Weekend Watch

With the second leg games of the first knockout stages looming, those lucky clubs still involved warmed themselves up for another evening of top-class drama with their very own domestic action at the weekend. Some won, some drew, some lost. That's football for you! Tuesday's games first, and a round-up of the eight sides who will be looking to add a few more millions to their bank account. Oh, and get through to the Quarter-Finals of course.

AC Milan stuttered their way to a draw against Lazio, with Rolando Bianchi's opener cancelled out by a Massimo Oddo penalty for The Rossineri. A penalty for Milan at the San Siro? Who would've thought it?

There was also just a point for Arsenal who were largely outplayed by their opponents Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, but managed a Niclas Bendtner equaliser in the fourth minute of three added on. You tell me what's wrong with that sentence. And why Bendtner hates his strike-partner Emmanuel Adebayor so much? How could you hate a face like this?


There was no joy for Barcelona meanwhile, who started with the inspirational Leo Messi on the bench against Athletico Madrid and paid the price. With one of the "new Maradona's" not on the pitch, another took the spotlight, with Sergio Aguero inspiring the less fashionable Madrid side to a 4-2 win.

Better news for Barca however, as Celtic await at the Camp Nou on Tuesday. Despite a 2-0 win over Hibernian on Saturday, the Glasgow side have about as much chance of getting past Barca as Wee Gordon Strachan in a high-jump event. Absolutely none or, to put it in Scottish, "F**K all."

Manchester United had their own one-sided game on Saturday, as they eased past Fulham 3-0 away from home. In fact, it was so easy, Sir Alex Ferguson had plenty of time to get on his phone and continue his alleged tapping-up of Lyon star Karim Benzema.

Speaking of Lyon, they went six points clear of Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win over Lille, with a goal from the least Brazilian-sounding Brazilian ever; the one and only Fred.

Sevilla meanwhile stay on course for mid-table mediocrity in La Liga, with a disappointing defeat to relegation-threatened Deportivo La Coruna.

Last, and in truth, probably least (Celtic aside), Fenerbache showed their non-exisent credentials as a potential giant-killer in the Champions League, with a dull 0-0 draw away at Ankaragucu. Yawn.

So, Tuesday's games will certainly be ones to look forward to. If you can contain your excitement, come back for Wednesday's previews. I know I can't...Sorry, my eyes just rolled out due to over-sarcasm.