For Arsenal, Villarreal, Porto and Manchester United there is still everything to play for, and any combination of those teams could be playing in the Semi Finals. For Liverpool and Bayern Munich, it seems a mere formality before they go tumbling out of the competition.

But will it be all that easy?

Chelsea Vs Liverpool (Chelsea currently lead 3-1 on agg)

Its quite simple, Liverpool have to score three times at Stamford Bridge if they’re going to have any hope of keeping the European dream alive. It seems a big ask, but it certainly is not as big an ask as it would have been 12 months ago, when Stamford Bridge was an absolute fortress. Who was it that broke that run again? Oh yes, it was Liverpool.

Games between these sides are rarely simple, and indeed its certainly going to be open. Liverpool have to attack from the first minute if they want to get a result, which should mean gaps at the back give Chelsea a chance to get some chances away. I’ll be surprised (for once) if we don’t see a flurry of goals in this game.

Alot perhaps is going to come down to Steven Gerrard. The midfielder sat out the weekend’s game injured, but he is winning his battle to get back for this one. He’s going to have to play – and a hell of alot better than he did in the first leg, where he was utterly shackled by Essien, if Liverpool are going to have a hope.

Bayern Munich V Barcelona (Barca lead 4-0 on agg)

Will Barcelona regret going easy on Bayern in the second half of thier first leg encounter? It seems unlikely, but its never out of the question. Never in the history of the Champions League has a team overturned a 4-0 loss, and its all going to be about how the two teams react as they come out of the tunnel.

If Bayern come out thinking they’ve lost already, then its game over. The only way that Bayern can get back into this tie is if Barca think the match is won, and Bayern are determined its not. Certainly both managers have a bit of a job on their hands.

Its an easier job for Pep Guardiola admittedly. But he still has to convince his boys to go out there and start exactly as they did in the first leg. If he does, he know he can dispirit the Bayern team and the game is won. If his players go out thinking the job is done, perhaps then we’ll have a shock. But Bayern will have to play out of their skins to get it. And while they probably have the talent, they don’t seem to have the mental strength.

That and if Barca do score an away goal, which seems inevitable, it really is over.

Arsenal Vs Villarreal (Currently 1-1 on agg)

The first leg was a genuine game of two halves, Arsena; had a nightmareish first that saw Marcos Senna get a beautiful goal, William Gallas and Almunia taken off injured and three yellow cards. They very much rallied in the second 45 though, and a valuable away goal from an incredible Adebayour strike meant that they come back to North London with a slight advantage.

The big news is that Marcos Senna got himself injured at the weekend. A massive player in the first leg, that might just be the boost that Arsenal need. Arsenal’s weekend was better, they went 1-0 down, but rallied to score four goals, and saw thier Champions League place kept pretty safe due to the draw between Villa and Everton.

FC Porto V Manchester United (2-2 on agg)

Porto shocked pretty much everybody with their performance in the first leg at Old Trafford, and deserved their late goal which put them in the driving seat at home. No English side has ever won an away tie against Porto, so Man United are not going to find this easy.

The key really for United is that they have to win, outright. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw would send United out on away goals, bringing back memories of that loss against Jose Mourinho’s Porto. Extra time will want to be avoided if possible as Man United have an FA Cup Semi Final against Everton at the weekend.

If Porto believe that it can be done, United are going to have one hell of a fight on their hands, and we might just see the biggest upset of the tournament so far.

Of course some will counter that Barca have yet to be tested – that that Bayern team isn’t good enough anyway.

Well at the back perhaps. But you’d still think a team with Ribery, Toni, Schweinsteiger, Ze Roberto and so on would create a few things going forward, wouldn’t you?

But they couldn’t. Because not only is the football played at Camp Nou beautiful, its effective as well.

The key lies in possession. Barca have averaged over 60% in the Champions League this season, an incredible stat. However unlike Arsenal or Villarreal who play a similar brand of beautiful passing, but with no cutting edge, Barca score goals.

In fact with 126 goals in all competitions, it really becomes hard to argue against them being the best team on earth. Indeed, the front three of Messi, Henry and Eto’o have scored more goals between them than any team in the rest of Europe.

The front three naturally then, get their fair share of the glory, and Leo Messi will almost certainly end the year as the World Player of the Year. But they couldn’t be as effective without that midfield sat behind them.

Xavi, the undoubted star of Euro 2008, was quite quiet last night (It’d be impossible for everyone to have an outstanding game, I suppose), but his ability is undoubted. His vision and passing is peerless, he can hit a not-bad free kick and unlike say Fabregas, his supposed heir, he is not afraid to hit the ball.

Iniesta meanwhile was brilliant. Vastly underrated, he can play literally anywhere in the midfield. He started off in the middle somewhere, seemingly constantly in contact with the ball. When Henry went off, he moved out wide, and somehow played even better than he did before, the one Barca player still pushing forward after the job was evidently already done.

Yaya Toure too has really blossomed under manager Pep Guardiola. Playing the thankless defensive-midfield role, he does the dirty work Pep would once have made his own.

And its true that alot of credit has to go to Guardiola. Remember the Barca of last season? The in-fighting, the lack of punch. Well, Pep hasn’t bought anyone in as such. He got rid of Ronaldinho and Deco, too undoubtedly world class talents. He told Eto’o he could get out as well.

Clearly he got rid of the players who were causing in house fighting. Eto’o though took it to heart and realised that hell, he wasn’t bigger than the club afterall. He’s become one of the most formiddable strikers in the world since, in a season he’s sure to remember.

Football is a cruel game, and the best team does not always win. Holland didn’t win the World Cup in 1974, just for the first example that comes to mind. But let us savour the fact that, for now, Barcelona are the best team in the world. Not that you’d catch Messi saying so:

“I think from one to 11, each of our players put in an excellent performance against Bayern. But to be considered the best team in Europe, it’s not about playing like this, it is about winning the Champions League and regaining the Spanish title. That’s something we can only achieve by taking things calmly and a game at a time.”

Smart kid.

Far be it for me to introduce the plot & dramatis personae since The McCarra has done it here …

“The tedium … can be thrilling” | Guardian UK | 8 Apr 2009

See you shortly!

The draw has naturally thrown up some interesting games, and over the next few days here on the Champions League offside, you can expect (hopefully) to see all kinds of Predictions, previews, and liveblogs. And then we’ll review it all at the end of the drama.

The quarter finals have a habit of being spectacular. Remember Arsenal and Liverpool last season? Lets hope for something that special.

Villarreal vs Arsenal

So we kick off with an intriguing tie between two of the supposed weaker sides to get this far. But the Yellow Submarine came through a group with Man United, where they more than held their own, and Arsenal, though lucky to have come through against Roma, see the return of Cesc Fabregas which is a massive boost to the team.

Both sides like to play nice football, and there’s no reason this won’t be an absolute cracker. Unlike some of the games with the bigger teams, I think both sides will want this from the off, which is why it could be the best of the first leg ties.

The key could be league form. Arsenal have recently bounced back from a bad run, and now look comfortable for a return to the Champions League next time around. Fabregas’ return meant an immediate return to form, and two assists for two Adebayour goals.

Villarreal meanwhile had a miserable weekend, with former Arsenal star Robert Pires sent off, and a 3-0 loss. Its going to be a real test of character if they are going to bounce back.

Man United Vs Porto

A game that might look United’s on paper, but Sir Alex will be wary of Porto, after Jose Mourinho inspired them to an upset against United back in 2004. United have also been low on form as of late, although they will undoubtedly have been boosted by a last minute winner against Aston Villa at the weekend. United often looked unconvincing in that game though, and there is a feeling that perhaps, if United are vulnerable, its now.

Liverpool Vs Chelsea

If you wanted proof UEFA didn’t fix the Champions League draw, surely the fact that prepetual bore-fest Liverpool vs Chelsea has come up once again is proof enough?

The big question is whether Guus Hiddink’s influence can make this an interesting game or not. Chelsea have certainly been performing more confidently recently – Drogba immediately got back into form, and Frank Lampard pretty much pulled Newcastle apart on his own at the weekend.

Liverpool meanwhile left it as late as they always do against Fulham at the weekend. But inspired by the Kop, will they be looking to go forward a bit more against The Blues on Wednesday?

Certainly the sides obviously know all about each other, and it might well come down to which team shackles the other’s attacking midfielder better.

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

Barca have undoubtedly been the team to beat this season, but in what is almost-certainly the tie of the round, they have been drawn against Bayern Munich, a side who have been scoring for fun in this tournament so far. Just ask Sporting Lisbon. Go on, I dare you.

Hopefully then, we should expect to see goals, goals and even more goals. This is the one everyone wants to see, and with any luck it’ll live up to expectations, and not just have a cagey first leg followed by a slightly less cagey second leg.

Mind you, I’m not sure either side knows the meaning of the word. Miroslav Klose is the tournament top scorer (joint with Steven Gerrard), and Leo Messi sits just behind. And both sides have plenty of firepower to back those up. Makes me salivate slightly just thinking about it. Roll on Wednesday.

The only match that’s pretty much already over is Bayern Munich’s game against Sporting Lisbon, after the German side scored an impressive 5 away goals against the Portuguese. But the other three Tuesday matches are still anybodies.

Liverpool Vs Real Madrid (1-0 on agg)

Liverpool picked up a valuable 1-0 win at the Bernabéu thanks to a late-ish Yossi Benayoun header, so the onus will be on Real to attack at Anfield, where if they choose to, Liverpool could just shut out the game. Liverpool are undoubtedly in a great position here, as they generally perform very well in front of the Kop in the Champions League. Real however have a bit of form – despite a draw with inter-city rivals Atletico at the weekend.

Juventus Vs Chelsea (Chelsea lead 1-0 on agg)

Chelsea prevented an away goal despite Juve’s spirited display at Stamford Bridge, but it should be a completely different game on Italian Soil. In truth the Turin giants were unlucky to walk away 1-0 down against a tough Chelsea team, but The Blues have grown under Guus Hiddink and Didier Drogba appears to have found the form that made him a feared striker a couple of seasons ago. This is probably the one to watch tomorrow.

Panathinaikos Vs Villarreal (1-1 on Agg)

Tough to call this one, with both sides underdogs in terms of the competition, and will be wanting to take this chance to get to the Round of 8. I’m gonna back the Spanish side because, well they have an offside page. Plus they’re nicknamed the Yello Submarine. How can you not wish them well?

Bayern Vs Sporting (Bayern lead 5-0 on agg)

I’d love to see Sporting overturn this, just for the entertainment value. But it isn’t going to happen. Is it?

Elsewhere we’ll have a look and see who holds the advantage in each of the legs, and which way each of them are going to progress. Its going to be a nailbiting set of second legs, I can tell you.

Chelsea 1 – 0 Juventus

Didier Drogba got the goal that gives Chelsea and advantage going into the second leg. The home side did spend long periods second-best to the Italian giants however, and Juve will be dissapointed they didn’t take one of their chances. The main worry of course for the Old lady is that if Chelsea get the fabled away goal in Turin, the match is going to very hard to recover. They can take solace then in the fact that Chelsea will likely just defend what they have, and attack on the counter.

Villarreal 1 – 1 Panathinaikos

The Greek side go into the second leg with the advantage of an away goal, but with just 1 its little consolation, as Villarreal would have to score to win the tie anyway. The second leg then, should provide plenty of attacking football from the Spanish side, while a 0-0 will be good enough for the Greek. An early goal could make it very interesting indeed.

Sporting Lisbon 0 – 5 Bayern Munich
Sporting will need a footballing miracle if they are to overcome five away goals against Bayern Munich. Miroslav Klose has now become to tournaments top goalscorer as he added a goal to make it 2-0 in the second half. Two goals from Ribery and two from Luca Toni mean this tie is pretty much over.

Atletico Madrid 2 – 2 FC Porto

They might only be in the tournament by the skin of their teeth after the Golden Whistle fiasco, but Porto are still holding strong, with 2 away goals against Atletico Madrid. The tie is still evenly poised however, and as long as Atletico win, the away goals don’t count for anything. So expect Porto to defend like crazy in the second leg. Could be very interesting.

Lyon 1 – 1 Barcelona

In a game they had all been written off in, Lyon looked impressive in long spells against Champions League favourites Barca. A stunning Juninho free-kick from an impossible angle beat Valdes and looked like Lyon might just nick it. However, memories of last time around against Manchester United abounded, as the French Champions conceeded a second-half away goal to French international Thierry Henry. Lyon are by no means out of this, but they still have a big job on thier hands with that away goal.

Real Madrid 0 – 1 Liverpool
A late goal from Yossi Benayoun will have dissapointed an ordinary-looking Real Madrid side, and they will have to go hell-for-leather at the famously hard to go to Anfield in two weeks time. The Israel international’s 82nd minute header has given the five-time winners the advantage going into the second leg.

Arsenal 1 – 0 Roma

Robin van Persie converted a penalty after Philippe Mexés bought him down in the box for the only goal in another tie that’s far from settled. Roma will attack more comfortably from home, and depending who gets injured/who comes back from injury in the next two weeks, I still think this game could go either way.

Inter Milan 0 – 0 Manchester United
So who has the advantage here? Inter will claim they do as they stopped Man United scoring an away goal, but United will be fairly happy to be on a level playing field going back to Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson has only ever once won from this position in the Champions League, but he’ll be happy to be reminded that it was last season against Barcelona where that happened.
Expect the mind games to be turned up to 11 in the next couple of weeks.

The answer is simple, clear and obvious. The Champions League. Luckily for you, for me and for everyone else, its back, starting tomorrow, with the games that I shall preview after the jump.

Of course you might complain that the CL is Barca’s to loose. Certainly they are currently favourites to take the tournament, with their barnstorming performances in the group stage, as well as wondering away with their domestic title. But in a knockout competition it only takes one bad game, and then you can forget about the final in Rome.

Lyon Vs Barcelona

Lyon, its fair to say, have a tough draw. No-one in the pot will have wanted to draw Group C winners Barcelona, and after coming out of Group F, the obilgitory Group of Death with Bayern Munich, Lyon will be wondering exactly what they did to annoy the football gods.

All that isn’t to say that Lyon are out already. They keep falling at this stage, and will be desperate to put an end to that. They have great players going forward – most notably much wanted hitman Karim Benzema. Defence is a worry, not exactly sure how Boumsong will deal with an in-form Samuel Eto’o.

Inter Milan Vs Manchester United

Arguably the big one, due to the headline making power of Jose Mourinho. He and Sir Alex Ferguson have a history from Mourinho’s time in the EPL, but of course their history goes back further to Porto’s incredible 2005 run, which saw Man United knocked out en-route.

Both sides look comfortable at the summit of their respective leagues, but Inter come off the back of years of underperforming in Europe, while Man United are the defending champions.

Man United’s big strength this season has been at the back, but they may struggle here in the first leg. Vidic is suspended for the first leg, and his heir, Johnny Evans picked up an injury at the weekend. Both Evans and the equally struggling John O’Shea have made the trip to Italy, in the hope that one is fit, but if they aren’t a 100% (and in O’Shea’s case maybe even if they are) they will struggle to deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic - assuming the swede fancies it. If he’s hungry to prove himself as genuinely one of the worlds best, then this is the stage to do it.

The first leg is going to be crucial to Inter. If they want to get through, they have to take advantage of being at home first – expect United to try and close the game out and get a 0-0 away, and then drag it back to Manchester, and more comfortable surroundings.

Arsenal vs Roma

The two biggest underperformers in Europe meet on Tuesday, both hoping to salvage something from a season that might mean a lack of Champions League action for both next season. Roma of course have the extra spice of knowing the final is in Rome.

Both teams love to play free-flowing attacking football, so potentially this could be the most beautiful game of the lot. Both teams have been devestated with injuries all season – part of the reason for both sides unconvincing performances, and although Roma have rallied comparitively in recent weeks, Arsenal are struggling to find the net.

Really the tie could come down to who keeps thier best XI fit. This is a completely unpredictable tie, and either side could go marching through, neither will want to face losing.

Atlético Madrid Vs FC Porto

Porto, who weren’t even supposed to be at this party have managed to make it this far after winning Group G ahead of Arsenal. Atlético Madrid meanwhile have sometimes looked more convincing than their inter-city rivals, as they came through their group behind Liverpool.

Atletico however have struggled in the league recently, and coach Javier Aguirre has been given his marching orders. A certain Sergio Aguero will be back though after becoming a father, which should give his side a massive lift.

Its obviously a clash between two of the “Smaller” Champions League clubs, and both will deseperately want this chance to make the Quarter Finals.

It provides an interesting look at the state-of-play between the two leagues, as well as a good chance for both England and Italy to dominate this years Champions League in the way that the Prem has for the last couple of seasons.

Chelsea striker Nicky Anelka, while respecting Juve, thinks it will finish 3-0 to the English sides.

But I doubt it will be as easy as all that.

Looking at the ties, they are very interesting in their own right. Ranieri visiting his old club adds spice to an encounter between two sides on different trajectories. Chelsea seem to have lost the fight in the Prem a bit this season, coming down from their prem dominence under Jose Mourinho. Juventus are fighting their way back to the top after a couple of Scandal-hit seasons, and are finally right back up near the top of Serie A again. Chelsea struggled against Roma, and they are going to have to really want it if they want to come out on top against the Old Lady.

Presumably we can expect fireworks as the Champions of Italy take on the Champions of England. Throw in Mourinho’s stunningly good record against Sir Alex (including a win against United in the Champions League when he was Porto boss), and it looks very interesting indeed. Inter have underachieved in the Champions League since their enforced period of dominence over Serie A, and will be looking for moody striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to pull out one of his best games. When he does, he’s nigh-on unplayable, and if he ever wants to be recognised as one of the world’s best players, The Champions League is the time to do it.

Both Roma and Arsenal have had sub-standard seasons. Both have gone through the season suffering badly from injuries, both like to play free-flowing wonderful-to-watch attacking football. While Arsenal are struggling to cling on to that fourth place spot and their place in the Big Four, Roma started the season badly but have fought their way back up into contention. Both sides will want a big run in the Champions League to set a bad start straight. The final, of course is in Rome, which gives extra insentive to the Roma boys. Roma topped Chelsea’s group, and Arsenal knocked out AC Milan last year.

So, how do you think it’ll go, at this early stage?

Mourinho shown the door. After a 1-1 draw with Rosenborg, The Special One is guided through the door marked ‘EXIT’ at Stamford Bridge. The rest of the season would be spent with him doing nothing except being ‘On Setanta Sports’

Ronaldo doesn’t celebrate against his old club. He’s often accused of a lack of class, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s refusal to celebrate his goal againt Sporting Lisbon was to be admired.

Deivid’s strike against Inter. Fenerbahce were this years surprise team, and they got off to a flyer with a beautiful strike from Deivid. It wouldn’t be thier last beautiful goal

Dida madness. After the smallest touch from a ’supporter’ Dida goes down and has to be taken off. Its pretty much the end of his Milan carrer.

Valbuena upsets Liverpool. A beautiful strike for the Marseilles man, made it look very difficult for Liverpool. Just one point after two games.

The begining of a bad season for Valencia. They lost to Chelsea, in Avram Grants first CL match. Not the exciting football promised from Grant, but 3 points nonetheless. Valencia’s season just went from bad to worse.

Arsenal come of age. Spectacularly. Arsenal win 7-0 against Slavia Prague to cement an incredible start to thier season as Fabregas, Flamini, Walcott et al all come of age. Its a record win the Champions League (though it doesn’t last long)

Anything you can do. Liverpool, in deserpate need of a win after just a couple of points in three games win 8-0 against Besiktas setting a new Champions League record.

Rangers play anti-football. Leo Messi frowned at why a club would want to just play for a 0-0 draw. The rest of Europe would go on to boo them as they managed to 0-0 thier way through the UEFA cup.

Super Pippo! Inzaghi breaks Gerd Muller’s record of goals in European competetion. A credit to the man.

Good Old Marco Ballotta. The Lazio keeper became the oldest player to ever play in the Champions League.

Torres Wondergoal. El Nino has been a massive success at Liverpool in his first year. His solo effort against Marseilles was brilliant.

Arsenal win in the San Siro. In a battle of youth and expierence, Arsenal win in the San Siro to put them through to the Quater Finals. The joy on Cesc Fabregas face was incredible.

The Matrix sees red. Again. A couple of weak challenges on Fernando Torres meant that the man they call The Matrix was unfairly sent off against Liverpool in leg one. Inter went defensive, but eventually Liverpool came up with the goods.

Mancini Quits. Then Doesn’t. Before the Liverpool/Inter game all the talk was of Rafa’s job. After a defeat at the hands of Liverpool, Inter manager Roberto Mancini handed in his notice. And then promptly changed his mind. Inter promptly went to pieces and now Mancini has been sacked.

Fenerbahce Vs Sevilla. The whole match. Absolutely spectacular entertainment.

BojanGoals! Bojan Krkic becomes the first player born in the 1990s to score in the Champions League. Suddenly the world realises why Ronaldinho hasn’t had much luck at Camp Nou recently.

Roma win against Real. Real Madrid’s fall in Europe continued this season, as Roma performed incredibly to grab a win.

That ‘Fixed’ Champions League draw. Someone on a Liverpool forum predicts the Champions League draw proclaiming it a fix. he has 100/1 odds of being right. He’s right. for 24 hours choas ensued. UEFA shrugged. World kept turning.

Fener shock Chelsea. A beautiful strike from Deivid completed a great comeback for Fener who beat Chelsea 2-1 in ‘Hell’. Chelsea would win the second leg though.

The Liverpool/Arsenal Trilogy. Well The Last bit. Liverpool and Arsenal played each other 3 times in a week and drew the first two 1-1. The last part of the ‘Trilogy’ as the English press insisted on calling it was the game of the tournament though.

Ronaldo’s header against Roma. Roma looked the better side, but Ronaldo rose magnificently to dispatch them.

Maldini doesn’t retire yet. It looks increasingly like St Poalo will put off retirement for another year. He’s not in the CL next season though.

English dominince. For better or worse, there’s no getting away from it, England is begining to dominate the Champions League. 5 finialists in 4 years.

John Arne-Riise’s header. Cruel, but memorable.

Phil Thompson’s reaction to that header.

Drogba dives. All week Rafa called Chelsea man Didier Drogba a diver. Drogba scored the goal that would help send Liverpool on thier way before diving before Rafa. Ouch.

Lampard says goodbye in style. After his mother’s death, some questioned Frank Lampard’s descion to play against Liverpool. More eyebrows were raised when he stepped up to take a pen. Balls of steel, Lampard tucked it away and pointed to the heavens, beautiful.

Barca vs Man United. But Rubbish. Maybe not rubbish. But it wasn’t the game we hoped for.

Paul Scholes finds redemption at last. Scholes missed Man Uniteds 99 final due to an iffy yellow card in the semi final. He made up for it by scoring an absolute belter against Barca to fire his team to another final.

Russian Science Promises Me It Won’t Rain. And Then It Did.
Ryan Giggs breaks Bobby Charlton’s record. In an era where players move clubs like they change socks, its nice to see a player play with one club his entire life, and in Giggsy’s case, be a giant success.

Lampard scores. Again. Frank Lampard scored in the final, making him the first player to score in every Knockout round of the Champions League.

Drogba slaps Vidic. Not his finest hour, Didier Drogba (probably) ended his Chelsea carrer by bitchslapping Nemanja Vidic.

Nicky Anelka throws a hissy fit and costs Chelsea the Final. Anelka came on out of position, and then when was asked to take a pen went “Fuck off, you didn’t play me up front from the start!” just when he was losing his “le sulk” image too.

JT’s missed pen. Not one he’ll want to remember, but it decided the final in the end. Unlucky to have slipped.

The Players.

Ronaldo is top goalscorer in the tournament so far with 7 goals. Didier Drogba on 6 is the only player likely to catch him.

Fenerbahce’s Alex was top assist giver with 6. No-one else got above 4 (Hleb, Pirlo, Robinho, Gerrard).

Didier Drogba had the most shots on target with 21. Ronaldo is back in third with 17. Seperating them is Lyon’s Juninho with 18

Ronaldo haters will be pleased to learn that the winger had the most shots off target (18)

Arsenal hitman Adebayour was ruled offside an astonishing 25 times. Drogba was next closest with 16. Pippo Inzaghi was waaaaay back.

No-one got more than one red card in the tournament.

Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones picked up the most yellow cards in the competition with 5, after commiting 28 fouls. Didier Drogba and Javier Mascherano both commited more fouls though with 32 apiece.

A winger from Portugal was the most fouled player in the Champions League this season. But it wasn’t Ronaldo, it was Quaresma, Portugal’s Ronaldo in waiting.

The Clubs

Liverpool were easily the highest scoring club, with 29 goals. That put them 10 ahead of anyone else. That isn’t even including goals they scored to help out other clubs.

Meanwhile Valencia only managed 2 goals.

Dyanamo Kyiv conceeded 19 goals, giving them the worst defense in the tournament

Man United, astonishingly have only conceeded 5 times, which is one less than both Chelsea who they meet in the final, and Valencia who went out in round one.

Barcelona had 86 shots on target, meaning the probably faced the best goalkeepers. They also had an astonishing 91 corners.

PSV were the dirtiest team with an average of 20 fouls a match. However Chelsea’s 192 in the tournament and Schalke’s 194 are technically much more than PSV’s 125 – but they were in the tournament longer.

Tellingly, Schalke picked up ten more yellow cards than anyone else with 26.

Barca spent the most time on the ball, with a match average of 59%. Over the tournament they spent 454 minutes with the ball. As they showed against Man United though, its no good if they don’t do anything with it.

Second and third in terms of Ball posession were also Spanish clubs – Real Madrid and Sevilla.

Stats of the Tournament

Liverpool’s 8-0 win against Besiktas was a record breaking win – the previous record had been equalled this year too, Arsenal’s 7-0 group stage win against Slavia Prague.

Jose Mourinho’s regin was bought to an end at Chelsea, against Rosenborg in a game that produced 22 off target shots.

The group match at Old Trafford between Roma and Manchester United produced an amazing 21 corners.

There were 65 fouls in Fener’s amazing 5-5 draw with Schalke. It didn’t have as many yellow cards however as Roma’s win over Real in Madrid. 11 Players were booked.

Finally, there have been 120 goals in the last half hour of matches – the most. There have been 328 goals overall, 17 have come in injury time in the second half.

All the stats came from here. Hope you enjoyed reading, and hope it whet your appitite and gave you food for thought regarding your teams of the season, which you’ll have a chance to vote on soon, we promise.