The knockout stages of UEFA Champions League 2011/12 are starting today with Bayer Leverkusen taking on Barcelona and Lyon hosting APOEL Nicosia. So lets see how some teams reached this stage and some dropped out.

I liked the commitment shown by Suarez by deliberately handling the ball which subsequently paved the way for Uruguay to reach Semi Final of the World Cup... but this commitment has proved more like an ego problem instead of a commitment towards the team.

Fast forward to the time when Evra presented his hand to Suarez and he has proved that he is the ultimate racist football player of the era.

Dalglish:

A Champions League exit was unthinkable for Manchester United, but the unthinkable became a reality on Wednesday after losing 2-1 at Basel. United went into the game needing only a draw to assure progress but flopped as they missed a couple of glorious chances and lapsed at the back at crucial stages.

Sir Alex Ferguson described the exit and a entry to the Europa Cup as a punishment but on Friday softened his stance saying he was looking to win the sliverware. And why not? A trophy is a trophy and a run the Europa could help United's momentum in the chase of another Premier League title.

Where do United go from here? Is a question asked by many and has different answers from most. Many believe a central midfielder is needed, someone that can take the game from the scruff of the neck and dictate it at his own will. The problem would be finding that player, not many are that quality and even fewer are available.

Here are some of the key points, that United need to do, in my opinion, to help chase arch rivals City:

1. Captain Namanja Vidic is out injured and Rio Ferdinand is prone to get injured. United need to settle a back four. Though Ive never been convinced by Patrice Evra's ability as a defender he will have to show experience at left back. Smalling should be employed as a centre half, in his best position, as soon as one of the Da Silva Twins are back.

Manchester United 2-2 Benfica

The Champions League matchup between Manchester United and Benfica started with a surprise as just after Ashley Young wasted a free kick by over hitting it beyond an alert Jones on the far post a Benfica attack resulted in goal as Jones unwittingly directed a shot towards his own net.  

This gave the visitors a renewed confidence and they continued to attack United with guile and defence turned more resolute than ever to keep United at bay.