Watching Liverpool dominate Real Madrid was an interesting experience. I was thrilled that Liverpool was outplaying one of the most famous teams in Spain, but felt pity for Real Madrid.

They flew all the way to England to get humiliated.

Liverpool outplayed them in every area. I can’t even remember a decent shot on goal by Real. Liverpool played amazing soccer and earned the 4-0 win. Another shocking result was Bayern Munich’s 7-1 victory over Sporting FC.  The first grouping of games produced some interesting results.

Bayern Munich and Liverpool showed quality, while the other two teams that join them in the quarter finals squeaked by with a win.  Chelsea and Villarreal both won by a single goal to advance. A complete difference from Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

All four teams advancing to the quarter finals are exceptional teams.  However, it looks like Liverpool is the team to watch. The EPL teams have always been stronger than German, Spanish and Italian sides. The only real threat to Liverpool is Chelsea, who have received a confidence boost from Guus Hiddink.

The last two times Chelsea and Liverpool played, Liverpool won. I remember sitting outside Quatro’s watching the game. Over forty Chelsea fans and only a small group of Liverpool sat in the crowded restaurant. Torres headed the ball in resulting in stunned silence. It was beautiful.  Liverpool beats Chelsea 2-0.

While Chelsea may have more confidence, they aren’t necessarily a better team.  They have won a few more games, but still struggled to find the net. 

The first half of the quarter finals have been decided. Here are the odds:

Liverpool 1-1

Chelsea 4-1

Bayern Munich 5-1

Villarreal 7-1