Right back from Atletico Madrid in the '92 Cup Winners Cup defence to Milan in 2005, Europe has always tested his side's renowned defiance.

And Roma have given no indication it's going to be sixth-time lucky.

Having dominated the first leg with sleek triangles . . . even before Paul Scholes's red card . . . they now have the luxury of playing in their default setting at Old Trafford: on the break.

Yet if it could have been a whole lot worse. And, if you look at it from a Roma point of view, the reading isn't that great. Despite home advantage, an extra man and near-total control, the tie remains in the balance. Furthermore, Wayne Rooney's strike could have consequences beyond the fact it was away from home. Prior to Wednesday, a mental block appeared to afflict himself and Cristiano Ronaldo in Europe. Yet here they finally combined majestically. If that block has finally been lifted, United should have the power to overwhelm Roma. After all, an early goal, and the complexion of the tie is completely changed. Ferguson to finally break that European duck.

Verdict Home win, Manchester United go through

VALENCIA v CHELSEA (1-1 agg) Tuesday, Mestalla Stadium, 7.45 Live, Setanta, 7.00 Advantage Valencia then. Their movement and interchanges at Stamford Bridge were a class above and brought an exceptional away goal. Not to mention to fact they have previous, having been in almost exactly the same position in the last round to come through against Inter.

But still, Chelsea almost stole the initiative late on. Despite the fact they've rarely been at their relentless best this season, a sense of mission seems to take over in the Champions League.

By the sheer force of Didier Drogba they should cancel out that advantage at the Mestalla. And, should it go to extra-time, given Valencia's recent suspensions and pile-up of injuries, you wouldn't bet against the endurance of Jose Mourinho's men.

Verdict Score draw, Chelsea go through after extra-time

BAYERN MUNICH v AC MILAN (2-2 agg) Wednesday, Bayern Arena, 7.45 Live, RTE 2, 7.00 Carlo Ancelotti said during the week that he dreams of emulating Ferguson at Old Trafford by staying at the San Siro for years to come. He may keep dreaming because if he fails to do something special on Wednesday he won't last any longer than another month at best. And, certainly, something special will be needed to overturn Bayern on Wednesday. For, despite producing arguably their best performance of the season so far, they still hadn't the durability to see off the German champions.

With Alberto Gilardino suspended, Ronaldo cup-tied and Champions League top-scorer Kaka starting to suffer under the pressure placed on his young shoulders this season, it's hard to see where the creativity to get that away goal will come from on Wednesday.

Bayern should have the resilience to see them off and ensure Signor Berlusconi does to Ancelotti what Italy's voters did unto him.

Verdict Home win, Bayern go through

LIVERPOOL v PSV EINDHOVEN (3-0 agg) Wednesday, Anfield, 7.45 Live, Sky Sports 2, 6.00 The only question left here . . . other than how a team as limited as PSV got this far . . . is how bad it gets for them. Indeed, Jan Kromkamp has already declared surrender, stating his side "can't rescue this tie now". It's an act which outweighs anything he did for Liverpool during his actual time there, and adds further evidence to the growing belief that Rafael Benitez is destined to win this competition again. It couldn't really have gone much better for his team on Tuesday, from PSV lying back and thinking of England for them in the second half to Dirk Kuyt being, ahem, clumsy enough to waste a suspension on the second leg.

The only blot on the night was the injury to the improving Fabio Aurelio and avoiding any additions to the treatment table will be Benitez's principal concern on Wednesday. As such, this should be quite a contained display from Liverpool.

With Arouna Kone back, Ronald Koeman will be out to restore some pride, but not enough to introduce any drama to the proceedings. Just be thankful RTE have already had the sense to list Bayern-Milan as their featured match.

Verdict Home win, Liverpool go through