Odds and Sods

Arsenal 0 - A.C. Milan 0 The Gunners dictated much of the play, but failed to assume the advantage.  Milan’s determined tactical effort stymied Arsenal’s ground attack.  With no width to spread the defense, they resorted to aimless, speculative hoofing in the vicinity of Adebayor.  Milan didn’t get an away goal, but it is hard to see the Gunners swindling them at the San Siro.

Celtic 2 - Barcelona 3 They were hooping it up in Glasgow at the half, but Barcelona emerged victorious.  It was not a classic Catalan performance, but talents like Messi and Henry can often trump turgid teamwork.  Barcelona leave with three away goals.  Celtic cannot win away in Europe.  Only formalities at the Nou Camp next week.

Lyon 1 - Manchester Utd. 1 Sir Alex’s post-match Cote du Rhone will go down smoother, after Carlos Tevez swiped an away goal for the Red Devils, three minutes from time.  The added assurance will leave more time for the Scotsman’s other hobbies, such as chortling cockily, mumbling into microphones and tormenting Wenger via text message.

Fenerbahce 3 - Sevilla 2 This was the “we aren’t even going to bother to run a wire report” match for much of the British media, but it proved quite a Turkish delight (ba-boom tish).  The quarterfinals would not be a bad curtain call for Roberto Carlos, particularly if they got drawn against his old club.