Big guns finding their range

There is a feeling around Europe's newspaper offices that the continent's big clubs, those who reach the quarter-finals with unerring regularity, are just starting to put their foot on the gas in the UEFA Champions League.

Miracle in Madrid 
Despite a battling performance by BV Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid CF, the German daily Bild argued that they never had "a chance against Raúl [González] and Ronaldo". Westfälische Rundschau agreed, describing those two players as Madrid's "miracle attack". There was no argument from Spain either, AS saying that "Raúl's coolness and Ronaldo's power" won the match.

Deportivo down
The Spanish press were not quite so complimentary about RC Deportivo La Coruña after their 1-0 defeat at FC Basel. AS felt coach Javier Irureta's side were all but out of the competition: "Deportivo were very weak and this defeat moves them away from the quarter-finals. They were kept in their area and they lost against an inferior team."

United impress 
If Deportivo are to qualify they will have to get past Juventus FC and Manchester United FC. Both sides received rave reviews for their performance at Old Trafford. The Guardian was particularly impressed with United's professionalism: "These players can be reserved on occasion and a remarkable record in reaching the closing stages of this tournament is their reward."

Brave Juve
In Italy, however, they hailed Marcello Lippi's depleted side. Gazzetta Dello Sport wrote: "Despite missing several players due to 'flu and injuries, Lippi's side played better than a full-strength Manchester United for most of the game, but they had to surrender to the combination of David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy."

Magic Milan
Gazzetta was similarly impressed by AC Milan, saying the Rossoneri are all but through. "With a 100 per cent record they are leading their group, five points ahead of Real Madrid. The quarter-finals are just around the corner."

Lesson for Inter
With equal candour, however, Internazionale FC and AS Roma were criticised after defeats by FC Barcelona and Valencia CF respectively. Gazzetta led the way with "Inter and Roma slammed in the face", adding that "Barcelona gave the Nerazzurri a footballing lesson". Barcelona's eleventh straight Champions League win (qualifiers included) prompted the gleeful headline of "Mamma Mia" from AS.

'Incredible mistake'
Of Roma's defeat by Valencia, Gazzetta wrote: "The Giallorossi didn't do much to win the game and were mocked by a [John] Carew cross at the end of the match. Valencia must thank Roma goalkeeper [Ivan] Pelizzoli for his incredible mistake. Roma were unlucky, but the Spanish side deserved the victory."

Trouble at home 
The performance of FA Premiership leaders Arsenal FC in drawing with AFC Ajax confused the English press. The Guardian wrote: "Having cured the travel sickness which afflicted them for almost two seasons on the continent, Arsenal have lost their way on the ground which has saved them in the past. Seven wins in a row there have been followed by one victory in six since March."

Surprise side
The Dutch writers, however, were hailing the rejuvenation of Ajax. De Volkskrant led the way, saying Ronald Koeman's young side were "on the way to being this year's surprise in Europe" after stopping "a strong Arsenal". It added: "With the possible return of Rafael van der Vaart next week, Ajax are still in the race for a spot in the quarter-finals."

Young Magpies 
The Guardian went down the same road after Newcastle United FC's 3-1 win at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "United last night gave Sir Bobby Robson the three Champions League points he wanted as a present on his 70th birthday. Robson had said he did not want anything fancy, just the points, but his young team - average age only 23 - wrapped them up in a black and white ribbon." Perhaps then there is hope for the underdogs yet.