Champions League Semifinals Take Shape

And then there were four. The race for European glory narrowed again today as the UEFA Champions League Semifinal picture came into focus.

Liverpool 4 - Arsenal 2 (5-3 on aggregate)

This was the most enthralling fixture of the matchday. The defining moment of the match must have been when Liverpool were awarded a dubious penalty just moments after Arsenal had tied the Reds 2-2 thanks to an inspired Theo Walcott play. Babel went down in the box after minimal (Arsenal fans might say incidental) contact from Kolo Touré and Stevie Gerrard coolly finished the ensuing penalty. Arsenal fans may feel cheated, but I feel that Liverpool outplayed the Gunners in the second half.

Barcelona 1 - Schalke 0 (2-0 on aggregate)

I didn't have a chance to watch this one, but it seems like Schalke just didn't have the ability to outmatch the Catalan side. Barcelona's hopes at catching Real in La Liga are starting to look unattainable; perhaps its time for Barca to start focusing on the mammoth task of undoing United in the Semifinals.

Manchester United 1 - AS Roma 0 (3-0 on aggregate)

Manchester proved its quality again with a solid performance over Roma. Squandered chances will haunt the Roman's as they failed to convert a first half penalty that could have changed the game drastically. United rested many of its players as they have more work to do in the EPL this week. They will play host to a victory starved Arsenal side on Saturday.

Chelsea 2 - Fenerbache 0 (3-2 on aggregate)

Yawn. Did anyone really expect Chelsea to be knocked out by the Turkish side? You would think with both EPL and European glory sitting as viable possibilities for the Blues they would be playing a more inspired brand of soccer. Instead we are forced to watch a side that continues to win (albeit, they are winning) by "going through the motions". I miss the fire, passion and controversy that Jose Mourinho instilled in this side. Lets see how boring Avram Grant can make these next few weeks.

The first leg of the Semifinals will take place on April 22nd and 23rd. FC Barcelona will take on Manchester United, meanwhile Chelsea will face Liverpool.