The knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League gets heated with some European powerhouses facing early elimination from the last 16. The likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich will be boosted with their positive first-leg results when they host Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon respectively in the return leg. Yossi Benayoun's goal makes the Reds firm favorites for the crunch tie with the Spanish champions, while Bayern are virtually through, thanks to their 5-0 away demolition to Sporting a fortnight ago. In Turin, Juventus lock horns with Chelsea, who have a slender first-leg lead, and Greek champions Panathinaikos need a goalless home draw against Villarreal to make the last eight. Liverpool vs. Real Madrid In addition to the crucial away goal, history tells that Real have an uphill battle at Anfield, given the ultra-defensive abilities of Liverpool tactician Rafa Benitez in these sorts of contests. Moreover, the Primera Liga champions have been eliminated from this stage during the past four competitions. Real in-form striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is ineligible, while his Dutch compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy is out for the season. Liverpool will miss first-leg hero Benayoun due to a hamstring injury and Albert Riera is suspended. Fernando Torres, Alvaro Arbeloa and Daniel Agger face late fitness tests. Juventus vs. Chelsea Didier Drogba's strike separates the two sides, but Chelsea have to look for further safety when they visit Olimpico as Juve have not failed to score at home this season in the Serie A.
Bayern play a game to spare The Old Lady will be without midfield duo Mauro Camoranesi and Mohamed Sissoko. Nicolas Anelka and Deco are major doubts for Chelsea, who are without long-term absentee Joe Cole. Fit again defender Ricardo Carvalho is unlikely to start. On the other hand, the Blues welcome back midfield marvel Michael Essien, who recently recovered from a serious knee injury. Bayern Munich vs. Sporting Lisbon The Bavarian giants should face no problems despite missing influential attack men Franck Ribery and Luca Toni, who both masterminded the first-leg win. Tim Borowski is also out injured, while skipper Mark van Bommel will be rested in order to avoid a second caution. Sporting have Fabio Rochemback, Leandro Romagnoli and Portugal forward Helder Postiga in their injury list. Panathinaikos vs. Villarreal Panathinaikos, who reached the knockout stage for the first time in seven years, have a good chance of making the quarters, thanks to their 1-1 draw at El Madrigal. Javi Venta returns from injury for the Spanish outfit, who also have Joan Capdevila and Guillermo Franco back after suspension. Greece defender Giannis Goumas is suspended for Ten Cate's team.
