'Emotion brings best out of Liverpool'

Liverpool FC 2-1 Juventus FC
Emotion clearly brings the best out of Liverpool. On an evening when public moves were made to heal the wounds inflicted on a terrible night at Heysel 20 years ago, the Merseysiders emerged from a blistering contest with victory and genuine belief fuelling their Champions League campaign. That conviction will not have been drained by Juventus's inevitable second-half revival which plucked what may yet prove to be a crucial away goal from the dregs. Few had anticipated anything but Liverpool's willing triers, with so much talent absent, spluttering aground upon consummate Serie A defence. Instead the Italians have been shown to be fallible, their soft underbelly exposed, to ensure that Rafael Benítez's side travel to Turin next week retaining real hope of progress. (The Guardian, England)

The fantastic atmosphere of Anfield was like an electric shock for the Liverpool players, who started the match at an astonishing tempo. They seemed unstoppable, while the Juventus players used neither their brains nor their legs. Fabio Capello will have to think about this incredible blackout which allowed Liverpool to score two goals. When they seemed on their knees, however, Juventus reacted, showing their great personality. Cannavaro's goal is more than enough to keep Juventus's hopes of qualifying alive and the Bianconeri were unlucky not to score more goals. Capello made a great substitution when he fielded Pessotto instead of Blasi in midfield and managed to balance the whole team. However, he will need Emerson in better condition next week. And most of all he will need the real Juventus for 90 minutes, not part-time like at Anfield. (Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy)

Olympique Lyonnais 1-1 PSV Eindhoven
For the first time in their European season, Lyon's players left Gerland with their heads down yesterday evening. At the start of their quarter-final second leg next week in Eindhoven, they will be virtually out of the Champions League after they drew at home against the Dutch side. They probably never believed it would be easy. They know today how difficult it will be. (L'Equipe, France).

Held by the hand of their old master, PSV moved closer to the Champions League semi-finals. Phillip Cocu gave the Eindhoven club what they had flown to Lyon for - an away goal so important, one can hardly express its value. Because of the somewhat lucky 1-1 against Olympique Lyonnais at the Gerland, PSV do not even need to score when they play at home next Wednesday. After the final whistle, PSV did not celebrate too much; they thanked their fans and disappeared again. The job is only half done, but their faces expressed their satisfaction. The draw was an unexpected bonus. (Algemeen Dagblad, Netherlands)