Liverpool crashed out of the champions league following a mediocre performance during the group stage.Liverpool needed a home win against Basel but all they could manage was a 1-1 draw.On the other hand City needed a win to see them through.Manchester City qualified for rounds of 16 after successive wins over Bayern and Roma. Clubs from London are through to Round of 16 as well.
Liverpool
Liverpool just managed just a single win during this year champions league.The victory managed through a very late penalty against Ludogorets. This shows that Liverpool were well short on quality to compete against the best in Europe.
Starting Joe Allen and Lucas in midfield was a mistake as they lacked the pace and creativity to put Basel on the back foot and it was actually the Swiss champions who controlled the game, displaying all the attributes Rodgers wants to see in his teams, with their movement, passing and technique all superior to Liverpool.
It was 20 year old winger and 34 year old midfield player who were instrumental in first goal. It was only after this Basel looked under pressure but did well not to concede.Next three games for Liverpool are important at Anfield and results in these match will decide reds and Brendan Rodgers future.
Manchester City
Citizens needed a win against Roma. Aguero's injury was a big set back but they still had enough quality to come up with a win at Roma.Inspiring performance from Nasri ensured their victory.He scored the first from 25 yards and set up the next one for Zabaleta.
With Yaya Toure suspended I have to admit, I didn't think City had it in them, but they've proven me wrong and they will now join Chelsea and Arsenal in progressing to the last 16.
Last five seasons:
2013-14: Last 16 (vs Barcelona)
2012-13: Group stage
2011-12: Group stage
2010-11: Did not qualify
2009-10: Did not qualify
Who can they face?
Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Porto.
Arsenal
Gunners made it to round of 16 with a game in hand.Dortmund victory against Andrelecht meant Arsenal will qualify as group runners up.
Last five seasons:
2013-14: Last 16 (vs Bayern Munich)
2012-13: Last 16 (vs Bayern Munich)
2011/12: Last 16 (vs AC Milan)
2010-11: Last 16 (vs Barcelona)
2009-10: Quarter-finals (vs Barcelona)
Who can they face?
Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Monaco, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Porto
Chelsea
Chelsea secured a 3-1 win over Lisbon during the last group stage game. Coming after the recent defeat St.James park Chelsea looked the team on mission and were better team on pitch for most of the match.
Dreams of a second Champions League crown have remained steady as tougher tests will be sure to come at Stamford Bridge, but the current Premier League leaders are fourth favourites behind Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid heading into the last 16
Last five seasons:
2013-14: Semi-finals (vs Atletico Madrid)
2012-13: Group stage
2011-12: Winners
2010-11: Quarter-finals (vs Manchester Utd)
2009-10: Last 16 (vs Inter Milan)
Who can they face?
Juventus, Basle, Bayer Leverkusen, Paris Saint-Germain, Shakhtar Donetsk
Credits
dailymail.co.uk
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