A long overdue weekend review piece is on its way later today or tomorrow, with coverage and thoughts on last week's Champions League results, weekend Premiership and Clausura action, as well as FA Cup talk.
But first, a last preview capsule on the last of the 2nd leg fixtures in the first knockout round of Champions League.
Inter v. Liverpool (aggregate 0-2)
Liverpool carry a massive 2 goal lead into the San Siro and hope to become the 2nd English side in two weeks to oust a Milano giant at their home stadium. Liverpool face an easier task, one would assume, than did Arsenal when they arrived here last week to face AC Milan in a 0-0 aggregate. The Reds arrive to face Serie A leaders and season-long Italian dominators Inter Milan, with Rafa Benitez' made-for-Europe side protecting a 2 goal lead. Conventional wisdom, which reveals a stellar Champions League pedigree in Liverpool and a perennial underachiever on the European stage in Inter, would suggest an easy go of things for the Merseysiders this evening. Rumors of infighting and dissatisfaction are circulating in the corridors of the Inter establishment, and one would think they would need to have all the confidence and belief in tact in order to reverse the 0-2 aggregate deficit. Inter will undoubtedly start the game in attack mode, something they failed to do at Anfield when they instead allowed Liverpool to bring the game to them from the outset. Inter will take some confidence knowing they will be playing 11 on 11 today, and will trust that there are no more silly decisions goinggainst them such as the red card against Materrazi in the first leg's opening minutes. The question really will be whether Inter's attackers, particularly Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz can make the most of the chances they get and score goals. Liverpool will be tough to break down, and are always danger on the counter, particularly in Champions League, where Benitez simply knows how to inspire results. Inter will score twice, but will be undone by a critical mistake that allows the crucial away goal. 2-1 Inter, 3-2 Liverpool on aggregate.
The big, rambling recap is on its way later today or tomorrow. I will have much reaction on the Champions League quarterfinal draw, which is announced Friday.
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