Well it looks like three of the four quarter-final ties have been decided. Tottenham, Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk all need comprehensive 4-0 wins next week to advance (In Spurs' case, that would get them to extra time). That is not going to happen. Let's look at what just happened.
Real Madrid 4, Tottenham 0: This is where Spurs' lack of a European pedigree seemed to hurt them. Of course, Peter Crouch took an idiotic second yellow but the score was 1-0 at half. That's where Spurs needed to figure out how to get men behind the ball and spring Defoe and Bale on the occasional counter. Instead, Real's possession with the advantage was ruthless and Mourinho's men put the tie away.
Inter Milan 2, Schalke 04 5: The shock result of the round was at the San Siro. On reflection, Stankovic's wonder goal may have been the worst thing to happen to the holders. Schalke dominated the next 15-plus minutes and got a deserved equalizer, and although Diego Milito restored the hosts' advantage, the Royal Blues got even again at the break and survived Inter's initial pressure at the start of the second half. Cristian Chivu's second yellow card may have been harsh, but the score was 4-2 at that point anyway and Schalke and Ralf Rangnick got the result they deserved.
Chelsea 0, Manchester United 1: Without question, Chelsea probably deserved a draw and Patrice Evra clearly fouled Ramires for a penalty late. Still, it was Ramires who earlier sent a clean header from six yards out wide of the target while Fernando Torres lacked the finishing touch. The interplay between Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney on United's goal was a joy to watch. Rooney looks to be at the top of his game after his heroics on the weekend - perhaps his bad-boy antics bring out his best football. The task is difficult but manageable for Chelsea at Old Trafford - two goals for the Blues should send them through.
Barcelona 5, Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Don't let the scoreline fool you. Yes, Barcelona were the superior team. Yes, Barcelona are the best team in the world. Yet the scoreline was flattering as Mircea Lucescu's men came to play, almost creating an opening-minute goal and forcing the Blaugrana defense into some rather amateurish mistakes. No player had a more frustrating night than Shakhtar's Luis Adriano, who missed several chances in the first half and hit the post in the 82nd minute. Barca, however, deserved all their goals. Iniesta's first and Messi's layoff for Seydou Keita's left-footed rocket in the second half were among the highlights. Iniesta is suspended for the trip to the Ukraine, but it won't matter. This match could have been a 4-3 or 5-4 scoreline for the hosts.
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