Valencia and Liverpool head Euro glory boys - but what price Manchester United and Chelsea?

Revisiting predictions is often a very humbling experience as it reveals how wrong or how badly off you were about something. Picking over the deadwood following this week's Champions' League second legs, one wonders if the cream of the crop have been knocked out, replaced instead by gritty veterans, savvy of the perils of the knockout stage.

After the streetwise Valencia knocked out the arguably more talented Inter in a stranglehold in the second leg, Liverpool, Europe's most enigmatic team, produced a throughly dominant performance to eliminate defending champions Barcelona. Both ties were decided on away goals. Both winners performed better at home but got the result that mattered in the away leg.

Valencia's game with Inter finished scoreless but the Spanish team had more chances and could have put the tie away. Their late goals in Milan ensured progression but it was no less than they deserved. The only blemish on a thoroughly absorbing tie was the disgusting violence that broke out at the end. UEFA should ensure David Navarro gets banned for a ridiculous piece of on-field thuggery. Nicolas Burdisso must be feeling doubly sore - the pain from a broken nose adding to the disappointment of getting knocked out. Europe will be poorer with Inter's absence - although predictably their exit will be greeted with jeers in Italy where this is regarded as proof that Inter are getting a free run in Serie A.

Liverpool outclassed Barcelona at Anfield with ample chances to bury their visitors early. Sadly, for the second time in a week, Rafa Benitez's men ended up losing despite dominating their opponents at home. Good thing that they had beaten Barcelona in Spain as they, too, advanced on away goals. Liverpool may still be off the pace domestically, but they have developed an impressive pedigree in Europe. Barcelona, like Inter, haven't sparkled in Europe and their start-stop performances have never really convinced.