Then there were eight

Friendship match
The significance of Liverpool FC's first match against Juventus FC since the Heysel tragedy 20 years ago has been well documented, and this tie takes top billing over the Olympique Lyonnais-PSV Eindhoven first leg on French soil. The tone of the evening on Merseyside will be set by the Italian word 'Amicizia' (meaning friendship), although Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez insists his team must contribute to the spectacle as equal partners to the mighty Juventus.

'Won't need motivating'
"We've shown in Champions League matches against Olympiacos [CFP] and Bayer [04] Leverkusen we can play very good football at Anfield. I want my players to remember this and show the same level again. They won't need motivating for this game," said the Spaniard.

Nedved returns
Benítez is expected to choose between Vladimír Šmicer and Antonio Núñez for the right midfield slot, with recalls for Sami Hyypiä and Jerzy Dudek, while the Bianconeri can restore Pavel Nedved to the left wing after a 40-day lay-off. David Trezeguet should start on the bench after overcoming an injury, and his coach, Fabio Capello, is anticipating "a wonderful atmosphere" for this emotive occasion.

Dark horses
In some respects, it is Lyon and PSV's misfortune to share the same card. However, these rivals lead their respective French and Dutch leagues by some distance, and they should be considered more dark horses than also-rans in the Champions League race.

Trophy itch
Lyon, the competition top scorers following their Round of 16 dismantling of Werder Bremen, will be formidable in defence too following the return from the sidelines of defender and captain Claudio Caçapa at the weekend. Paul Le Guen's side, the only team in the draw without a European trophy, will not lack motivation either having fallen at the last-eight stage last season.

Hiddink's goal
PSV have a full complement of players, although Mark van Bommel and André Ooijer are one booking away from being banned for the return leg next Wednesday. Coach Guus Hiddink would rather bring home an away goal than any yellow card. "We must take the initiative and try to score a goal. An away goal is crucial. We want that more than a clean sheet even. Statistics show that your chances increase if you score away," he said.