Phew. Liverpool advances on away goals, losing to Barca 1-nil at Anfield. I really could have done without Barca's late goal.

Not a terribly exciting game for neutrals. Barca couldn't find its rhythm -- whether that had to do with Liverpool's stout defense (Carragher and Sissoko played well) or Barca's own problems this season was not entirely clear. Probably a little bit of both. No matter. The Reds advance, and I'm happy.

Sissoko picked up a yellow, which means he's out for Pool's quarterfinal match. That's a big blow; he's a midfield monster.

FF

Today, 1:30 Central, ESPN2: Liverpool v. Barcelona. Alright, Reds. Let's make this season count.

FF

A very memorable sports weekend.

First, my Reds blow it and lose to an undermanned Man U at home. Crap.

Fortunately, a crummy sports outcome was outweighed by a fantastic one. 43 year old Randy Couture, the former two-time Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight UFC Champion, came out of retirement to dethrone current heavyweight champ Tim Sylvia, who's a goliath at 6-8 and 280. (He cuts to get to the UFC maximum of 265lbs.) Couture, who'd retired after two knockout losses to Chuck Liddell, executed a brilliant game plan last night, decisively winning all five rounds. Couture employed side to side head movement and precise overhand rights to outbox Sylvia and make him more susceptible to takedowns, of which Randy got several. Couture's performance was genius, inspiring, and historic and will be remembered for years.

FF