Originally, Inter Milan were favored to win this match against Liverpool at Anfield, especially since English Premier club Liverpool had not been very successful in their recent matches, including a 2-1 loss to lowly Barnsley at the FA Cup fifth round.

Italian Serie A champions Inter Milan were the aggressors early in the match until defender Marco Materazzi was booked a second yellow card in the 20th minute and was sent off. With Inter Milan down to 10 men, Liverpool waged an all-out attack that was patient and clinical. However, it seemed that the Inter Milan defense was able to thwart off any threat.

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez made some key substitutions, bringing in Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant to help out the Liverpool offense. Eventually, the persistence of Liverpool paid off in the 85th minute when Dirk Kuyt scored a goal, beating Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar with a deflection. In the 90th minute, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard drove a low shot that bounced off the post and once again beat Inter Milan keeper Julio Cesar to make the final scoreline 2-0 for the first leg of the final round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool will now visit the San Siro in Milan, Italy, for the 2nd leg of their round of 16 knock out stage against Inter Milan. Liverpool are hoping to be able to hold off Inter Milan for another 90 minutes, and hopefully maintain their 2-0 goal advantage to win the round of 16 by aggregate and advance to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

To bet on Liverpool vs. Inter Milan and other upcoming UEFA Champions League matches, then visit the UEFA Champions League sportsbook.

Liverpool vs. Inter Milan tickets for March 11, 2008 at the San Siro in Milan, Italy, available here.

When it comes to European Football, and especially for the UEFA Champions League - the home pitch definitely plays a great advantage. The home supporters chanting their songs, waving their flags, and creating that atmosphere that sends the chills against the visiting team is just as crucial as the 11 players of the home team who are taking to the pitch.

But then, of course, eventually it is up to the 11 men on the pitch to make use of the home support to their advantage, and hopefully bring a victory. 16 teams remain in the UEFA Champions League, and two legs are set to be played in the knockout round of 16. IN the meantime, let's see what's in store for the first leg, and the predictions on who are favored to win the first leg.

Predictions on First Leg of Knockout Round of 16 in UEFA Champions League:

Schalke 04 vs. FC Porto. Bet on FC Porto to score an upset at the Schalke 04 home pitch.

AS Roma vs. Real Madrid. Bet on AS Roma to hold their ground at the AS Roma home pitch. Besides, Real Madrid haven't been in form, losing their last two La Liga matches.

Olympiakos vs. Chelsea. Bet on Olympiakos to win at home. Chelsea are a good team, but it's very difficult to win at the Olympiakos home pitch.

Liverpool vs. Inter Milan. Bet on Inter Milan to upset Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool haven't been too great, even losing in the FA Cup to lowly Barnsley.

Celtic vs. Barcelona. Bet on Celtic to hold their ground at the Celtic home pitch. Barcelona might be great, but their Fantastic Four of Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho have not been "fantastic" lately.

Lyon vs. Manchester United. Bet on Lyon to uphold their ground in French soil. Manchester United might be on a streak, but Manchester United have a difficult time winning in France.

Fenerbahce vs. FC Sevilla. Bet on Fenerbahce to hold their ground at their home pitch against Sevilla.

Arsenal vs. AC Milan. Bet on AC Milan to upset Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal were recently thrashed by Manchester United in the FA Cup, and it seems that they're lacking some gusto with the absence of key players.

Bet on the UEFA Champions League, and visit the UEFA Champions League sportsbook. Half-time/Full-time results can also be bet as well as against the spread or money line bets. You can even bet on a draw.