Last eight find strength in reserve

The UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists returned to domestic action on Saturday but Tuesday and Wednesday's return legs were never far from the minds of the coaches who rested players in a bid to keep their squads fresh. All eight sides played, but only PSV Eindhoven, FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano warmed up with victories.

Inter have perhaps the hardest task as they look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against AC Milan, but coach Roberto Mancini gave some indication of his plans by fielding two wingers, Andy Van der Meyde and Kily González, in a 1-0 win against Bologna FC. "My ideal formation is with two wingers and those two could play in the derby on Tuesday," Mancini said.

'We struggled'
Milan were held 1-1 at home by Brescia Calcio, and coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted lifting his side again after Wednesday's exertions had not been easy. "We struggled," he said. "It's not easy to prepare for games like this. [Against Inter] the mental approach will be crucial, we must remain really concentrated."

'Really dangerous'
Juventus FC conceded two goals against Liverpool FC at Anfield and uncharacteristically let in three more against ACF Fiorentina in a 3-3 draw. Cause for concern for coach Fabio Capello. "Liverpool are a really strong team," he said. "They could be really dangerous from free-kicks and have some tall players who are strong in the air."

'Very disappointed'
Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, meanwhile, bemoaned his side's inconsistency after their 12th Premiership defeat of the season at Manchester City FC. "I'm very disappointed," Benítez said. "At one point we're playing good football and winning, the next we find it really difficult. But there won't be a problem raising the team for Wednesday. Champions League games are different. We'll be ready."

Makaay back
Roy Makaay returned for Bayern's 2-1 win against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach, but struggled in a sluggish display from Felix Magath's side. "The result is what counts because we're now three points clear of [FC] Schalke [04]," Magath insisted. "Now we'll start thinking about Chelsea. I think we proved today we're always capable of scoring two goals here at home. We can do it on Tuesday, too."

'Crucial game'
Chelsea were also rusty in their 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City FC. José Mourinho rested a number of players, but with his side leading the Premiership by eleven points, he was not disheartened. "When you have an advantage like we have at the top, you can risk a little bit," he said. "We can rest some key players and prepare for the next game because that one is crucial."

'Strange game'
Olympique Lyonnais coach Paul Le Guen also rang the changes against FC Nantes Atlantique, six in all from the side that drew with PSV last week, and his normally fluent side stuttered to a 2-2 draw. "It was a strange game because we were not fully focused," Le Guen said. "I'd have enjoyed more consistency but I'll keep in mind our fightback. Now we have four days to prepare for one of the most important games in the club's history. We'll reunite our forces for this big rendezvous."

PSV cruise
There was no let up from Eredivisie leaders PSV, whose march towards the title continued with a comfortable 3-0 win over FC Den Bosch. "The domestic league is the basis for all," coach Guus Hiddink said. "If you want to play in Europe at the highest level and get as far as we have, you have to do well in the national league first. That's why we take it so seriously."