Weekend Watch-Part II

Wednesday's games are fast approaching, bringing with them the promise of thrills, spills and eventually just the big teams going through. How did each club warm up for the games? Read on...

Chelsea helped shoot down the vultures circling Avram Grant's head with a 4-0 win away at West Ham United. Frank Lampard was sent off for tickling Luis Boa Morte while even Ashley Cole got himself on the scoresheet. Cue predictable 'Ashley scores away' headlines.

Their opponents on Wednesday, Olympiakos, drew 1-1 with Asteras Tripolis, but lost Lomana Tresor Lua Lua to injury. The striker who left English club Portsmouth in the summer (although Pompey fans will tell you he was barely there last season) dislocated his shoulder in the dying minutes of the draw. Do you think it had anything to do with his famous celebration?

Porto could only manage a draw too, a 0-0 away at Boavista the final score despite the fact that Boavista were forced to play the last quarter of an hour with ten men after a red card. With Porto currently sitting 12 points clear of the Portugese Liga however, it looks as if they've pretty much given up on trying anymore, the title is practically already engraved with "2007/08 Champions-FC POR" as I write.

Their mid-week opponents Schalke 04 stumbled to defeat against the Porto of Germany, Bayern Munich. A 14th minute Miroslav Klose goal was enough to see of Schalke, who had a mighty 17 shots in total with just one on target. Porto are apparently recruiting extra ball boys in preparation.

In Spain, Real Madrid pounced on Barcelona's defeat to city neighbours Athletico by edging past Recreativo de Huelva 3-2. A goal from Raul followed up by a Robinho brace sent Madrid five points clear at the top of La Liga, while they also win the award for 'Least Shocking News of the Week'. Arjen Robben is injured. Again. Is he made of breadsticks or something?

There was a lot more substance to Roma on Saturday, as they trounced Parma 4-0 at home to stay comfortably in second in Serie A. With Roma leading Madrid 2-1 on aggregate, and both teams managing seven goals between them this weekend, goals on Wednesday are as likely as Robben bringing out a line of personalised Adidas crutches in the near future. In a word, very!

Finally, the game between Inter Milan and Liverpool is to be played next week, as AC Milan have the keys for the San Siro this Tuesday.

After this round of games, the last eight teams (eight and a half if you include 'or Inter Milan') will be known. I mean, the fact that you can probably guess right now who will go through doesn't matter does it? There's still high drama according to the constant Sky Sport adverts. I don't care Sky Sports, I don't want your damn multiscreen, and AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, Sevilla, Chelsea, Porto, Real Madrid and Liverpool are going through.

Again!