perfect pass, but the striker's shot cleared the crossbar comfortably. Chelsea eventually got the equaliser that their pressure deserved in the 39th minute. Full-back Ivanović, in for the injured José Bosingwa, sprinted into the box to meet Malouda's corner with a firm header past Reina.
Terry out
Chelsea upped the tempo further still after the restart and could have gone in front after 51 minutes when Drogba, after a swift interchange with Lampard, beat Reina with his low shot but Jamie Carragher produced a fantastic clearance from right on the goal line. John Terry was then booked for a dangerous challenge on Reina, a caution which means the Chelsea captain will miss the second leg.
Visitors ahead
All that was forgotten in the 62nd minute, however, when Ivanović again found the target with another headed goal from a corner, Lampard the provider this time. As if matters could not get any worse for Liverpool, they did just that five minutes later when Drogba finally got his reward by neatly finishing off an inviting cross from the left by Malouda. Liverpool simply had no reply and fell to a UEFA Champions League home defeat only equalled when FC Barcelona won here 3-1 in November 2001. While the Kop was muted, Chelsea fans are already dreaming of a fifth semi-final in six seasons.
Adebayor delighted to put Arsenal in command:
Arsenal FC striker Emmanuel Adebayor revealed he "may not have scored many better" after his spectacular bicycle kick earned his side a vital away goal in a 1-1 first-leg draw in their quarter-final against Villarreal CF.
Good combination
Since Adebayor and Cesc Fàbregas have put their injuries behind them and been reunited in Arsène Wenger's starting XI the pair have combined for two wins and three goals, but the 25-year-old Togolese forward was thinking of the team not himself after his brilliant strike. "Yes I'm very happy for the goal and I may not have scored many better," he said. "I'm delighted to get an important one in a game like this but the most significant fact is that we drew from a losing position and we got an away goal to take back to London for the second leg. Scoring good goals is fine but the most important thing is that you have to win."
High scoring
Wenger described it as a "great goal" and it has given Arsenal a significant advantage ahead of the second leg next Wednesday. Including the third qualifying round against FC Twente, Arsenal have won four times at home in this competition this season yielding a goal aggregate of 10-0, only slipping up in the scoreless draw against Fenerbahçe SK. It does not make appetising reading for Villarreal and the reappearance of the Fàbregas-Adebayor partnership, which also brought both Arsenal's goals in the 2-0 win over Manchester City FC last Saturday, looks equally ominous for the Yellow Submarine. "We all know how much quality Cesc has and when I saw him about to look for me with the pass I had another idea in mind. But the way I controlled it I was only left with the option of the overhead kick.
Split-second decision
"As a striker you are used to making that kind of split-second decision. I think I made the correct choice this time. However, scoring good goals is fine but the most important thing is that you have to win games. We pushed high up the pitch in the second half and took over. We knew that Villarreal would probably get tired in the second half because they'd given their all in the first part of the match. We took advantage of that and scored one goal but we could have had more."
Winning mentality
Adebayor believes the Gunners now have everything in their favour to reach the semi-final for the first time since they last played Villarreal in 2006: "I don't think we have to rely on the 1-1 result at home because for us the most important thing is to win. I'm not saying we're through already but I do think that if we play our own game to our normal standard then we have a very good opportunity to go through." Do he and his team-mates believe this is a UEFA Champions League-winning squad? "I don't know, I don't know." he said reluctantly. "For us the most important thing is to play a game at a time; after the second leg we can think about winning the trophy."
Mariano Gonzáles sends Porto confidence soaring:
Manchester United FC may still be the favourites but FC Porto's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford ensured that confidence levels in the home camp should be sky-high for next week's UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg, according to goalscoring substitute Mariano.
Belief
The Argentinian had been on the field nine minutes when he struck the 89th-minute goal that earned Porto a draw – and boosted the Portuguese champions' prospects of progressing. "We've certainly gained a lot of confidence," Mariano told uefa. "We were quite calm because we have a lot of faith in the way we are playing as a team. To get a draw with two goals is very important; it's going to give us a lot of belief as we work towards the second leg. But Manchester United, as the champions and because of their history and their quality, are still the favourites."
'Early goal settled us'
Porto preyed on United's present defensive vulnerability, attacking with speed and precision, particularly in the first half when they took a fourth-minute lead through Cristián Rodríguez. "Scoring the early goal settled us," added Mariano, who like his fellow South American Rodríguez, recorded his first UEFA Champions League goal at Old Trafford. "We knew they were a team that had no major weaknesses. They have good players throughout the team but we tried to take advantage of the weaker points of their game. We'd studied their games and we focused on trying to hit them on the counterattack when they had lost the ball."
'Intelligent game'
To measure Porto's first-half threat, they had six shots on target to United's two – one of which yielded Wayne Rooney's equaliser. And although United came into the game more after the break – and seemed set to win when Carlos Tévez made it 2-1 after 85 minutes – the visitors still finished with more efforts on target and twice as many corners. "We played an intelligent game," said Porto's Argentinian playmaker Lucho. "We kept our discipline, we used the ball well, carefully and created several scoring opportunities. We gave away two goals but we produced a great performance. Yet we can't get carried away as we've still not achieved anything."
Wide open
Porto have never lost a home game against English opposition and defender Bruno Alves believes they have a 50-50 chance now of reaching the semi-finals. He said: "We have the same chance of getting through as Manchester United, although it will be a hard game in our stadium. Porto did well – we showed we have a great history in the Champions League. We've had highs and lows in the competition but we are a team with a strong personality. The tie is open. We are at home against United with two away goals to our credit."
Barcelona confirm interest in Fabregas:
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club are keen to swoop for influential Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
The Gunners lured Fabregas away from Barcelona as a teenager after he came through the club's youth ranks.
The 21-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe and a host of clubs have been credited with an interest in his services.
Fabregas has been continually linked with a return to his native Spain with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen on signing him.
Laporta is a big admirer of the schemer and believes the player would fit perfectly into their style of play.
"I would like very much to see Cesc wearing the shirt of Barcelona," Laporta told Marca.
"He was formed in our academy and it's certain he would adapt to our system of play"
"We already have the best midfield in the world but you can always get better."
Arsenal, who are set to welcome Fabregas back from injury for this weekend's clash with Manchester City, would be loathe to sell the Spaniard as he remains a key part of Arsene Wenger's plans.
Man. United fired up for Dragons` visit:
Manchester United FC may have only 48 hours' recovery time between the visit of Aston Villa FC and their quarter-final first leg against FC Porto but Sir Alex Ferguson believes his European champions will enter Tuesday's tie re-energised by Sunday's events at Old Trafford.
'Defining moment'
When Italian debutant Federico Macheda struck three minutes into added time to secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback win, he not only sent United back to the Premier League summit, but also restored hitherto flagging levels of belief. "You have to say that winning goal has just galvanised the club," said Sir Alex, who went on to describe it as a "defining moment" in their campaign.
Trademark victory
From staring a third successive defeat in the face with eleven minutes remaining, United were celebrating the kind of victory that has become the Old Trafford trademark under the Scot. "We survived some hairy moments but when it went to 2-1 then you saw Manchester United, the risk came out, everyone started playing with abandon," he said, adding: "We are sending some of our supporters into cardiac treatment, including the manager, but it is fantastic to watch."
'Going into overdrive'
Sir Alex, who said man-of-the-moment Macheda can expect a place on the bench, hopes the return of Wayne Rooney, suspended on Sunday together with Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidić, will provide extra impetus along with Cristiano Ronaldo's return to scoring form, although Dimitar Berbatov misses out with an ankle injury. "Our team will now hopefully start going into overdrive," said the 67-year-old. He must hope this goes for his suddenly fragile defence too. United have conceded eight goals in the last three domestic outings and even if Vidić returns and Rio Ferdinand shrugs off a groin problem, they cannot afford to repeat recent wobbles against opponents who have registered two goals in each of their last three European away games.
Positive Porto
Moreover, the Portuguese champions secured an eighth successive league away win on Saturday in beating Vitória SC 3-1, and their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, arrived promising an attacking outlook. "English teams play with speed and high intensity at home but we must not lose our identity," he said. "We have an attacking spirit, we are not going to change and we will play to win. We want a victory above all but to score a goal will be important."
Ronaldo warning
Porto eliminated United when these sides met in the 2003/04 Round of 16, their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford securing a 3-2 aggregate success. It was the only time they have avoided defeat on eleven previous visits to England but Ferreira, who could start with a front three of Hulk, Lisandro and Cristián Rodríguez, is determined his charges rise to the occasion: "We are top of our league and want to show what we can do." Sir Alex is certainly not underestimating opponents who finished ahead of Arsenal FC in the group stage, despite losing 4-0 in London. "The first thing Cristiano [Ronaldo] said to me when we had the draw is 'this is a difficult game'. We have watched them and they are a difficult side. Physically they are very strong, and Hulk up front is a very good player."
Jose Mourinho: Title race almost over:
Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho is confident that his side are close to retaining their Serie A title after moving nine points clear of the chasing pack.
Inter edged a 1-0 victory at Udinese on Sunday, while nearest rivals Juventus were held to a 3-3 draw at home by lowly Chievo to drop further behind the Nerazzurri.
Mourinho said after a crucial victory: "The Scudetto is closer now, but it's not over yet.
"There are many points still up for grabs and we need at least five more victories.
"We have been able to improve our lead upon second place even in a round that on paper was very difficult for us.
"With a bit of luck we were able to win. We were fortunate, as we won with an own goal and also a penalty on Fabio Quagliarella could have been given.
"Udinese have many great players and they put us under pressure."
Liverpool draw Chelsea yet again:
Chelsea and Liverpool will go head-to-head in Europe for the fifth successive season following the draw for the latter stages of the Champions League.
The two Premier League rivals are no strangers to one another following a series of previous meetings in the knockout stages of the continental competition and will again lock horns in the quarter-finals following the draw in Nyon, Switzerla nd.
Last season, Chelsea finally got the better of Liverpool after a 4-3 aggregate victory in the semi-finals.
Extra-time goals by Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba booked their place in the Moscow final following a tense second leg at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea have not had it all their own way as they were dumped out at the semi-final stage by the Reds on penalties the previous season, while Liverpool triumphed 1-0 on aggregate at the last-four stage during the 2004-05 campaign.
Elsewhere in the draw, European champions Manchester United will take on FC Porto in the last eight.
The two teams last met when Jose Mourinho was in charge of the Portuguese side and they triumphed 3-2 on aggregate at the last 16 stage in the 20 03-04 campaign following a dramatic late goal at Old Trafford.
Arsenal have been paired against Villarreal in the quarter-finals with the winners facing either Manchester United or FC Porto in the semis.
The two teams met at the semi-final stage in the 2005-06 season with the Gunners drawing the away leg in Spain 0-0 before securing their passage to the Paris final with a 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Liverpool versus Chelsea t ie will face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich in the last four stage after the Spanish and German champions made up the draw for the quarter-finals.
Quarter-final draw (ties to be played on April 7 and 8 and April 14 and 15):
Villarreal v Arsenal
Manchester United v FC Porto
Liverpool v Chelsea
Barcelona v Bayern Munich
Semi-final draw (ties to be played on April 28-29 and May 6 and 7):
Manchester United or FC Porto v Villarreal or Arsenal
Barcelona or Bayern Munich v Liverpool or Chelsea.
Who will go through?
While six of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists all won at the weekend, Villarreal CF and FC Bayern München both suffered heavy losses. When the first whistle is blown this week, though, does a side's domestic form really have a bearing on whether they will advance?
United draws
The Yellow Submarine host Arsenal FC on Tuesday three days after losing 3-0 at UD Almería, their second defeat in three games. That said, the Spanish Liga side are unbeaten at El Madrigal in the UEFA Champions League and have proven their ability to match England's finest by twice drawing with Manchester United FC this season. Arsenal, meanwhile, have hit their stride after a mid-season blip and their 1-0 loss in the second leg of their quarter-final against AS Roma, a tie they won on penalties, is their only defeat in 22 matches. They take on Villarreal having won four straight.
Bayern beaten
Bayern travel to FC Barcelona smarting from a 5-1 loss to VfL Wolfsburg yet emphatically eased past Sporting Clube de Portugal in the last round when in the midst of some inconsistent Bundesliga results. Barcelona too had gone off the boil prior to the last 16 meeting with Olympique Lyonnais, but were back at their best when it mattered most, smashing five past the French champions in the second leg. The Spanish league leaders are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak.
United in command
United's Premier League title challenge was faltering until they defeated Aston Villa FC on Sunday and they host an FC Porto team unbeaten in ten matches in all competitions. Liverpool FC and Premier League rivals Chelsea FC are both in hot pursuit of United at home and are playing some exciting football, but, when the pressure is on, it will be interesting to see if the expansive football continues.
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