LIVERPOOL FC

The best: Thierry Henry

The worst: Francis Jeffers

What went wrong? Everything appeared rosy when an Henry hat-trick dismantled Roma in Italy in the opening game of the second group stage. Four successive draws after that, rounded off by a defeat to Valencia in Spain, and the dream was over for another year.

What happened next? The Invincibles of 2004 swept all before them in the Premier League, but fell at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League to London upstarts Chelsea. They were to reach the final by 2006 though.



The best: Cesc Fabregas

The worst: Manuel Almunia

What went wrong? Simply outclassed by the world’s best player, Lionel Messi. The fighting spirit that salvaged a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg was not enough to stop the little Argentinian who struck an inspired four goals in the Nou Camp.

What happens next? Does Fabregas decide if he can't beat them he may as well join them? It would be a move that not only weakens Arsenal, but strengthens the argument that La Liga is now the place to be, following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United for Real Madrid. However, with Robin Van Persie, Andrey Arshavin and William Gallas (to name a few) back to full fitness, Arsenal can be in the final four pretty swiftly.

Verdict: This might be like 2003


The best: Michael Owen

The worst: El-Hadji Diouf

What went wrong? Requiring a victory over Basel in their last fixture to advance from the first group stage at the expense of the Swiss club, Gerard Houllier’s men floundered. They trailed 3-0 after 29 minutes, and the eventual 3-3 draw was not enough.

What happened next? One season later Gerard Houllier departed, two seasons later, the miracle of Istanbul. A club seemingly in terminal decline were revitalised by a change of manager and direction. Ring any bells?


The best: Fernando Torres

The worst: Emiliano Insua

What went wrong? More like what went right? Crushed by Fiorentina in Florence, late slips home and away against Olympique Lyonnais then a further embarrassment at home to La Viola. If it could go wrong for Rafael Benitez, it usually did.

What happens next? Potentially more European silverware, but the Europa League is not where Liverpool want - or indeed need - to be. It seems increasingly likely that that is where their European campaign begins next season, rather than just ends.

Verdict: Whether Benitez stays or goes will decide if this is 2003 all over again.



The best: Ruud Van Nistelrooy

The worst: Quinton Fortune

What went wrong? It all seemed like destiny. With the final to be held at Old Trafford, United lost just once in the first group stage, cruised through the second group stage, then came badly unstuck against a Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid, losing 6-5 on aggregate in the quarter-finals.

What happened next? David Beckham left for Real Madrid. A young upstart called Cristiano Ronaldo arrived (mind you, so did Kleberson, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Liam Miller and Alan Smith). It had to get worse before it got better - much, much better - for United.


The best: Wayne Rooney

The worst: Jonny Evans

What went wrong? Everything seemed fine on the surface as United raced into a 3-0 lead against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford. But it was just papering over the cracks, brutally exposed once Rafael was sent off and Arjen Robben scored a blistering volley that sent the German club through in “typically German” fashion.

What happens next? Quite possibly an unprecedented fourth straight league title. United are well placed to remain at Europe's top table for some time to come.

Verdict: This won't be like 2003




The best: Alan Shearer

The worst: Titus Bramble

What went wrong? Sneaked through the first group stage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Feyenoord in Rotterdam, but that was as good as it got. A 4-1 thumping by Inter in the first match of the second group stage (and at St James’ Park) followed by a 3-1 defeat in Barcelona put paid to any hopes of advancing.

What happened next? Newcastle were knocked out of the Champions League at the qualifying stages the following season. A steady decline, pockmarked by knee-jerk managerial appointments, resulted in relegation from the Premier League last season. Immediate promotion has since followed, but the jury remains out on whether Newcastle are really back on an upward incline.


The best: Didier Drogba

The worst: Salomon Kalou

What went wrong? It was all going so smoothly through the group stages and there was plenty of sentiment when Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge with Inter - only the Special One didn't allow his players to get caught up in it all. A ruthless, tactical masterclass (chaperoned by Wesley Sneijder) ended Chelsea's Champions League interest in the first knockout round.

What happens next? A period of introspection, followed by impressive victories over Aston Villa and Manchester United to establish the advantage in a tight Premier League race. More silverware and Champions League riches beckon, and even with an ageing team, there will be no dip of Newcastle proportions.

Verdict: This won't be like 2003