Semis Almost Set

No one is more qualified to answer a question about Bayern Munich versus AC Milan than Giovanni Trapattoni, who has coached both clubs during his storied career. He told DW-WORLD.DE to expect a close match on Wednesday.

"It's still wide open," Trapattoni said. "Of course, Bayern are the slight favorites, but 2-all is a difficult first-leg result. They can't just go full bore offensively at home, because Milan -- with players like Kaká, Gilardino or Inzaghi -- are very dangerous on the counter-attack. A waiting game would also be risky. But if Bayern play the same way they did in Milan they'll get through."

Munich clawed out a draw in San Siro last week, thanks to a pair of goals by defender Daniel van Buyten, so in fact they'll be looking to hold Milan to fewer than two goals.

Bayern's main worries are midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who's touch-and-go with a banged-up knee, and Milan's Filippo Inzaghi. No one has scored more often against Bayern in the Champions League than the crafty striker. Still, Bayern have no reason to be quaking in their boots.

"This year," Trapattoni said, "Milan aren't showing anything like their past form, and not all their players at their best. They went all out to win their home leg. They tried to score goals, and in the end, it didn't turn out well."

Wednesday's other semi-final should be a far more relaxed affair, with Liverpool taking a 3-nil advantage over PSV Eindhoven into Anfield. The Dutch guests, who are focusing on their domestic league, have already indicated they'll rest some key players for the match.

Man U steamroll Rome, Chelsea pip Valencia

Whoever prevails in Munich may wish they hadn't, as their semi-final opponents will be Manchester United. The Red Devils progressed on Tuesday after flattening AS Rome 7-1 in Old Trafford.

Man U clearly wanted to send a message after an away leg marred by violence against their supporters and some controversial refereeing decisions. Michael Carrick scored the opener in the 11th minute, and in the barrage that followed, Rome could hardly have been more shocked, had George Best returned from the dead, pint glass in hand, to knock one past luckless keeper Doni.

Meanwhile, Manchester's Premiership rivals were doing what they do best against Valencia -- getting a narrow, and somewhat fortunate result.

The Blues traveled to Spain needing to make up for a disappointing 1-all draw in the first leg, and things didn't look good when the hosts took a 1-nil lead into the break.

But much-criticized striker Andriy Shevchenko knotted things up in the 52nd minute. And Michael Essian sent Chelsea through just before time after a crucial blunder by Valencia keeper Santiago Canizares.

Chelsea will now most likely have a date with Liverpool later this month.