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The Ligue 1 side hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg and their head coach is optimistic that they have what it takes to progress to the next round
Mar 7, 2012 2:55:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
5
Olympique Lyonnais coach Remi Garde is confident that his team will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of APOEL Nicosia.
The Ligue 1 giants recorded a 1-0 home win in the first leg of the round of 16 tie and Garde believes that Lyon will be able to add to their lead in the return fixture.
"We have a 1-0 advantage and we need to build on it. We need to not only defend but also to score," Garde stated during a press conference.
"We have enough quality in the side to achieve both those targets. We are strong going forward but we also need to be strong at the back.
"One team will emerge victorious from this tie and both teams have chances to qualify. This game will be different to the first leg but it is impossible to predict exactly how.
"We are in the last 16 of the competition and we want to move on to the next stage."
Galliani glad to still be alive after Van Persie scare
The Rossoneri CEO has revealed that he became so stressed out that he had to stop watching the game after the Gunners forward squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to level the tie
Benfica goalkeeper Artur hopeful of reaching Champions League semi-finals
The 31-year-old believes that his side have what it takes to overcome their next obstacle in Europe's elite competition after qualifying from the round of 16
Rosicky proud of Arsenal team-mates despite Champions League exit
The midfielder spoke of his pride after the Gunners came within a goal of turning around a four-goal first-leg deficit against AC Milan
Van Persie has 'no regrets' over missed chance as Arsenal crash out of Champions League against AC Milan
Dutchman saw a gilt-edged chance to level the scores in the second half saved by Milan 'keeper Abbiati but insists he would not change his approach if given another opportunity
AC Milan's Emanuelson relieved at qualification after Arsenal scare
The Dutch midfielder attributed an improved second-half performance from the Italian giants in London for their progression to the last eight of Europe's elite competition
Messi set to 'Muller' another record - Barcelona superstar out to emulate German legend by topping European Cup scoring charts for a fourth time
The 24-year-old has finished as top scorer in the last three editions of the Champions League and heads the pack in 2011-12 too as he closes in on yet another impressive mark
AC Milan lucky to escape against Arsenal after possibly the most embarrassing 45 minutes by an Italian side ever
The Rossoneri got away with hitting a remarkable low in the first 45 at the Emirates Stadium, and there are countless lessons to be learned if they are to progress any further
Wenger furious with refereeing decisions following Arsenal's agonising Champions League exit at the hands of AC Milan
The Frenchman feels the Italian side took advantage of some poor decision making, while claiming the condition of the pitch at San Siro in the first leg was 'unacceptable'
The future's bright, the future's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The teenager has impressed on the wing but produced arguably the finest display of his fledgling career against AC Milan on Tuesday night in his preferred central midfield role
AC Milan's Nocerino: We can't reproduce a first half like that again; I dropped a bollock with my miss!
The midfielder has admitted that the Rossoneri struggled before the break, but was pleased to see his side improve after the interval and eventually defend their aggregate lead
Barcelona to face Bayer Leverkusen without injured duo Puyol & Thiago Alcantara
The Catalans will have to do without the experienced defender and the young midfielder in the encounter with the German side as they are still recovering from knocks
APOEL coach Jovanovic: We need a 'perfect game' against Olympique Lyonnais
The Cypriots have been the surprise package in this season's tournament but they must now overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit if they are to reach the quarter-finals
AC Milan's Van Bommel: Arsenal 'outclassed' us in the first half
The Dutchman was full of praise for the Gunners' sensational opening 45 in north London but he felt that the Rossoneri had also contributed to their own struggles
Ecstatic Benfica boss Jorge Jesus ready for anyone in Champions League quarter-finals
The Portuguese coach was overjoyed after his side's progression to the last eight and believes that his side are capable of holding their own against any side in Europe
Zenit boss Spalletti: Benfica deserved to win
The Italian was bitterly disappointed by his side's display in Portugal, admitting that they had played nowhere near their best and could have no arguments about their elimination
Wenger hails 'outstanding' Oxlade-Chamberlain but admits fatigue cost Arsenal an astonishing comeback
The young midfielder dazzled as the Gunners came within a goal of a remarkable comeback against AC Milan, who hung on in the second half to secure Champions League progress
Arsenal regain pride on unforgettable night as supporters fall back in love with team
Arsene Wenger's team were physically and mentally exhausted by the end of one of the most highly-charged matches in the Emirates Stadium's six-season history
Mexes: AC Milan's qualification over Arsenal not a cause for celebration
The defender admitted that the Rossoneri had allowed fear to take over during their torrid first-half display at the Emirates and were ultimately lucky to progress to the quarters
AC Milan coach Allegri: A shame we lost to Arsenal but we still reached our goal
The Rossoneri boss admitted that he had erred in sending his side out at the Emirates in a 4-3-3 formation and also conceded that his players sat too deep in the first half
Barcelona coach Guardiola wary of Bayer Leverkusen's fighting spirit
The Blaugrana boss believes that those who think that his side are in for an easy ride at Camp Nou are severely underestimating their German opponents' tenacity
Leverkusen coach Dutt: There are lots of things that worry me about facing Barcelona
The German coach is not looking forward to the upcoming match at Camp Nou, but stressed that Leverkusen will do their utmost to reverse the score from the first leg
Uefa charges Wenger with improper conduct over post-match referee comments
The Frenchman has recieved punishment over his public criticism of match officials following his side's narrow failure to overturn a four-goal first-leg deficit against Milan
Mar 7, 2012 4:19:00 PM
By Edward Tibbles
Arsene Wenger has been charged with improper conduct following his post-match comments regarding refereeing decisions in Arsenal's 3-0 win over AC Milan.
Despite their comfortable win, the north London side dropped out of the Champions League on aggregate as they failed to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit.
And Wenger vented his frustration about the referee after the match, claiming he was the reason for their elimination.
Damir Skomina awarded Milan 21 free-kicks, a number which Wenger insisted was unreasonable claiming that Milan started to take advantage of the Slovenian official.
It is likely the Arsenal manager will receive a touchline ban for this incident, a move which would represent his third such sanction in the last year.
His most recent ban came earlier in this year's tournament as he was forced to sit in the stands to watch the Gunners overcome Udinese in a playoff for Champions League qualification.
'Messi maintains the ingenuity of a child' - Manchester United legend Eric Cantona lauds Leo after five-goal show for Barcelona The former French great has hailed the Barca forward after the Argentine's incredible five-goal display in the 7-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night
Messi revels in Barcelona's memorable victory over Leverkusen - 'It's all about enjoying the moment' The Ballon d'Or winner may have reached new heights to dump the Germans out of the Champions League, but he was only too happy to see the Blaugrana seal their qualification
APOEL's Ivan Jovanovic: We never believed that we would reach Champions League quarter-finals The Serbian coach was over the moon that his side were able to defeat the French club and stated that the players deserve all the credit for this feat
Rooney says Messi is 'the best ever' footballer after Leverkusen display The England international forward was lost for words about the Argentine attacker and singled him out as the best player ever to have graced the game of football
Olympique Lyonnais' Kim Kallstrom expresses disappointment at Champions League elimination
The 29-year-old was quick to voice his disappointment at suffering elimination on penalties at the hands of APOEL Nicosia, but stressed that Lyon will be back on form
Lionel Messi becomes first player to score five goals in single Champions League match
The Argentina international is celebrating a major milestone in his career after bagging five goals against Bayer Leverkusen in Uefa's premier club competition on Wednesday
Van Persie proud to be an Arsenal player after AC Milan win
The Arsenal striker has stated on twitter how grateful he is to the fans and the atmosphere they created in their 3-0 second leg win over Milan despite losing 4-3 on aggregate
APOEL's Ivan Jovanovic: We never believed that we would reach Champions League quarter-finals
The Serbian coach was over the moon that his side were able to defeat the French club and stated that the players deserve all the credit for this feat
Mar 8, 2012 12:53:00 AM
By Luis Mira
APOEL coach Ivan Jovanovic was overjoyed that his side are through to the Champions League quarter-final stage after defeating Olympique Lyonnais in the penalty shootout.
A first-half goal from Gustavo Manduca allowed APOEL to level the tie at 1-1, before they became the first Cypriot club to reach the competition's quarter-finals with a 4-3 victory on penalties.
"This is the most important night in APOEL's history," Jovanovic told Uefa.com. "This is a big night for APOEL, the fans and Cypriot football
"We never believed that we would be where we are today. But when you have players with so much confidence, then it is possible.
"When you have a stadium filled with fans like ours, then it is possible. This is fantastic for everyone.
"The victory belongs to the players and the fans. We have worked hard for this. Nothing makes you happier than seeing so many people rejoice from your achievement.
"I am delighted to have helped the APOEL fans enjoy such moments."
APOEL are one of the four clubs who have already booked a place in the quarter-final stage, along with AC Milan, Benfica and Barcelona.
Napoli's Mazzarri rues defensive mistakes against Cagliari ahead of Chelsea trip
The Italian coach has warned his players to be fully alert against the Blues on Wednesday and said he is keen to avoid the same kind of problems that Milan had against Arsenal
Richard Dutruel: Barcelona will win the Champions League
The retired goalkeeper is of the opinion that Barca will come out on top of the Uefa competition, while saying that Real Madrid are not at the same level as the Catalans
AC Milan CEO Galliani: Allegri not to blame for Arsenal defeat
The Italian champions came very close to blowing a four-goal first-leg lead against the Gunners in the Champions League, losing 3-0 on the night after a calamitous display
CSKA offer Honda 50% pay rise to extend deal beyond 2013 - report Although the Samurai Blue star has long hoped to play in Italy, his current club is willing to offer a nearly £1 million pay raise in order to keep him in Moscow
Napoli coach Mazzarri: Barcelona are 'on another level'
The Partenopei boss believes there is no stopping the Blaugrana, who completed a 10-2 agg
Villas-Boas' sacking will make Chelsea dangerous - Napoli assistant Frustalupi
The Partenopei assistant has warned that the Blues' managerial change could be a boost for the English team, but is determined to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals
Collovati: I believe Inter can beat Marseille, but Ranieri's adventure will end if they don't
The former Nerazzurri defender says that the current crop should have too much for the French outfit, but has a warning for the coach regarding his precarious future
Bayern Munich need Bastian Schweinsteiger to progress in the Champions League - there could be no better time for his return
The vice-captain's presence on the bench on Saturday was enough to propel the Bavarians out of their rut. Now the talisman is looking to send his side into the last eight
Milito confident Inter will eliminate Olympique de Marseille from Champions League
The Nerazzurri were beaten 1-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, but the striker believes they have what it takes to overcome the deficit and qualify for the quarters
Paolo Cannavaro: Ezequiel Lavezzi can put the Chelsea defence in crisis The experienced centre-half has warned the Stamford Bridge outfit of his side's lethal striker, who he believes could be the player to watch when the teams meet in midweek
Ramires confident Chelsea can overturn Napoli deficit
The midfielder has cited previous triumphs in other must-win games, most notably December's 3-0 victory over Valencia which saw them qualify from their Champions League group
Bayern chief Uli Hoeness confident of victories against Hoffenheim & Basel
The Bavarian giants have lost ground in the Bundesliga title race and are 1-0 down in their Champions League tie yet the club supremo believes the team can return to form
Maggio: Napoli need to concentrate for 90 minutes against Chelsea
The Italy international scored one of his side's goals in the 6-3 victory over Cagliari on Friday night, but feels his side will need to defend better in the European fixture
Basel's Vogel not worried by Bayern's 7-1 rout of Hoffenheim
The Swiss side's trainer has dismissed Bayern's thrashing of the village club, and believes his team can cause a huge upset when they face each other on Tuesday
Mar 12, 2012 1:30:00 PM
By Alex Mott
FC Basel coach Heiko Vogel is not concerned by Bayern's 7-1 thrashing of Hoffenheim on Saturday, and is confident that his side will go through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
The Swiss side beat their Bavarian rivals 1-0 in the first leg at St Jakob Park three weeks' ago, and the 36-year-old trainer is confident his side can cause an upset on Tuesday, dismissing reports that his side will set-up for a 0-0 draw.
"We always go for goals," Vogel told the German newspaper Bild, "If we lose 1-2, we still reach the quarter-finals. And we've scored in every Champions League game this season.
"Quite clearly, it's an unusual result [Bayern 7-1 Hoffenheim]. But the margin of victory does not impress me. I have absolutely no fear that Bayern will score seven goals in one game [against us]."
The upcoming transfer of Xheridan Shaqiri from Basel to Bayern has also been a big talking point in the build up to this game, with the Swiss teenager playing at what will be his new home for the first time.
"Yes [he will be able to play under that spotlight]," the German-born coach said, "Shaqiri is Shaqiri. He loves football too much. And as soon as he takes to the pitch, he is able to completely shelf anything from the outside."
The former Bayern youth coach concluded the interview by conceding that his side were clearly underdogs for the tie, but that they were very confident of progressing to the next round.
"It is not a battle between equals, it is a duel between David and Goliath. And Goliath was supposed to win.
"We know we are not hopeless. And we are a very, very self-confident David."
The game kicks off at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday at 20.45CET.
Villas-Boas' sacking will make Chelsea dangerous - Napoli assistant Frustalupi
The Partenopei assistant has warned that the Blues' managerial change could be a boost for the English team, but is determined to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals
Mar 12, 2012 1:00:00 PM
By Stefan Coerts
Napoli assistant coach Nicolo Frustalupi has warned that Chelsea will be dangerous opponents in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 match on Wednesday in the wake of their recent managerial change.
The Premier League side parted company with head coach Andre Villas-Boas earlier this month, and named Roberto Di Matteo as his temporary replacement.
Frustalupi, who will lead Napoli on Wednesday due to Walter Mazzarri's suspension, feels that Villas-Boas' dismissal could give Chelsea an extra boost.
"It will be a much more difficult and intense game than the first one. After the departure of a manager, players always feel sort of responsible and want to do something extra," Frustalupi said to Il Corriere dello Sport.
"Every game is unique, and we are feeling comfortable. Chelsea are a team full of champions though and we know that they are very strong at home.
"It would be a dream to qualify for the next round, but we have already done a great job in the Champions League. Nobody counted on us to make it this far," the trainer admitted.
Wednesday's encounter at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 20.45CET.
Collovati: I believe Inter can beat Marseille, but Ranieri's adventure will end if they don't
The former Nerazzurri defender says that the current crop should have too much for the French outfit, but has a warning for the coach regarding his precarious future
Mar 12, 2012 12:41:00 PM
By Fabrizio Ponciroli
Fulvio Collovati has refused to believe that Inter cannot overturn their 1-0 deficit against Olympique Marseille in order to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals. However, he expects coach Claudio Ranieri to pay the ultimate price if his side do bow out.
The Nerazzurri host the French outfit in the second leg of their last 16 clash at San Siro on Tuesday night having gone down to a late Andre Ayew strike in l’Hexagone last month. But the former Inter defender said thathe is confident the Italians have what it takes to advance.
“I refuse to believe that Inter cannot make it through against Marseille,” said Collovati, who now plies his trade behind a Rai TV microphone. “I commentated on the first leg, and Inter lost because they did not play like Inter. Losing the first game has not convinced me that they will go out.
“I expected more from Marseille, but since then they have lost four consecutive games. They do have players who can embarrass the Inter defence in Valbuena and the Ayew brothers, though.”
Despite his upbeat mood heading into the second leg, Collovati is under no illusions what the future will hold for Ranieri if Inter do not progress. “It depends on how it goes,” he stated. “But if it goes badly, I think that his Inter adventure will end.”
The 1982 World Cup winner with Italy forecasts a return to the team for Esteban Cambiasso. The Argentine has come under some scrutiny of late and was left out of Friday’s win against Chievo, but Collovati expects him to start on Tuesday.
“Cambiasso will play, perhaps alongside Andrea Poli. But I think the decisive player will be either Wesley Sneijder or Diego Forlan. They are two players who are willing to make their mark, and this is an opportunity to do something important for the good of Inter.”
The Nerazzurri need to win by two clear goals to enter Friday’s draw for the quarter-finals, while a 1-0 win would take the tie to penalties.
Kaka: Real Madrid can do something big in the Champions League
The Brazilian midfielder is confident about his side's chances in the top European competition, while heaping praise on midfielder partner Ozil and coach Mourinho
Materazzi: My heart bleeds to see Inter like this
The Nerazzurri slipped down the Serie A standings after a recent run of seven games without a win and the former Italy international now believes a top-three finish is beyond them
Deschamps: We have nothing to lose against Inter
The Ligue 1 outfit lead 1-0 after their first-leg clash but the side's coach believes that the pressure is all on the Nerazzurri ahead of their meeting at San Siro
Barcelona coach Guardiola wants to avoid AC Milan in Champions League quarter-finals
The two clubs were paired together in the group stages, with Barca only managing a draw at home to the Rossoneri before defeating the Italians 3-2 in an epic tussle at San Siro
Inter coach Ranieri hoping for more tears of joy against Marseille
The under-pressure Roman welled up after seeing his side end a run of nine games without a victory by triumphing at the Bentegodi on Friday night courtesy of two late goals
CSKA Moscow's Dzagoev: We can prove critics wrong by upsetting Real Madrid
The Russians managed a 1-1 draw in their first-leg meeting with Los Blancos at the Luzhniki Stadium, and the attacker is of the opinion that his team can topple Jose Mourinho's men
Cristiano Ronaldo: Mourinho will stay with Real Madrid
The former Manchester United player has brushed aside speculation that his compatriot will leave then Spanish capital club at the end of the campaign and head back to England
Mourinho insists his future at Real Madrid does not depend on Champions League success
The Portuguese trainer has made it clear that he intends to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu regardless of the result of the game against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday
Ranocchia resumes Inter training ahead of Olympique de Marseille clash
The defender was expected to miss out on Tuesday's encounter due to injury, but has recovered in time to make the squad and is now in contention for the Nerazzurri
Lavezzi: Chelsea game is a 'date with history'
The Argentine forward is looking ahead to the second leg of what could prove to be a truly memorable outing in Europe for the Azzurri, who hold a first-leg advantage
Sneijder must prove he is still a top player to win a big deal elsewhere, says Inter legend Mazzola
The two-time European Cup winner believes the Dutchman must do his best to earn a move to another of the world's biggest clubs, but backs the Nerazzurri to beat Marseille
CSKA goalkeeper Sergey Chepchugov casts Cristiano Ronaldo threat aside
The back-up custodian claims that he is not worried about the danger posed by the Portuguese forward ahead of the last-16 decider against Jose Mourinho's side
Bayern Munich need Bastian Schweinsteiger to progress in the Champions League - there could be no better time for his return
The vice-captain's presence on the bench on Saturday was enough to propel the Bavarians out of their rut. Now the talisman is looking to send his side into the last eight
Mandanda targets Champions League progress at the expense of Inter
The France international is determined to eliminate the Nerazzurri in order to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, yet refuses to underestimate the Italian side
Heynckes: I am confident Bayern Munich can go through
The Bundesliga side's trainer has warned his players that the Swiss champions will not be pushovers, but is optimistic of getting a good result at the Allianz Arena
Marseille will 'have to battle' to knock Inter out of the Champions League, says Abedi Pele
The Africa football icon, whose two sons both play for Marseille, has tipped his former club to progress to the Champions League last eight at San Siro on Tuesday night
Napoli's Hamsik: Chelsea have shown a new spirit under Di Matteo
The Slovakia international believes that the Blues will pose a significant threat to his side on Wednesday evening and noted that Di Matteo has reinvigorated the team
AC Milan's Allegri: I will support Inter against Olympique de Marseille
The 44-year-old coach has revealed that he will cheer for his club's cross-town rivals in Tuesday's match and noted that every Italian should do the same
Di Matteo tears up Villas-Boas' training plans ahead of Napoli tie - report
The Italian has apparently decided against sessions the morning before European fixtures, with the Blues without a win in five home competition knockout matches
Mar 13, 2012 11:56:00 AM
Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo has torn up the training plans Andre Villas-Boashad laid out for the team’s Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Napoli, according to The Mirror.
The Portuguese manager was sacked just over a week ago, with the Blues’ loss to West Brom proving the last straw for owner Roman Abramovich and he removed the former Porto boss after less than nine months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea, who have not won any of their last five knockout games at home in European competition and have a 3-1 deficit to overturn on Wednesday night, were ordered by Villas-Boas to train in a morning session at their Cobham base before a Champions League fixture.
Going into the game with the Serie A outfit, Di Matteo’s has apparently decided to move the session forward to Tuesday evening, clashing with Napoli’s pre-match press conference.
The Italian is showing further signs of not being afraid to stamp his authority after taking the role on, this possible snub coming after the 41-year-old moved away from the Blues’ usual line-up of 4-3-3 to having five in midfield supporting a lone striker in the win over Stoke City.
Napoli coach Mazzarri cleared to sit on the bench against Chelsea
The Partenopei boss has seen his suspension for being sent off after a push on striker Nilmar in December during his side's clash with Villarreal uplifted
Mar 13, 2012 3:10:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has had his two-game Champions League touchline ban quashed, meaning he is free to sit on the bench for Wednesday night's clash with Chelsea.
The 50-year-old Tuscan was hit with the suspension after being sent off for pushing Villarreal striker Nilmar for alleged time-wasting during the Partenopei's 2-0 victory at El Madrigal in the final round of the group stages.
Mazzarri was initially banned for three games, and he was also fined €3,000 for his troubles. The suspension was reduced to two matches after an appeal.
However, after being consigned to the stands for his side's last 16 first-leg clash with Chelsea at the San Paolo three weeks ago, Mazzarri has now been cleared by the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) to take a seat in the dugout at Stamford Bridge.
Napoli's meeting with Chelsea in London gets underway at 20:45CET on Wednesday, with the Serie A outfit currently 3-1 up on aggregate.
CSKA Moscow's Dzagoev: We can prove critics wrong by upsetting Real Madrid
The Russians managed a 1-1 draw in their first-leg meeting with Los Blancos at the Luzhniki Stadium, and the attacker is of the opinion that his team can topple Jose Mourinho's men
Mar 13, 2012 1:57:00 PM
By Mark Doyle
Alan Dzagoev is adamant that CSKA Moscow can pull off a massive Champions League shock by progressing to the quarter-finals at the expense of Real Madrid.
The Russians have been written off by many pundits ahead of their meeting with Los Blancos at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, despite the fact that they held Jose Mourinho's star-studded lineup to a 1-1 draw in their first-leg meeting at the Luzhniki Stadium.
However, Dzagoev insists that Leonid Slutsky's troops are paying little heed to the naysayers.
"Madrid may be the favourites, but those who say we have no chance are very wrong," the 21-year-old midfielder told Uefa.com.
"There is nothing impossible about this task. None of us are going to just roll over – we actually have victory on our minds.
"There is no mental pressure on us: Madrid are world-class opponents, so the onus is on them."
Dzagoev was unwilling to go so far as to call the meeting with Madrid the biggest game in CSKA's history, but he did admit that dumping the runaway La Liga leaders out of Europe's elite competition would represent a significant achievement for the club.
"Every fixture is important in its own way," the Russia international mused. "We can make history with a positive result at the Bernabeu.
"Madrid have a lot of stars: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Mesut Ozil, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. Beating them would give us a lot of positive emotion and momentum."
CSKA's clash with Madrid in the Spanish capital gets underway at 20:45CET on Wednesday.
Inter president Moratti refuses to blame Claudio Ranieri for Champions League elimination
The Nerazzurri supremo has declined to blame the Champions League elimination on the 60-year-old coach and said that luck was on Marseille's side in the tie
Mar 14, 2012 12:27:00 AM
By Luis Mira
Inter president Massimo Moratti has guaranteed he is not considering the possibility of sacking coach Claudio Ranieri after the team's elimination from the Champions League at the hands ofOlympique de Marseille.
The Nerazzurri were denied the chance to reach the quarter-finals as Tuesday's 2-1 victory at San Siro knocked them out of the competition on the away goals rule after a 1-0 defeat at the Velodrome in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
Ranieri has been on thin ice following the club's recent poor form, with Italian sources suggesting that Primavera team coach Andrea Stramaccioni could step in until the end of the season if Inter failed to progress in the competition.
However, Moratti has dismissed the suggestion of sacking Ranieri, saying that Inter were simply unlucky against Marseille.
"On an evening like this I do not feel like taking any action," Moratti is quoted by ANSA as saying. "I do not see how Ranieri is to blame.
"It has more to do with the luck his French counterpart [Didier] Deschamps had.
"If we had lost 4-0, I might have seen things differently, but after conceding two goals in stoppage time [over two legs] I do not feel I can give a negative assessment.
Keisuke Honda to miss CSKA Moscow's Real Madrid clash - report
The Japan international appeared to be winning his race to be fit for the game against Los Blancos but it is now being claimed that he will sit out the match at the Bernabeu
Chelsea's Cech: Clean sheet the key to beating Napoli
The Blues keeper knows that keeping the Italian outfit at bay will be tough but is confident in his side's ability to score and is hopeful of "a night to remember for the fans"
CSKA Moscow's Necid: My horoscope says I will score a hat-trick against Real Madrid
The Czech striker was in bullish mood ahead of his side's crunch clash against the Spanish giants at the Santiago Bernabeu, setting his sights on finding the net
Degen: Bayern can beat Real Madrid and Barcelona
After seeing his side trounced on Tuesday, the Basel full-back feels the German giants can overcome any team, although he admitted the Catalans would pose a tough task
Zola: Chelsea-Napoli clash puts me in difficult position
The former Italy international is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Champions League encounter, and has fond memories of his time playing with Diego Maradona in Naples
Mission improbable: The stats, omens & woeful home record that point to nothing but a Chelsea Champions League exit
Blues fans still hold out hope of a dramatic turnaround on Wednesday against Walter Mazzarri's wily Napoli side, but all logic and recent evidence is against them
Overturning Napoli deficit would be one of Chelsea's greatest achievements - Terry
The captain believes progression to the quarter-finals in the face of the momentous task could kick start their season, with Roberto Di Matteo hailed as the perfect man for the job
Europe's most frightening playground - Mourinho's Real Madrid have scored three against everyone but Barcelona at the Bernabeu this season
With 17 wins out of 20 and 78 goals netted there this term, Los Blancos' stadium is fast becoming a fortress under the Portuguese coach, whose side host CSKA Moscow on Wednesday
Bayern Munich striker Gomez: I will never be as good as Messi
The Germany international remained humble after his four goals in the Champions League against Basel, and stressed that the Barcelona star is in a league of his own
Now or never - Drogba, Lampard & Chelsea's old guard must step up for last tilt at Champions League glory
The core of the team built by Jose Mourinho could be dismantled by Andre Villas-Boas' successor unless they prove themselves capable of holding their own against Europe's finest
There's no way of stopping Real Madrid from scoring goals, says CSKA Moscow coach Slutsky
The Russian side's trainer has admitted that his team face a tough task when they visit the La Liga leaders at the Santiago Bernabeu in Europe's elite tournament
With 14 goals in two games, record-breaking Bayern Munich are Champions League contenders once more
The Bavarians wrote history on Tuesday, and in doing so sent a message to future opponents: no matter who they face, the German giants can never be underdogs when at home
09:00
Inter's Claudio Ranieri doesn't deserve to be sacked after such an unlucky Champions League elimination
The Nerazzurri suffered an agonising last 16 exit at the hands of Marseille at San Siro on Tuesday night - and their already under-pressure coach is likely to pay with his job
World-class Mandanda & Valbuena keep Marseille’s Champions League dream burning and prove they are good enough for a European giant
The pair proved that they are top-level performers by leading Didier Deschamps' side into the last eight of Europe's elite competition for the first time in nearly 20 years
Inter midfielder Poli voices frustration with Champions League exit
The former Sampdoria star has expressed his disappointment with his side's loss on away goals, and feels the Nerazzuri did not deserve such a harsh fate
Heynckes: Bayern Munich were perfect against Basel
The Bavarians' trainer was full of praise for his players in the wake of their record-breaking second-leg victory over the Swiss champions in Europe's elite tournament
Kaka: CSKA Moscow can cause Real Madrid problems
The Brazil international has warned that the Russian giants can cause plenty of troubles for Jose Mourinho's men in the upcoming game at the Santiago Bernabeu
Zanetti: Champions League elimination a tough blow to take for Inter
The experienced Argentine has admitted that his side's exit from Europe's elite competition is a big disappointment, but urged his team to bounce back and focus on Serie A
Cristiano Ronaldo: CSKA's injury doubt Keisuke Honda is a danger for Real Madrid
The Japan international is reported to be suffering from a thigh injury but will be hoping to be available for his side's Champions League clash with the Spanish giants
Branislav Ivanovic scored a winner in extra time as Chelsea beat Napoli 4-1 and progressed to the last eight of the Champions League.Goals from the old guard of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard had given Chelsea a 3-1 win in regulation time at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, leaving the tie poised at 4-4 on aggregate after their disastrous first leg in Naples.
With the home crowd fired up it was Ivanovic who stepped up to score the winner 15 minutes into extra time, sweeping home a low cross from Drogba to send Roberto Di Matteo's side into the quarter-finals.The first chance of the match fell to Sturridge as he volleyed goalwards at an angle in the penalty area, but Morgan De Sanctis palmed it behind for a corner.
It did not take long for Napoli to show their attacking ability, however. Gokhan Inler played the ball into Ezequiel Lavezzi on the edge of the penalty area and after swivelling, he let rip, but Petr Cech made the save, if a little awkwardly.The visitors were continuing to look extremely imperious in attack. This time it was Cavani who went close, getting on the end of Maggio's low cross at the back-post, but much to the relief of the Chelsea fans the Uruguayan could only find the side netting, and Chelsea eventually made him pay.
After 27 anonymous minutes, Drogba gave the home team the lead. Ramires took up possession on the left wing and delivered an excellent ball towards the near-post for Drogba to throw himself at and nod down past De Sanctis. And it did not take long for the hosts to level the aggregate score after halftime. Napoli sloppily gave away a corner, and Terry rose highest to head the ball out of De Sanctis' reach and double Chelsea's lead on the night.Chelsea's two goal lead did not last long, though.
With 54 minutes gone, Terry headed substitute Dossena's cross out to the edge of the area, but only as far as Inler, who chested the ball under control and smashed a half-volley into Cech's bottom right corner to put Napoli ahead 4-3 on aggregate. The match took another turn when Dossena clearly handled the ball in the Chelsea area with 15 minutes remaining.
Lampard coolly converted the penalty to level the aggregate scores, and the deadlock remained until the final whistle to send the tie into extra time. Following a few chances for Ivanovic and Torres in the opening half of extra-time, Chelsea got the goal to send themselves through just before halftime as the Serbian defender slammed a shot into the roof of the net after excellent work on the right from Drogba.
The second-half of extra-time was very nervy for the hosts, but after Drogba missed a golden opportunity in the dying moments, Chelsea held on despite pressure from their visitors and progressed to the next round.
