Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Beijing 2008: Liverpool, Chelsea, Valencia, Roma through to Champions League quarters

LONDON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Holders Barcelona nipped a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday but failed to prevent Liverpool from advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals on away goals after aggregating it 2-2.

The 2004 winners Porto also bowed out after Chelsea made a successful comeback to win 2-1 at Stamfor Bridge for a 3-2 aggregate through.

Chelsea's victory made there an unprecedented four teams from the Premier League in the Champions League last eight.

AS Roma and Valencia also advanced when a 2-0 win from the former team inflicted a first home defeat in 19 Champions League games on Olympique Lyon and the latter tied Inter Milan 0-0 after their first leg 2-2 draw.

Anfield has been the scene of some memorable European nights over the years and those there on Tuesday will remember Liverpool's latest adventure for many years - despite the game ending in defeat.

Liverpool went out looking to kill the tie from the start and played a first half of 10 shots on goal to Barcelona's one.

Barcelona looked sluggish all night, personified in Ronaldinho who hit the post when through on goal after 53 minutes, before substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen finally scored in 75 minutes.

The remaining four second-leg matches take place on Wednesday when Manchester United and Arsenal will be seeking to make it four through from one country for the first time.

No comments: