Champions League Semifinals Set

The defending champs were ousted  from the Champions League yesterday as German side Schalke 04 beat Inter Milan for the second straight time, this time 2-1, as they advanced to the Champions League semifinals where they'll take on Wayne Rooney and Manchester United. Despite being in 9th place in the Bundesliga with a losing record (11-12-6), Schalke has been bringing their A game in the Champions League. Coming in with a 5-2 aggregate lead, Schalke didn't take anything for granted as they got on the board first in this one with Raul beating Julio Cesar for his 5th Champions League goal just before halftime. Thiago Motta got Inter on the board just after halftime, but that would be all Inter would muster despite outshooting the Germans 19-8. Benedikt Howedes removed any doubt of who would move on when he scored in the 81st minute on an assist from Raul. So both of the teams from last year's final are out as we're guaranteed a new Champion. Schalke will host the first leg of the semifinal against Man U on April 26th.

Photo Courtesy: espn.go.com

Real Madrid set up a showdown with archrival Barcelona as they shut out Tottenham for the second straight game, this time by a score of 1-0. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from 30 yards out early in the second half to crush any hopes that Tottenham might have had about overcoming their 4 goal aggregate deficit. Despite outshooting Real Madrid 17-12, Spurs only managed to get 2 shots on target as they struggled to get good opportunities. While Spurs head home, they can hold their heads high following their first Champions League appearance taking home memorable wins over Italian sides AC and Inter Milan and making it all the way to the round of 8. So now we get set for four clasicos over the next 18 days. First Barcelona and Real Madrid meet in a League match at Madrid on the 16th. Then 4 days later the two meet in the final of the Copa del Rey again at Madrid. And then we get to the Champions League semis with matches at Madrid on the 27th and at Barcelona on the 3rd of May. Should be an exciting couple of weeks.

Photo Courtesy: zimbio.com