Champions League: 1/4 (Round 2)

After this weeks game everything is now clear. Manchester United, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Chelsea London are the four teams that we will see in the Semi-Finals of 2007-08 Champions League.

One of two teams that pretty much secured their Semi-Finals spot last week, Manchester started the game with many starters on the bench. Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Wayne Rooney started off on the bench. It didn't make any difference for the strong English Premier League side as they easily beat AS Roma 1-0. The Italian side came to Manchester with no desire to even try to win, they came convinced that they will lose and return home. And that was exactly what happened. Roma didn't provide any challenge for the hosts and once again was eliminated by the "Red Devils" from the most prestigious soccer tournament in Europe. An important fact is that Roma was forced to play without their injured captain, Francesco Totti.

The second team that put themselves in a very comfortable position before this week's games is Barcelona. Barca defeated Schalke again, 1 to 0, this time playing at home in Barcelona. The game was fairly close. Barca, knowing that no damage can be done to them, played slowly and defensively and did not try to force the tempo. Schalke on the other hand, tried to construct offensive opportunities, but nothing really came out of them. The deciding shot took place in the 43. minute, right before the break, when Yaya Toure placed the ball in the net of the visitors. Barcelona advances to the Semi's where they will face a tougher challenge - Manchester United.

The biggest surprise of this year's competition, Fenerbahce Istambul took on Chelsea London. The game was played in England and Fenerbahce had a historic chance of eliminating a giant after their 2-1 victory in the first game. There was no surprises, however, Chelsea scored as early as 4. minute of the game and pretty much controlled the rest of the match scoring again in the 87. minute sending their fans into raptures. "The Blues" won this game 2-0 and they will join Manchester and Barcelona in the Semi Finals of the competition, where they will play the winner of the Liverpool - Arsenal match.

After last weeks tie, 1-1, both teams still had a chance to advance to the Semis. Liverpool played at home this week. The game itself was a drama that even Alfred Hitchcock would applaud. In the 13. minute Arsenal took the lead after Abou Diaby beat the Liverpool keeper, Pepe Reina. The fans had to wait to 30. minute of the game to see another goal, Liverpool's Sami Hyppia scored a beautiful header after a precise pass from the Corner Kick. The score was 1-1. Both teams slowed down and concentrated on not losing any more goals rather than scoring. in 69. minute Fernando Torres put Liverpool to a 2-1 lead. The last six minutes were simply a goal feast. First in 84. minute, Arsenal striker Adebayor equalized, but only a minute later L'pool's captain, Gerrard scored another goal and Liverpool was ahead, 3-2. In extra time, Liverpool knocked out their opponent by scoring again. Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Semi Finals!

The first two semi - final games will take place on April 22nd and 23rd. Liverpool will play Chelsea at home and Barcelona will host Manchester.