The race for the semi-finals is hotting up with some in-form European sides setting the pace for title. The quarter-finals showed that CSKA Moscow look the favourites for the competition after putting four past Auxerre, the shock result of the evening was the fantastic away display by AZ Alkmaar.

Austria Vienna v Parma
Parma have a great history in European cup competitions, but they were up against a surprise package of the competition in Austria Vienna. The match ended all square, but Parma are slight favourites to go through after bagging a vital away goal.

Parma got the start they really wanted as Andrea Pisanu scored the first goal of the game after 34 minutes, ensuring they go back to Italy knowing they have the all important away goal to their name.

All was not lost for Vienna as they managed to level things up in the second half with a strike from Sebastian Mila in the 61st minute. The goal will give them the confidence they need to go to Parma knowing that a solitary goal could win the match for them.

CSKA Moscow v Auxerre
CSKA Moscow are practically through to the semi finals following a comprehensive 4-0 win over Auxerre in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

The Russians went ahead with a goal from Odia in the 21st minute, after which the French team never really managed to push for an equalizer. Vagner Love had a good chance to double the lead, still in the first half, but his attempt created no significant danger.

In the second half, a converted penalty from Ignashevitch did double the score, and in the 71st minute, Vagner Love made up for his earlier mistake by scoring the third goal of the night. Another seven minutes later, Gusev netted the fourth.

With seven minutes left to play in regular time, the situation deteriorated for Auxerre, as Mignot was sent off following a second yellow card.

Villarreal V AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar, second in the Dutch league, were too strong for Villarreal, third in the Spanish Primera Division.

After only twelve minutes, the Dutch underdogs took the lead with a goal from Danny Landzaat, but the hosts levelled through the Argentinian Juan Roman Riquelme two minutes later.

In the 28th minute, Riquelme had a great chance to put his side ahead but he failed to convert a spotkick, with AZ goalkeeper pulling off the save.

With sixteen minutes left in the second half, Robin Nelisse scored the second goal for the visiting side. Villarreal were unable to equalize again, and allowed AZ to leave with a valuable 1-2 victory and on course for a place in the last four.