First day of Champions League action in the group stages did not disappoint. There were a couple of thrashings, some disappointments and some upsets.Chelsea 4 - Bordeaux 0: This game wasn't even this close. Cech was more bothered by his neon orange kit(jersey) than any shots from the French side. Lampard is really looking in great form, and Chelsea proved why they are considered one of the favorites.
CFR Cluj-Napoca 2 - AS Roma 1: The major shock of the day as the Romanian champions won in Rome, where the final will be held. This is a big loss, and with this performance second place in the group is up for grabs. Is it possible that Cluj will make it to the knockout stages in their first Champions League(I don't think so)?
Inter Milan 2 - Panathinaikos 0: A much better performance from the Italian side, strong at the black and good counter attacking play. Mourinho knows this competition well, and an away win with a clean sheet shows his intent to challenge.
Werder Bremen 0 - Anorthosis Farmagusta 0: Disappointment for Werder who had to settle for a draw at home. The German side would have wanted to start strong against the Cypriot champions, but now they have gone five consecutive opening games without a win.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - FC Basel 1: The Ukrainian champions were too good for the Swiss side, and I wouldn't be surprised if they don't win a single match. Great result for Shakhtar who will want to try to progress to the knockout stages ahead of Sporting Lisbon.
Barcelona 3 - Sporting Lisbon 1: A strong but not entirely convincing from the home side winners. Barcelona have a lot of magic up top, but are still vulnerable on set pieces. They were awarded a cheap penalty that looked to put the game away, but Sporting look like the second best team in the group.
Atletico Madrid 3 - PSV Eindhoven 0: This group looks to be wide open, but behind their own young Argentinian superstar(there are half a dozen) Aguerro, Madrid crushed the home side. PSV have a recent history of success in the Champions League, but will need to regroup quickly if they even want the parachute place into the UEFA Cup.
Liverpool 2 - Marseille 1: A big away win for the Scousers against a team they always seem to be playing. Gerrard scored an incredible curler and a penalty to give him a brace. It's been a big week for Liverpool, and they might finally have the depth to challenge on multiple fronts.
One Liners
- Ashley in Dubai looking for £481 million for club, now that's a joke
- Gutierrez out for a while for Newcastle, that should lower the price a few quid
- Fergie angered by overturned red card for Terry, bitches and moans in Scottish accent
- Lo Monaco in trouble for saying Mourinho should have "his teeth smashed in", but claims that it in no way suggested violence
- Carrick out for 6 weeks with broken foot, Fergie charges that if it was a Chelsea player the foot would only be broken for 4 weeks
