UCL Round of 16 wrap: Could it be that the the boys separated from the men yet?

When a tournament gets to a certain stage, it is often said that the boys have been separated from the men. Could this be the case already in the Champions League as the last eight have been decided?

Some will say the usual suspects have made it through, other also say that deserving teams have qualified based on their performance. Whatever the case may be, the world has potentials, men with guts and hunger to progress, and above all some exciting football.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona made it through after defeating Roma and Arsenal respectively. Also from Spain Atletico Madrid fought a battle of their lives in a thrilling encounter with PSV decided on penalty shootout.

Paris Saint German edged Chelsea, Manchester City booked a place in the last eight for the first time in the campaign after seeing off Dynamo Kiev while Benfica also beat Zenit.

German champions Bayern Munich produced a stunning come back against Juventus to progress as fellow Germans Wolfsburg also saw off Gent to qualify.

Eight clubs from five countries will feature in the draw for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals which will be held on Friday, 18th March, 2016, What are your expectations? Ready to see the real men make it though?

Barcelona beats Juventus 3-1 to claim 2014/2015 champions league

Barcelona defeated Juventus 3-1 to win the 2014/2015 UEFA champions league on Saturday night.

Goals from Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and last minute goal from Neymar sealed the victory for the Spanish champions.

Barca drew the first blood in the early minutes of the match with clear dominance to end the first 45 minutes 1-0.

Morata who hurt his former side Real Madrid in the semi final drew level in the second half  but Suarez returned the lead until later in the match when Neymar ended it with his goal.

Barcelona completed the season with a treble having won the league, Copa del Rey and the UCL.

Champions League: Laurent Blanc admits beating Barca will be ''very difficult''

Paris Saint-German will have to fight an epic battle for a place in the Semi final of this season’s Champions League but they will have to create an upset when they take on Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

The French side lost at home 1-3 to Barcelona and look to progressing but their manager Laurent Blanc admitted that beating Barça will be ''very difficult'' whilst at the same time highlighting the fact that ''we have nothing to lose''.

''I am a realist and we know that it will be very difficult, given that it we have had little time to prepare for the game. We don’t have anything to lose and we will simply play our usual game.''

''We will have the chance to score goals. The only problem is that to get through we cannot concede more. That is impossible given that the majority of team have conceded.''

''Barça dominated but we also will have the ball, but we have to show that we can make them work hard. We will try to pressure them high up the field.''

''The return of Ibrahimovic will have a great impact and he is a player who has great self-confidence. He loves this kind of game.''

''There is a great difference between Barça and us. Barça have great players and it’s a great club who have recently won the Champions League more often than PSG.''

UCL: Bayern held to barren draw, Chelsea secures 1-1 draw at PSG

German champions Bayern Munich were held to a goalless draw in Ukraine Ginta Shakhtar Donetsk in Tuesday's UEFA champions league first leg match.

The Germans despite their passing and possession failed to break the Ukranians and also saw Xabi Alonso sent off in the second off for a bookable offence.

In the othe game on the night, Chelsea were able to grind out a 1-1 draw in Paris against french champions Paris Saint German.

Branislav Ivanovic's header set Chelsea ahead late in the first half while Edison Cavani equalized for the home team.

UEFA Champions League: Kenneth Omeruo's message to Chelsea as they tackle PSG in Paris

French giants Paris Saint German will host Chelsea football club in the first leg of the knock out stage of UEFA Champions League, in Paris on Tuesday night.

On-loan Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is wishing his colleagues at the London club a beautiful result from Paris.

He shared via social medai (Instagram) #chelsea #UTB #champions league #omeruo #TeamKO Good luck today Guys.

The Nigerian defender is currently on-loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.

It’s a ''happy moment'' for Lionel Messi after Barcelona star equaled Raul’s 71 UCL goal-mark

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has tagged his new goal-scoring feat as ''happy moment'' having hit Raul Gonzalez’ 71-goal record in the UEFA Champions League.

For Messi who grabbed the double which saw Barca triumph over Ajax on Wednesday night, the victory was more important though he relish his new feat.

''It’s a happy moment for me,'' he said.

''I think it’s great but the most important thing was to get the three points so that we will be able to qualify for the next round.

''We secured the points, therefore I’m happy.''

''I don’t remember one goal especially. I always want to score and in the end it’s the sum total of them all that I will remember,” he said.

''As I’ve always said, goals in finals are the best and most powerful memories.''

Messi has however beaten Cristiano Ronaldo to the record, who surpasses it? Time shall tell.

Ancelotti says Ronaldo will score when he wants

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed joy over the victory recorded against Liverpool and also defended forward Cristiano Ronaldo stating that the player will score at will.

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Quoting report on the club website, the manager was speaking at a post-match press conference, where he aired his contentment with the his side’s 1-0 win over Liverpool and said that Ronaldo will score in subsequent games when he wants to.

"It was a good match, we did not play at a high tempo because we did not need to.

Ronaldo has scored a total of 70 UCL goals and was aiming to equal the 71-goal UCL record currently held by former player of the club Raul Gonzalez, while Lionel Messi is on 69 goals.

"Cristiano was focused on the game, he didn't score but we didn't talk about records together. 

''He did not score but he will in the next match. He wasn't frustrated not to have scored.

Anderlecht Manager Besnik Hasi vows his side will give Arsenal a fight

Anderlecht Manager Besnik Hasi has said that his team will go all out against Arsenal in the return leg of their Champions league encounter at the Emirates.

Hasi in a pre-match press conference stated that with the qualities they posses, they will not go to the Emirates defending but rather take the game to the Gunner.

The Blegian whose side scored first in the first leg also believe that they did enough to have won the match about a fortnight ago but Arsenal were lucky to have carted away with the victory.

''Yes, if you are a little team then yes you need to do that [counter-attack] but I think we have more qualities than just a counter-attack,'' Hasi said.

''We have the quality to play football and I hope my young team tomorrow are really going to go for it.

''They’re going to make a good game like they did at home against Arsenal, without complexities and just play their game. And in the end if Arsenal is better than us then we will congratulate them.

''But still I think in the first game we didn’t get what we deserved.''

UCL: Rogers set to bench Gerrard against Real Madrid

Liverpool manager has dropped a hint that Captain Steven Gerrard may sit out in their Champions league date with Champions Real Madrid at the Bernabau on Tuesday night.

The Reds manager said in a press conference on Monday that the he might just be giving weekend's game against Chelsea in the Premier League more priority.

''I don’t see it as a gamble. This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform,'' he insisted.

''In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.

''Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in.

''But I have also got to look at (the fact) we brought in other players. And there is responsibility. But there is no doubt that our priorities are the Premier League and the Champions League, and always in that order.''

Anderlecht vs Arsenal UCL Night Out: A Birthday gift delivered at dawn

Have you ever had a birthday celebration and the baker failed to deliver in time? Let's look at it this way, imagine it's your birthday and after several calls to the baker, the cake is still not in sight and your guests are around waiting to cut and have a piece of the cake.

Say for some adult, there may be claims of having the birthday with or without the cake it's still going to so much fun. Well, try it with your child and then you'll know how much importance is accorded to the ''Birthday Cake''.

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What a feeling when the baker drops by the door to deliver your birthday cake and then it begins to dawn on you that it's your birthday actually.

Arsenal Manager clocked 65 on Wednesday and his piece of cake got delivered almost at the end of the party. Just as fate would have it, Anderlecht lost to Arsenal 1-2 on home soil right in Belgium when it seemed they would get a result on the night's UCL game.

The Gunners came from a goal down to win with Goals from Kieran Gibbs and Lukas Podolski late on in the match to secure their much needed win in the group. Podolski joined the part in the 84th minute replacing midfielder Jack Wilshere, a sub which the manager termed risky but paid off n the long run.

'' I had hope. It didn't look like it but it happened and that means we took all the risks and in the end, it paid off.''

''It's a little bit of a gambling situation that happens in this kind of games and it worked tonight. It did not look obvious, that is for sure.''

Wenger according to reports is one those who do not accord much importance to birthdays, here's his quote just before the game: 

"I am not a celebrator of birthdays," he said. "I just think what is important is that my team performs well.

"Do I feel young? No, because my age is my age and you have to deal with that, but until now I am lucky to be in good shape - the desire and the motivation is stronger than ever."

But come to think of it, should Arsenal have lost on the night, how would it have been for the manager and the players who had wished him a happy Birthday? But yes or yes, it was a happy ending for Arsene Wenger and his men on the road.

Even the French celebrant agreed it was a date with super ending ''It's a nice end to a game.'' - Wenger said in a post-match press conference.

''We played against an Anderlecht team that played very well. They were well organised, very focused, very quick in the transition and very good in the challenges. 

In the other Group game, Dortmund were ruthless aas they defeated Galatasary 4-0 in Turkey to remain atop of the group. 

David Ospina joins Arsenal injury list as Wenger confirms Martinez for Anderlecht UCL clash

Arsenal have been hit by another injury after Colombian Goalkeeper David Ospina was confirmed injured which keeps him out for about three months.

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Arsene Wenger confirmed this to newsmen in a press conference ahead of their clash with Anderlecht on Wednesday night as reported on the club website.

''He had his first injury in Nice,'' said the French man. ''It was a knee problem and I think he was a bit rushed back. 

'He didn't use his legs so his muscle became weaker, then he got injured during the World Cup. And after that he came to us injured, from the World Cup. 

''It took him two months to play a game. I had to bring him on against Galatasaray without warm-up, without being prepared and he had a recurrence of that injury. 

''He had his first injury in Nice,'' claimed the Arsenal boss. 'It was a knee problem and I think he was a bit rushed back. 

''He didn't use his legs so his muscle became weaker, then he got injured during the World Cup. And after that he came to us injured, from the World Cup. 

''It took him two months to play a game. I had to bring him on against Galatasaray without warm-up, without being prepared and he had a recurrence of that injury. 

Wenger further comfirmed the return of some others into the squad. 

''Chambers is back in our squad after suspension. Coquelin is not in the squad. Szczesny is not here as he is suspended and will be replaced by Martinez.''

Chelsea players share dressing room pic after 6-0 demolition of Maribor

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba shared this picture of the boys in the dressing room shortly after their 6-0 win over Maribor in the UEFA champions league on Tuesday night.

He tagged a couple of other players asking "but where is @cesarazpi"

Ronaldo Laments, liken Ludogorets UCL clash to rugby

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has likened his side’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Ludogorets to a rugby match.

Ronaldo had earlier missed a penalty but was handed another chance to put his side at per with the Bulgarian club, he was seen limping in the final minutes of the match.

“It was an intentional kick and we’ll see [on Thursday] how it is, but it’s a little open at the moment,” he is quoted as saying.

“It was a very ugly tackle and it seemed as if we were playing a game of rugby, but the most important thing is we got the three points and are now half-way towards qualifying for the next stage.”

Speaking after the match, coach Carlo Ancelotti said of the complaint: “Cristiano has had a knock. It’s painful but nothing serious.

Champions League: Balotelli ignores Brendan Rogers orders to applaud fans after Basel defeat

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Mario Balotelli refused to applaud Liverpool fans after he was signaled by manager Brendan Rogers to do so at the end of the game.

Liverpool were beaten by Swiss side FC Basel by a lone goal in their champions league encounter on Wednesday night.

Dailymail UK reports that it is the second time Balotelli has ignored Rodgers order to clap the travelling fans but the Northern Irishman attempted to defuse the situation.

What do we call this,feeling disappointed at the loss or the ''Real Balotelli is surfacing'?'

Welbeck scores first career hat-trick in Arsenal 4-1 over Galatasary, Benzema rescues Real Madrid in Bulgaria

Arsenal's new buy Danny Welbeck scored his first professional hat-trick, as Arsenal beat Galatasary 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Following a defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their opening game of the group last week, the Gunners were desperate for an impressive result.

Welbeck scored twice in the first half, either side of an excellent Alexis Sanchez finish, before adding a third in the second half. Goalkeeper Wojiech Szczensy was sent off with 30 minutes left and the Turkish side pulled one back from the spot-kick awarded.

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Bulgarian club Ludogorets 2-1 with goals from  Cristiano Ronaldo (penalty) and a Karim Benzema in the second half.

Marco Streller smashed in the only goal as Basle beat Liverpool 1-0 in Switzerland. Atletico Madrid needed an Arda Turan goal to get a win against Juventus, while Malmo stunned Olympiakos 2-0.

Adrian Ramos grabbed a brace, as Borussia Dortmund beat Anderlecht away 3-0, while Bayer Leverkusen won 3-1 at home to Benfica.

Francesco Totti becomes UEFA Champions League Oldest Goalscorer (See List)

AS Roma Captain Francesco Totti clocked 38 just a few days back but he has shown that he's still got some freshness after became the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Champions League history with his strike at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

The Italian canceled Sergio Aguero's lead after he found the net in the 23rd minutes to surpass the Ryan Giggs' record.

The former Manchester United FC midfielder was aged 37 years 290 days when he scored at SL Benfica on matchday one in 2011/12

UEFA Champions League oldest goalscorers

Francesco Totti – 38 years 3 days – Manchester City v AS Roma, 30/09/14

Ryan Giggs – 37 years 290 days – SL Benfica v Manchester United FC, 14/09/11

Filippo Inzaghi – 37 years 87 days – AS Milan v Real Madrid CF, 03/11/10

Javier Zanetti – 37 years 72 days – FC Internazionale Milano v Tottenham Hotspur FC, 20/10/10

Laurent Blanc – 36 years 339 days – Olympiacos FC v Manchester United FC, 23/10/02

Paolo Maldini – 36 years 334 days – Liverpool FC v AC Milan, 25/05/05

Jack Wilshere makes Arsenal squad for UCL clash against Galatasary

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that Jack Wilshere is among the squad for the UCL Clash against Galatasary on Wednesday.

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Wilshere has been a doubt for the match after he sustained an ankle injury in saturday's London debry against Tottenham, but reports have it that the England midfielder trained on Tuesday morning.

Wenger however confirmed that the player may not start but will play some part in the match.

''He is in the squad for tomorrow. Will I start him? I don’t know yet but he’s in the squad.''

Speaking on other injured members of the team, he said ''I left Abou Diaby out as well because he’s not completely there yet. 

Arteta and Ramsey who both sustained injuries during the London derby match, ''To be generous with time, four weeks. If all goes well, three. Arteta is the same, maybe a bit quicker. It will be after the international break," he said.

Theo Walcott who has been out since could also return next week quoting Wenger.

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz reveals he nearly joined Barcelona

Barcelona will tonight take on Paris Saint German at the Parc des Princes for a UEFA Champions League Group F clash, and David Luiz - who joined PSG from Chelsea for a reported fee of £50million in the close-season - claims he might have been part of the Spanish giants' travelling party.

Speaking to AS ahead of Tuesday's game, the Brazil star said: "It's true they (Barca) tried to tempt me a couple of times and everything looked good.

"But eventually I realised the team that really wanted me was PSG."

PSG seem to be having it tough in the new season, with four 1-1 draws in their last five games increasing the pressure on coach Laurent Blanc.

However, David Luiz is in no doubt that the French champions will get back to top form sooner rather than later.

"We're progressing every week and need to find a better version for our style of play - something similar to Barca," he added.

"We know there is much room for improvement and are aware that is how the big teams think.

"Over the years I've learned that if you think you've reached the top of the ladder then you are heading for a fall. That's not a good mentality to have.

"You must be ambitious, with humility, because you can always improve.

"We are on the right road and PSG will get back to what they were last season." 

Real Madrid wing master Gareth Bale shows off his Champions League boot

Wow! Isn't this beautiful? The Real Madrid wing master posted a picture of his new Adidas Boots (Adizero f50) on twitter and stated that it was designed by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto.

Bale will wear the green and blue boots for Wednesday's Champions League match against Ludogorets

Diego Costa to lead Chelsea attack against Sporting - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has made it clear that Diego Costa will be the man to lead the attack when Chelsea confront Sporting in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday in Portugal.

According to Dailymail UK, The Blues boss confirmed that he prefers to start with the eight-goal striker after ahead of Loic Remy after leaving Didier Drogba behind due to an ankle injury.

''In this moment, if Diego can play, I play Diego,'' said MOU. ''The team had a pre-season with him. The team worked with him a lot of times. He's playing with us every match in the Premier League. So the team at this moment is more made to play with Diego.

''I think Remy is learning how to play with us. His pace is good, his movement is good, he can get behind defenders, he's not bad in the air. He has some similarities with Diego and if he has to play, no problem. But I prefer to play Diego.

''There is a risk, yes. But we assume the risk and he plays. I don't rest people. I make decisions. I don't think about Arsenal on Sunday. I think about Sporting. I'm going to start with the team I think is the best team.''

For the Special One, Sporting was where it all started for him in the early 90's.