Liverpool look semi precious, while Bayern have a jewel in Van Buyten

Daniel Van Buyten has had an interesting season so far. Marked more by leaden footedness at the heart of Bayern Munich's often schizophrenic defence, than his normal air of authority, it would be one he would not look back too fondly on. However, with Bayern mounting a furious late charge for honours, Van Buyten served up a timely reminder of his worth in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Milan. Not only did he salvage a precious draw, but his late brace allowed Bayern to come from behind and go back to Bavaria knowing that Milan have to do all the attacking on the road. With two priceless away goals, the advantage is very much in the German team's favour.

'Liverpool are still unbeaten in Europe and are coming together nicely. Surely they were never this well placed during their victorious campaign in 2005'

Milan arguably deserved to win this game as they dominated the proceedings until Van Buyten pulled one back. They were probably hard done by when the big Belgian's last-minute strike ensured a late share of the spoils. However, for all their domination, Milan wasted several chances and were lucky to go ahead the second time from a very spurious penalty awarded when Lucio cleared the ball from Kaka's feet. Footballing karma is circular and in this case it was paid in full as Milan were pegged back at the very end.

The recurring theme to Milan's season has been a plethora of chances despite their often dysfunctional playing style. As careless as they have been at the back, at the front they continue to possess two attacking gems of the very highest quality. In the Champions League, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo have been at the forefront of all things good. Here they continued to singlehandedly ensure Milan go as far as they can despite having an underwhelming season. Despite their sloppiness, they have come this far with a mixture of individual brilliance, a plucky midfield and a slice of luck. One wonders, however, if they have used up all their good fortune. Furthermore, how many more games can Kaka and Pirlo win for them?

Bayern showed once again that you can never count them out. Seemingly out of the domestic title race, they served a timely reminder of their class on the weekend with a defeat of leaders Schalke. In the earlier round in the Champions League, they went behind to Real but hung in with two late goals before ensuring they progressed on away goals with a tight but composed performance in the home leg. For Milan, there are worrying parallels with this tie as well. Never count the Germans out.