Champions on parade

Real Madrid are favourites to triumph again

Spain and England dominate the quarter-finals of the Champions League following the completion of the second phase.

The two nations occupy six of the eight berths, with holders Real Madrid and shock contenders Leeds United among the qualifiers.

But Bayern Munich, runners-up to Manchester United in 1999, and Uefa Cup holders Galatasaray are still in there fighting.

BBC Sport Online gives you a rundown of the eight clubs still vying for the title of 'Best in Europe'.

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Arsenal:

Adams is a defensive rock for the Gunners

Can count themselves fortunate to be in the last eight after a less than impressive performance during the second phase of group matches.

Indebted to Spartak Moscow for denying Lyon the victory which would have taken the French side through rather than the Gunners.

Arsenal's defence has been a concern recently, which means it is vital Tony Adams stays fit.

In Thierry Henry, Sylvain Wiltord, Kanu and Dennis Bergkamp, the Highbury outfit have an attack capable of worrying anyone.

Key man: Tony Adams.

Bayern Munich:

Munich's Scholl is a deadball specialist

Have made it through to the quarter-finals for the fourth successive season and topped Group C ahead of Arsenal.

Recently earned the wrath of Franz Beckenbauer but are still a team to be feared.

Mehmet Scholl is an inspirational figure in the middle of the park and poses a real danger from deadball situations.

At the back, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is an enormous presence and can help win matches with his shot-stopping ability.

Key man: Mehmet Scholl.

Deportivo la Coruna:

Djalminha pulls the strings in Deportivo's midfield

Perhaps the weakest of a formidable trio of Spanish clubs into the last eight, although they did emerge top of a qualifying group that included Galatasaray, AC Milan and Paris St German.

Can be inconsistent but showed they can never be written off by coming from three goals down to beat PSG in what proved to be a crunch encounter.

Roy Makaay is a big influence up front for Deportivo but the main man is Braziian Djalminha, who makes them tick in midfield and is a big threat from free-kicks.

Key man: Djalminha.

Galatasaray:

At 35, Hagi is still a major threat for Galatasaray

No-one will relish making the trip to Istanbul, but Galatasaray have shown they can be more than a handful on their travels as well.

Not as potent as they were when winning the Uefa Cup last season following Hakan Sukur's departure to Inter Milan, but they still possess the inspirational Gheorghe Hagi.

Despite being handed a six-match ban by the Turkish football federation for spitting at a referee, the Romanian midfielder is still available for Champions League matches.

He may be 35 but he has lost none of his trickery and can still have a huge bearing on games.

Key man: Gheorghe Hagi.

Leeds United:

Viduka's goals have proved vital for Leeds

Surprised many by reaching the second phase of qualifying but refused to be overawed when drawn in a group that included Real Madrid, Lazio and Anderlecht.

Were the first of the English clubs to seal their place in the last eight - and deservedly so.

What they lack in experience they more than make up for in skill and youthful exhuberance.

Their biggest strength is their attack, which boasts Mark Viduka, Alan Smith and the fit-again Harry Kewell.

Key man: Mark Viduka.

Manchester United:

United's Beckham has lost a little of his shine

Left it late to book their place in the last eight after several below-par displays, particularly against Panathinaikos.

Must improve if they are to emulate their success of 1999 but are more than capable of unseating current holders Real Madrid.

Have plenty of options in most areas of the pitch but their frontline is a potential headache for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Dwight Yorke has failed to hit the heights of previous seasons while Andy Cole has spent a long time out because of injury and suspension.

David Beckham has also lost a little of his lustre in recent weeks but is still a major player.

Key man: David Beckham.

Real Madrid:

Figo is just one of Real's dangermen

Capable of dismantling most sides without needing to shift into top gear.

Have looked mightily impressive so far, although they lost their final qualifying game against Anderlecht.

The result was not too significant as the Spanish giants have already booked their place in the quarter-finals.

Quality oozes from every position, with Luis Figo, Raul, Roberto Carlos and Steve McManaman just four names to conjure with.

Favourites to hold onto their title - and with just cause.

Key man: Luis Figo.

Valencia:

Mendieta is at the heart of Valencia's rise

In Hector Cuper, Valencia have one of the shrewdest coaches in the business.

He has turned the club into one of the most respected in Europe, although his tenure looks set to end when this season finishes.

Criticised for selling such star names as Claudio Lopez, Farinos and Gerard last summer, Cuper has replaced them with the likes of Norwegian striker John Carew, who is among the leading scorers in the Spanish league.

Gaizka Mendieta pulls the strings from the heart of midfield and is a big reason why Valencia finished above Manchester United in qualifying.

Key man: Gaizka Mendieta.