Martins, Adriano give Inter advantage

Adriano and Obafemi Martins were on target as Inter came from behind to beat Spain's Villarreal 2-1 in an action-packed Champions League, quarter-final, first-leg at the San Siro last night.

It was an impressive display from Inter but Villarreal, who had been unbeaten in their previous 11 away games in Europe, still have a fighting chance of making it to the semi-finals for the first time thanks to their early away goal.

Uruguayan Diego Forlan put the Spaniards ahead after just 45 seconds but Inter drew level six minutes later through Adriano after good work from Dejan Stankovic.

The Serbian midfielder then set up the winner in the 54th minute with a cross-shot that was turned in at the back post by Martins.

The goal did nothing to alter the pace or quality of the game and the visitors almost drew level in the 63rd minute when a superbly-struck 25-metre free-kick from their Argentine international Riquelme crashed against the crossbar.

The impressive Riquelme then drove just wide after the Inter defence had dealt poorly with a cross and the Spaniards searched for a potentially crucial second away goal.

Battle will recommence in Spain next week with a semi-final against either Arsenal or Juventus awaiting the eventual winners.

Six-times winners Milan held Olympique Lyon to a 0-0 draw at Stade Gerland. The result makes the Italians favourites to go through after next Tuesday's second leg in Italy.

Milan gave a typically strong defensive performance as Ligue 1 leaders Lyon failed to score for only the third time in 45 matches.

The French side kept up their unbeaten run in this season's competition despite failing to score for the first time.

Inspirational Pirlo

Lyon took a while to find their rhythm as Milan do minated thanks to the inspirational Andrea Pirlo and the tireless Gennaro Gattuso.

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet made two fine saves to deny Andriy Shevchenko early on.

Lyon eventually lifted their game and created their first chance, Brazilian keeper Dida saving well after John Carew had deflected a free kick from Pedretti in the 26th minute.

Technically superior and better organised, Milan left little room for Lyon's forwards with defenders Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze outstanding.

Coupet again thwarted Shev-chenko on the stroke of half-time.

Lyon moved up a gear after the interval and increased the pressure on Milan's defence.

Midfielder Tiago, had a 56th-minute shot deflected by Kaladze's back with Dida beaten.

Portuguese Tiago will miss the second leg through suspension after he was booked in stoppage time.

The Quarter-finals