The Round of Sixteen gave way to intrigue as a few of the chosen ones were taught lessons by some of the less illustrious sides.

The biggest upset having to go to Liverpool’s defeat of Barcelona, last year’s Champions. Even though the Spanish side won at Anfield, the damage had already been done in Spain—away goals getting the better of Ronaldinho and Co.

Unfortunately the original dark horse, French side Lyon was eliminated, primarily in the 2nd Leg against Roma at home in France. Lyon failed to score in the Round of 16—all the goals from the opening games evaporating into thin air.

Dutch sided PSV Eindhoven is the new long shot as they defeated Arsenal, having drawn level (1-1) at the Emirates. Perhaps the Gunners are still undefeated at home; however, they certainly aren’t holding that out there to cover the pain of elimination.

The classic battle between the old guard fell to the match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. With the Germans getting the last laugh at the Alianz Arena, where they defeated Real (2-1) also going through on away goals. It was a heated match that saw Dutch dirty-tricks Van Bommel and Real’s Diarra expelled from the action.  

The biggest bust up came at the loss of Inter Milan at the hands of Valencia as a major brawl followed Inter’s elimination from the cup. The Italian midfielder Burdoso getting the worse of the fracas with a busted nose; however, multiple players and club sanctions are soon to follow.

The round up of the Quarterfinals, and of the stronger horses, is Chelsea, AC Milan, and Manchester United. With the field a little lightened by the road rash of this round, these three will especially believe they now have the right to aces.

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