1.   Ajax has won just one match this year, also against second division opposition in the last round of the cup.

2.   Four Premiership sides were left red-faced after defeats by lower division opposition in the English League Cup second round on Tuesday.

3.   In the previous two seasons Liverpool were dumped out of the competition by Bolton, then Bristol City at home following draws against their lower division opposition.

4.   Both Milan clubs enjoyed away Cup victories on Wednesday against Third division opposition.

5.   Eintracht Frankfurt and Bochum were bundled out of the German Cup on Saturday by second division opposition.

6.   The other three European qualifiers all face first division opposition.

7.   The romance of the FA Cup dimmed Saturday as all the Premiership sides save Sunderland came through safely against lower division opposition in their third round matches.

8.   There was disappointment also for top-flight quartet Leeds, Manchester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Queens Park Rangers, who all drew against second division opposition.