Real Madrid 1- Bayen Munich 0
March 10th 2004
Scorer: Zidane (32')
Real progress to the quarters 2-1 on aggregate.

I feel last night was the most complete performance I have seen all season. They fought hard and concentrated for every single minute, they chased the ball and applied pressure when not in possession, they kept the ball well when they had it, they worked hard for each other and they defensively they were superb, especially in the 2nd half.

Iker-man: To me he is the best goalkeeper in the world at age 22... and with those saves of Makaay and Ze Roberto in the first half, he proved it. (9/10)

Raul Bravo: Defensively perfect, did even better than Roberto Carlos. Good work offensively too, holding the ball well and getting into good positions. (9/10)

Helguera: Calm, fast, controlled. Some crucial blocks. Impeccable. (8.5/10)

Meija: The single biggest gain from this season. His mis-kick nearly let in a goal, but did not make one other mistake. His reading of the game, his positioning sense, his speed, his calmness, his maturity are all outstanding for a player who has not played 10 games as a member of the first XI in the league and the Champion's league. Already he looks a better player than Pavon did last year (when we all felt he had a great season). This guy is our Puyol. (8.5/10)

Salgado: MOM for me, along with Zidane. Lucky not to get a 2nd yellow but what an astonishing game. Always a threat attackingly (and he had no right to win the header that led to the goal!), and extremely committed defensively. Sometimes it makes sense to buy players other than Zidane's and groom Pavon's. (9.5/10)

Figo: Probably the least effective player which does not mean he did not play well, and one or two great runs. Greater defensive commitment than we have come to expect. (7/10)

Beckham: Was frustrating at times in open play, not particularly dominant, but his passing and dead balls were A-grade. (7/10)

Guti: Gave the ball away a few times but another outstanding game. I was more critical of him than most earlier this year but he is now playing possibly the best I have seen him play. One of his best games defensively and some great positions offensively. (8/10)

Solari: Worked hard all over the field, created chances, held the ball well, had a good strong game. On any other team he would be an automatic starter. (8/10)

Raul: Still not 100% with a few poor touches in the 1st half. But got better as the game progressed and was a constant nuisance to Bayern. Ran tirelessly, putting pressure on the Bayern defenders. Hard-working performance that ranks among his best this season though I am still praying for the floodgates to open and he old, confident Raul to return. (8.5/10)

Zidane: GOD. There is none higher. And Bayern learnt it the hard way. (10/10)