Champions League Roundup

The Champions League Round of 16 is a elimination round for the winners and runners up from the Group Stage. Each team will play 2 legs, Home and Away. Group winners will play against the Runners up with no two teams from the same Group or Country playing each other. However, the draw for the next opponent would be open from the Quarter-finals on.

And on the the roundup of the first leg results.

Athletico Madrid(H) drew past winners FC Porto 2-2 with Porto gaining a slim away goal advantage. Athletico would need to win away to progress.

Lyon(H) also dug in deep at home to hold the swash- buckling Barcelona to a 1-1 draw. Could this drop in form from Barce be a result of fatigue? We can only wait and see.

Hosts Arsenal displayed one of their best performances of the season to beat Roma 1-0 courtesy of a Van Persie penalty. The score itself is not a accurate reflection of the match in which Arsenal dominated and should have scored more to extend their lead.

Jose Mourinho's record of only one lost against Sir Alex Ferguson continues on as Man United failed to capitalise on their first half dominance despite having the lion's share of possession and the team laying seige on Inter's goal only to be denied by the keeper. Final score: Inter (H) 0-0 Man Utd

Liverpool surprised with a 1-0 win over hosts Real Madrid amid speculation over Rafa Benitez's future at the club following his turning down of a new contract. Rumour has it that he will be heading towards the Bernabau by week's end.

Chelsea(H), following the lead of the other English Clubs also won 1-0 against visiting Juventus to show that their strength as Champions League Runners-up.

Villareal drew with Greek side Panathinaikos 1-1 at home. Panathinaikos should make it hard at home in the return leg.

In Portugal, Sporting Lisbon have their work cut out for them after crashing 5-0 to German heavyweights Bayern Munich who exhibited their Champions League pedigree. Coach Bento will have to work on damage control for their away tie.

The next leg of the knockout round will be played on the 10tha nd 11th of March and i do look forward to an exciting time as the clubs come under pressure to progress to the quarter finals.

The Guru has spoken.