Here, however, the decline may have been more profound than simply the cushion of a three-goal lead. While Milan undoubtedly possess a far greater wealth of class . . . even allowing for the return of Juninho to Lyon . . . Gerard Houllier's younger team simply seem to have more energy in their legs. And it is in that difference that this quarter-"nal will be settled on Tuesday.

Expect the game to take the same shape as the "rst leg, with Milan attempting to kill it off in the opening stages. Should they fail to do so, they could be in trouble later on. In front of their home crowd and eager not to let another chance slip, however, this time they should make sure.

Verdict home win, Milan go through VILLARREAL (1) v INTER MILAN (2) Tuesday, El Madrigal, 7.45 Deferred, TV3, 11.30 Much like their Milanese rivals, Inter may well regret squandering so many opportunities at the San Siro on Wednesday night . . . except for the fact they're playing Villarreal.

Like Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo before them, they are suffering the fate many middle-tier Spanish teams do on qualifying for the Champions League, struggling to sustain a season on two fronts with a relatively meagre squad.

Here, Diego Forlan's away goal puts an undue slant on the scoreline, as a less-than-cohesive Inter should have won comfortably.

Buoyed by that, and the return of Josico and Alessio Tacchinardi, expect a rousing start by Villarreal.

Inter, however, for all their problems, should be equal to it.

Verdict draw, Inter go through JUVENTUS (0) v ARSENAL (2) Wednesday, Stadio delle Alpi, 7.45 Live, RTE Two, 7.30, Sky Sports 1, 7. 0 0 It's often said a week is a long time in politics but, in football, years can seemingly pass within 90 minutes.

Over the course of Tuesday night, Arsene Wenger's pubescent Arsenal team matured into assured young adults, while Juventus aged from a side supposedly in their prime to one rapidly in decline. Much has been made of Cesc Fabregas's usurping of Patrick Vieira and, though the level of hyperbole reached the ridiculous at times, their personal clash perfectly encapsulated the state of both clubs. Whereas Arsenal's freshness brought exuberance and speed, Juventus's experience brought only cynicism and ponderousness.

Of course, Juve's problems in Europe stretch back further than Tuesday night. Indeed, they were all on display in the two games against Liverpool last year. For all the ease with which they stroll to the Scudetto, they appear to have a mental block in the Champions League. And much of that may be down to their very experience. The likes of Emerson and Lilian Thuram have won it all, and while that allows them to mechanically make their way through the Italian league, it leaves a staleness in Europe.

Without the suspended Vieira or Mauro Camoranesi, they're unlikely to "nd inspiration in the cavernous Stadio delle Alpi on Wednesday.

Even if they do, Arsenal have set the game up perfectly for themselves, and Thierry Henry and co will be only too happy to exploit any gaps left behind.

Verdict draw, Arsenal go through BARCELONA (0) v BENFICA (0) Wednesday, Nou Camp, 7.45 Live, Sky Sports 2, 7.30 Such has been Barcelona's form this season that Benfica have drawn undue confidence from keeping a cleansheet against them. The Portuguese champions were boosted further by the fact they could have snatched the game, Miccoli and Simao forcing saves from Victor Valdes late on.

But, the truth is, Barcelona should have embarrassed them, and the only reason the tie isn't over is because of an unusually profligate night from their forward line, particularly Samuel Eto'o. That won't happen again. Barcelona to win, and win comfortably.

Verdict home win, Barcelona go through