UCL – First Knockout Round, Return Leg

The return leg of the first knock our round is less than a day away. Already there are some teams that are facing elimination even before kick off.

Real Madrid will look to overturn their 1-0 deficit when they travel to Anfield. Playing at home, Liverpool has always found a way to succumb the pressure. Will the likes of Gonzalo HIGUAIN, Fernando GAGO & Gabriel HEINZE help to salvage something for Real this season? Liverpool are unlikely to go on the offensive so don't expect Javier MASCHERANO to stop snapping at Madrid's heels all night long.

Atlético Madrid will travel to Portugal knowing that anything less than a win might see the end of their European conquest. Kun AGUERO, Maxi RODRIGUEZ & Co will need to bring everything they got onto the table. As it was in the first keg, Porto will rely on the goal scoring exploit of Lisandro LOPEZ and Lucho GONZALEZ brilliance to take them beyond this stage.

Despite of his amazing performance during the weekend, I doubt that Sir Alex will want to start Carlos TEVEZ against Inter Milan. Nevertheless expect at some point of the game, Carlitos coming in to wreck havoc on Inter’s defense. Can we expect something from Europe under achieving team this time? They will be without Nicolas BURDISSO but Walter SAMUEL could return to the line up. Off the field, a rumour has it that Inter will negotiate with Carlitos representative on bringing him to the San Siro next season.

After a dip of form in the last few matches, I do expect Lionel MESSI & Barcelona to come out full-fledged against Lyon. I’m confident that Lionel & Barca will progress as they look to be back to their best. A goal from him would really make our day here. By the way, could someone explain to me how long is Gabriel MILITO out?

Then there is Villareal’s trio (Gonzalo RODRIGUEZ, Ariel IBAGAZA and Fabricio FUENTES), on a tough proposition to Greece. Sporting Lisbon Leandro’s (ROMAGNOLI and GRIMI) and Martin DEMICHELIS of Bayern Munich will play for formality sake.