2nd Leg Champions League Wednesday!

First of all, let’s just get this out of the way, I love Champions League. Secondly, did you know that Brett Favre wasn’t the only person to retire from the NFL in the last 24hrs? After 13 years in the NFL, Warren Sapp is also calling it quits. Somehow, I don’t think Raiders fans will be as upset as Packers fans have been. Enough of that stuff, though the final score ended 2-0, it is hardly a reflection of how great yesterdays second leg match up between Arsenal and AC Milan was. The match seemed destined for extra time at the San Siro, until the deadlock was broken by one Cesc Fabregas. In his home country Spain, Barcelona defeated Celtic 1-0 at the Nou Camp, unfortunately for Barca the win was overshadowed by injury to Lionel Messi. Back in England, Manchester United defeated Lyon 1-0, to secure their place in the next round. Finally, back in Spain Volkan Demirel was Fenerbahce's hero. They defeated last years UEFA CUP winners Sevilla, in a penalty shoot-out, I called that one. What excitement does today have in store for us? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out.

FC Porto v Schalke 04
German side Schalke travel to Portugal to face Porto at the Estádio do Dragão. Schalke have a one point lead on the aggregate, as they look to advance to the next round. Porto leads their domestic league in commanding fashion, and are rallied by the return of winger Ricardo Quaresma, 'This game is massive for us and all the Portuguese people, who surely will want to see a Portuguese side fighting in the Champions League. Schalke has struggled domestically this season and sits sixth in the Bundesliga.

Real Madrid v Roma
Roma will make the trip west, to Spain, to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Roma leads 2-1 on the aggregate, however, holding their lead at the Bernabeu will be difficult. Having tasted success in almost the rest of Europe, Fabio Cannavaro has yet to lift the European Cup, ‘I have Ligas, Scudettos, cups ... but I lack the Champions League.' The bad news for Real is Sergio Ramos is suspended, and Dutchmen Wesley Sneijder and Ruud van Nistelrooy are questionable. Roma have been in good form of late domestically, having cut Serie A leaders Internazionale’s lead to just six points.

Chelsea v Olympiacos
Greek champions Olympiacos travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, as both teams are even after their first leg. The bottom line: Olympiacos will need a miracle to win, as Chelsea have been left with a poor taste in their mouths after their loss in the Carling Cup final. Chelsea is also out of the domestic title race, which will only fuel their fire more.