When I predicted the overhaul of Liverpool by AC Milan in this Champions League Final, I have to admit that I thought it would be by that same shear class that saw them lose out in Istanbul 2 years ago.

However, when Inzaghi is on the field you just never know what type of goals will be bungled in. And truthfully it was Liverpool that looked likelier to score in the 1st half as Milan struggled to create any sustained offense with its adoptive one striker lineup. Of course the Milan defense coped well enough with Liver-drab and looked satisfied with a nil-nil scoreline going into half-time.

Then Inzaghi seized his opportunity like a rat when you least expect it, redirecting a Pirlo well-struck free kick with an eye-brow raising arm deflection right before the break. It proved to be the killer blow for Liverpool, even though the Italian striker scored a 2nd goal of undeniable quality (the table set by Kaka’s defense killing through pass) to remind everybody that Milan are capable of more than just nuts and bolts.

Gerrard had an excellent opportunity (and probably the only real one for Liverpool) in the game to level the scores, but Dida came up strong and saved the shot, not spilling it for any takers. Liverpool revived a brief life-line though as Dirk Kuyt slicked home a header in the final minutes to cut the lead; however, no heroics this time for Liverpool as AC Milan went on to claim another Champions League trophy (second only to Real Madrid).

AC Milan will now have the pleasure of defending the cup next season, pulling themselves up from negativity in the Serie A to a Champions League finish.

One last match and all will be told—AC Milan vs. Liverpool with the Italians putting the ghost of 05 to rest and restoring amends against the English bogey side that loves to pull trumps.

That’s right savages! I am saying that AC Milan (even at a deficit) will defeat Man. United in the San Siro next week, as well as predicting even the bigger upset of Liverpool (also at a deficit) over Chelsea at Anfield—to start the beginning of the destruction of the Chelsea Empire.

Most of you would think me crazy to stake claim for two losing clubs, but I must remind you that it is only halftime, and the consequences of the 1st match have not yet determined the finality of the round. In fact, you would think that the home coaches actually have the advantage, as the probability of pulling out victory at home is far greater than winning on the road.

Look for Kaka to have another awe-inspiring performance (he scored twice easily and with class at Old Trafford) that will make even Cantona proud. With the Italians holding strong and nullifying the speed of Man. United away from home, Rooney, Ronaldo, and Co. will have to settle for their final with Chelsea for any chance of cup glory.

Mongoose must have had some insight coming into the critical quarterfinal return legs of the Champions League as both Chelsea and Man. United made it one step closer to an all English Champions League Final. He also shouted out an all Mexi final in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup (but didn’t everybody?), so it seems like he is in rich form himself.

But it was really the form of Man. United’s incredible result (7-1) over AS Roma at Old Trafford that leaves me guttless the most, as my darkhorses reverted into donkey fashion when it mattered the most. Perhaps Totti had tempted the Roman gods when he articulated that Sir Alex would remember his name. Once again Sir Alex has ensured that high levels of excellence run throughout all his teams.

Well I must admit that I got it all wrong too as Chelsea turned the tides once again–this time on the road against Valencia. The Spanish opened the scoring as in the 1st leg; Morientes got the opener, latching on to a Juaqin cross and sliding the ball past Cech. Sheva leveled matters for Chelsea in the 2nd half from a set piece–a reward for Chelsea’s constant attacking dominance–nipping in at the back post after Ballack and Drogba wrecked havoc in the box.

Apart from their two goals, Valencia never really looked as if they could close the deal, and they had their keeper Canizares to thank throughout the game as he made incredible saves against Drogba and Ballack to keep Valencia in sight of the semifinals. Unfortunately, in the 90th min. the stark blond keeper was beat at his near post as Essien powered in a near post strike that spoiled my dreams.  

Still my Italian favorites AC Milan are still in, as I predicted, as they made light work of Bayern Munich in the return leg in Germany. Behind 2 quick strikes in the 1st half from Seedorf and Inzaghi, the Italians cruised into the semifinal round where they will now face Man. United. Seedorf made the difference as he skilled up (after linking with Kaka) on three Bayern defenders and then finished past the stranded Ollie Kahn. The Dutch midfielder, just minutes later, then played a sweet back heel to Inzaghi who turned and fired expertly past Kahn.

Of course Liverstinks round out the seminfinalists as they defeated PSV 1-0 at Anfield thanks to Crouch’s lone tally; Robbie Fowler set the plate for Crouch on the door step, and the tall, slanky striker finished off the job that started last week when they defeated the Dutch side 3-0 on the road. Next up is a tournament rematch with Chelsea, and both teams will feel it is their turn for victory.

By this time next week, the Semi-finalists of the Champions League will be revealed. So what’s the fun in waiting? You’ve seen enough, and it’s time to test your prediction skills in the game of soccer. 

Mongoose believes, at this point, it’s not enough to pick the semi-finalists; he says you’re not worth your strike if you don’t call out your finals winner right now. Of course for me that would be AC Milan (though AS Roma and Totti as Champions would be supreme) while Mongoose says it will be Man. United vs. Chelsea.

The only team at this point that seems completely out of it would be PSV Eindhoven, who got a school boy’s lashing on their home ground at the hands of Liverstinks, who scored 3 times. Gerrard connecting with a header in the 1st half with Riise and Crouch killing off the game in the 2nd half with their usual effeciency for a bland, predictable team. 

Bayern showed their grit by pulling level twice in the San Siro with 2 opportunistic strikes from an unlikely Van Buyten, who twice got the better of a sleeping Dida. The Belgian center-back cancelled out Pirlo’s 1st half header and Kaka’s 2nd half dubious penalty strike. It seems that the Germans this year have lived by the away goals rule, but will have to score in Germany to break Milan. 

Man. United traveled to Rome with their minds on fouling Totti and Co.; otherwise, Scholes got the game plan all wrong as he was shown red in the 1st half after 2 bookable offenses and a handfull of hard fouls. Taddai, the Brazilian-born striker, hit the first goal for AS Roma off the legs of Heinze and Brown. Man. United responded with a strike from Wayne Rooney, but Roma take a slight advantage to Old Trafford as the sub Vucinic reacted quickest to Van der Saar’s deflection and scored the vital 2nd goal. 

Valencia started in cracking fashion at Stamford Bridge as David Silva hit a screamer past Petr Cech, but Chelsea again showed their mettle and strength thanks to ”The Drogba,” who equalized in the 2nd half with a nick header that looped over a stranded Canizares. Sheva almost pulled out victory but his overhead kick was denied off the line.

So Liverpool will make it to a matchup against AC Milan, who will reap revenge for their failings in the 2005 Finals as AS Roma will face off against Valencia to round out the Semi-finals. Then it just might be an Italian derby with AC Milan and AS Roma fighting for the prize.

Don’t worry Jose (and Mongoose), you still have an FA Cup final against Man. United to hopefully still look forward to. 

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.

These words will ring true to teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool, who will be clinging to dear life to stay in the hunt for the Champion’s League Trophy, as the next round match ups, in this almost unequalled tournament, has just been released.

We are down to the final 16 teams in Europe and surely all the big boys are here. To my knowledge the only master squad missing from this tournament is the German speed freaks of Werder Bremen. They unfortunately were dispatched on the last day in a group that touted Chelsea and Barcelona.

So, if you want to see how the big boys come out and play with ice in their veins and blood on the field, tune into the knock-out phase. Yes, the stage where every team emerged from was a group stage, where two out of the four teams rise to the next level.

This stage though, has two teams playing a home and away leg to see who can score more. It will definitely be a feeling of stomp on your opponents today because there probably won’t be a tomorrow.

Just ask the French newcomers Lille, who have drawn Manchester United. Their best story after their second game will be, “At least I kicked Saha twice, before Ole Gunner Solskier finished the goal.” Sorry those faint of heart, but at this level even that is cherished because it doesn’t get much bigger.

A good Karma match up for the round will be Chelsea Coach Jose Mourinho going up against his old team in F.C. Porto. The shock team he took all the way to win the big dance in 2004.

Some might hate me for saying this, but I think it is time for Jose to win another Champions League. His only stumbling block is that he has not coordinated his dynamic playing group into the performing stage. They are still struggling to find their team’s personality. This stumbling, frothing one that has emerged, I fear will have to be taken out back and be given the Old Yeller treatment.

One move will bring harmony back to the Blues of two and last year: sell Ballack to Wigan! As a player coming into a new side, he has done nothing, a lot less then Shevchenko, who can use an Arian Robin starting and providing quick attacks unlike the slow off-balanced 10 yard link passes that Ballack provides. Heck, Makallele can and does that already. You mean to tell me you need two guys making 10 yard simple passes in the midfield. I’ll choose Makallele’s defense over Ballack’s shooting, How about you?

Well, with the dismissal of Ballack, the Blues should see a new trophy in their case. It is difficult to say who will be their opponents on the final day, because after each round they have a new draw. If I was pushed though to give a hint, I would have to say Inter Milan in the finals, only because Barca got knocked out in the Semis by Chelsea. Samuel Eto’o could not regain his form in time.

Let us know what you think about who will be the winners of the Champions League.

The opening group stage of the Champions League is over, and now we’re on to the sweet 16!

Send us in your observations about and predictions for the knock out rounds of the Champions League!

Hear the top comments on our Heads Up Podcast! And Tune in as we air out the talk from our fellow Savages!

Arsenal dodged the Bear with a (0-0) lackluster performance in Portugal against FC Porto. Actually, both teams came into the final Match Day knowing that a draw would be enough to progress into the knock out stages of the Champions League.

However, it was Porto that tried their best to make it a soccer game. Arsenal played so poor and heartless, one wonders if they will be able to raise their football in the next round of the tournament, let alone against Chelsea on Sunday.

Arsenal and Jans Lehman will be thanking the goal posts as Porto player’s Postiga and Quaresma both hit the uprights, which saved the blushes for Arsene Wenger and the Henry-less Gunners.

Playing with the lone striker, Adebayor, sometimes it looked like the water-Gunners were playing a 3-7 with no impetus to put out any offense. Hleb, “Simply Fab”-regas, and Ljungeberg were all meant to pull the strings in midfield, but played like puppet boys and lacked any real inspiration to get the Gunners firing.

Frank Rijkaard and Barcelona fans will be hoping that Ronaldinho’s return to form will spill over into the mid-week’s Champions League showdown against Werder Bremen.

The German club is coming off an emotional high from their 1-0 victory over Chelsea; however, they must travel to the Nou Camp to face a recharged Barcelona team.

The last time the two clubs meet, Bremen forced an own goal from Puyol, and Barcelona needed Messi to score in the late minutes to secure a tie.

Going into the last Match Day, Barcelona sits in third place beneath Chelsea and Werder Bremen (both on 10 pts.). With just 8 pts., this time a draw will see mighty Barcelona fall into the UEFA Cup, a disaster for the La Liga club.

At the weekend, Barcelona has a much easier fixture as they face lowly Levante while Bremen face Hertha Berlin (5th spot in the Bundesliga), who are only 3 pts. behind 2nd place Bremen.

Celtic has progressed, for the first time in the club’s history, through the opening group stage of the Champions League after their shock (1-0) victory over Manchester United. Gordon Strachan helped Celtic finally put one over on their EPL nemesis, Sir Alex and the Red Devils, leaving the EPL giants with it all to do in the final group stage match against Benfica on Dec. 6th at Old Trafford. 
    
Playing at Celtic Park, the Bhoys had their crowd to thank, as the club’s lack of quality never deterred the fans from voicing their belief. With the game pushing closer-and-closer to a draw, Nakamura did the unbelievable by curling in a free-kick past Man. United’s towering keeper, Edwin Van der Saar.

While the foul leading to the free-kick was questionable, the Japanese International’s blast left to mistake, sending Celtic Park into a frenzy as the Bhoys went into the lead. Celtic had to hold on for dear life though and was considerably lucky to come away with the victory. Rooney played in Saha, who was caught in two minds between offside and score and was thwarted by the onrushing Boruc.

Saha should have then scored the leveler from the penalty spot as Celtic was adjudged to have committed a hand ball in the box when a Man. U free-kick was deflected indeliberately from a defender challenging for a block. The Celtic keeper again made an unbelievable stop and silenced the usually superior English side.