Champions League Last 16:Today sees the draw for the knockout phase of the Uefa Champions League, and it also heralds the start of an entirely new competition.
Events in the groups matter a little because of the signs of promise they contained, but coming top did not bring a great benefit. Runners-up have to play the return leg of their last-16 tie away, but there are several clubs who will, nonetheless, feel sure they can step up their bid for the trophy.
The holders Barcelona are the most obvious example, with their form improving markedly and the sort of reinforcements expected that cannot be bought in the transfer window.
The presently injured Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi ought to be in full flow again fairly soon. Frank Rijkaard's side finished behind Chelsea, but the other three English clubs who topped their groups will find that success bitter if it sentences them to a tie with Barcelona.
La Liga's contingent have signalled their attacking flair. Although Fabio Capello's Real Madrid appear rugged, they also had the skill to be the highest scorers, with 14 goals, in any of the groups. Only they struck more than Valencia, Barcelona and Lyon, who all notched 12. The champions of France, however, forced Real into the runners-up slot in Group E.
Like every other side, Gerard Houllier's team must prove themselves again, but Lyon's potential was shown last season when, two minutes away from a semi-final berth, they were unlucky to be hit by a scrambled goal from Milan's Pippo Inzaghi.
Bayern join Lyon as the only clubs to advance undefeated from the groups, but form in the Bundesliga suggests that they will not strike fear into their next opponents.
Celtic might regard a meeting with Felix Magath's team as a tolerable draw. In Champions League history, however, the Scottish side have been beaten in 11 of 12 away matches - with the most unexpected of draws achieved in Barcelona.
The English and Spanish clubs have the chance to show that they can dominate the competition for years to come - and they must be heartened by the perceived decline of Italy. Milan are in need of reconstruction just to cope with Serie A and Inter's prowess has still to be shown beyond the domestic scene. A 3-0 defeat by Lazio last weekend also raised doubts about Roma.
Winning the Champions League will be a Stamford Bridge job requirement for Jose Mourinho sooner or later and the exploits against Barcelona left people wondering whether this tournament could suit Chelsea more than the Premiership in the current campaign.
