Published 2/19/2007 9:21:14 PM by Shane Barrow from Dallas, Texas

Tuesday marks the start of the knockout phases of the Champions League with four matches on tap. The other 4 matches will take place on Wednesday. The series will be a home and home with total goals deciding who advances.

Tuesday matches --
Celtic hosting AC Milan
It is vital that Celtic get a win on its home grounds as the return leg in Italy will be very difficult. If Milan can get a result or even an away goal in a tight loss they should be able to advance from this home and home.
Lille hosting Manchester United
The 3rd place team from France will be huge underdogs against EPL leaders Man U. The question is will the Lille defense be able to hold up to even make the return leg meaningful?

PSV Eidnhoven hosting Arsenal
The underdogs get the opening leg at home and must get a result. Arsenal is a huge favorite in this pairing and will look to get a resounding win in Holland then return home and relax.

Real Madrid hosting Bayern Munich
The question here is can Real Madrid get past all the bickering and lackluster play and turn it on against Bayern. It could be very ugly in Madrid if Real goes down in this match. Bayern is quite capable.

Wednesday matches--
Barcelona hosts Liverpool
The juicy match of the day has Liverpool travelling to Barcelona. Can Liverpool withstand the Barca onslaught to get home with hopes in the return leg? If so lookout Barca could be in trouble. However look for Barcelona to get the job done at home.

FC Porto hosts Chelsea
Another intriguing matchup has Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho returning to face the Porto squad he led to the 04 Champions League title. Look for Mourinho to have his side ready for the homecoming.

Inter Milan hosts Valencia
The undefeated leaders of Serie A face a Valencia squad they should take care of. Look for Inter to run out for a convincing win on their home grounds.

Roma hosts Lyon
The runaway French leaders Lyon look to roll on in the Champions League play. A tough away match awaits in Italy. Roma sitting 2nd in the Serie A will provide stiff competition. This could be one of the best matchups of the 1st knockout round, but it wont gather the hype of some of the others.

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