After Arsenal and Bayern Munich advanced yesterday in vastly different fashions, today sees two more Round of 16 ties conclude as Manchester United welcomes AC Milan, and Lyon travels to Real Madrid. Both United and Lyon carry 1-goal advantages into today’s matches, though United’s came from a 3-2 away win in the first leg, while Lyon notched a 1-0 home victory in their first match with Real Madrid.

* Manchester United vs. AC Milan: Once again, David Beckham is the storyline, as he returns to Old Trafford to play against United for the first time since leaving the club several years ago. And while the storyline is a deserved one, it would be unwise to overlook others in Milan’s quality cast. Ronaldinho may not be perceived to be the player he once was, he’s almost toiled in the shadows in Milan it seems, but he and the ageless Clarence Seedorf will have more of an impact on this match than does Beckham. Not that United doesn’t have its own issues to worry about. Injuries have followed the club all over the field, and while coming home having pocketed 3 away goals and a win should be enough to see them through to the quarterfinals, it’s not a sure bet by any means. Milan will have to chase the game from the start and put pressure on what has at times been a bewildering United defense. I think United advances, but it’s going to be nervy. 1-1 DRAW.

* Even though they were at home, Lyon surprised me greatly with their victory over Real Madrid. Perhaps not so much the result, but I wouldn’t have expected it to be 1-0 if Lyon was going to triumph. Madrid still have all the talent in the world and have gone top in La Liga on goal difference, though level on points with Barcelona. This match shapes up for me much like yesterday’s Arsenal-Porto affair, but Lyon are a stronger side than Porto. I expect them to put up a good fight, but I just can’t see them holding Madrid out once again. 3-1 REAL MADRID.

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