Champions League Matchday 8: PSV, Man U., Bayern, AC Milan Move On

By: Bob | March 7th, 2007

There was more midweek fun today with four more teams advancing to the Champions League elite eight and another four teams sent home. The day featured the competition’s fastest goal ever, an own goal redemption and a goal by an ageless Swede. Here’s a brief recap of the matches.

Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid (Ag. 4-4) – It took a mere 10 seconds for Roy Makaay to expose Real Madrid’s defense and to score the fastest goal in Champions League history. The Brazilian Lucio added a goal in the 66th minute, which proved critical once Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored for Real Madrid on a penalty kick in the 83rd. Bayern go through on away goals. Both teams looked old, slow and vulnerable in the back to me.

Arsenal 1-1 PSV Eindhoven (Ag. 1-2) – Alex scored both goals in the match. His own-goal in the 58th minute gave Arsenal fans a glimmer of hope, but he more than made up for his mistake be netting the equalizer in the 83rd minute, a goal that put a dagger through the heart of last year’s runner-up. I’m not sure how they do it, but PSV sure is able to develop young players and to get them to compete on the big stage. Certainly a disappointing couple of weeks for Arsenal supporters. More thoughts to come on the Arsenal Offside.

Manchester United 1-0 Lille (Ag. 2-0) – This was the match with the best odds for a Valencia type ending, but alas it was simply another quality performance by Manchester United at home in the Champions League. The loan of the year, Henrik Larsson, scored for United in the 72nd minute. This was his final Champions League match. Duty calls in Sweden. More thoughts to be found on the Manchester United Offside and France Offside.

AC Milan 1-Celtic 0 (Ag. 1-0) – No one scored for the first 90 minutes, but all it took was three minutes of extra time for Kaka to find the net and to lift Milan into the final 8 yet again. It was a fair result since Milan played the more attacking style of play for much of the match. Credit should be given to Celtic for hanging in there. If they can get over their road form bugaboo next year they might go further. More thoughts on the AC Milan Offside and Celtic Offside.

Final Eight: Valencia, Chelsea, Liverpool, Roma, Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, AC Milan

Certainly some big names remain. I haven’t seen a better team than Manchester United this season so it’d be tough to bet against them if they are anywhere near full strength. Without knowing the draw, who’s your choice to win it all now?

Videos of all the goals.