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After two games played, we're getting a better picture of the standings in the Champions League group stage. While some powerhouses are making a good case for themselves (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United), others (Liverpool, Inter, Milan) are finding the task more difficult and should kick it up a notch in Matchday 3.
- Group A -
Bayern and Bordeaux are sitting in front with four points each. Juventus is pretty close with two points but failure is not an option when they'll meet Haifa on Day 3.
Bayern Munich Juventus: 0-0
Despite an excellent game, the Germans couldn't break Buffon thus failing to take control of the group.
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Girondins de Bordeaux Macabi Haifa: 1-0
It's obvious that Haifa will be the punching bag in this group, the question is will Juventus crush them or will they fight for a draw.
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- Group B -
Manchester United took a commanding lead on this group by beating Wolfsburg at Old Trafford. Surprisingly, Moscow find themselves in third place with the same number of points as Wolfsburg after their win agains Besiktas.
CSKA Moscow Besiktas: 2-1
Manchester United VfB Wolfsburg: 2-1
If there is one thing that can be reproached to the Red Devils so far this season, it's their slow start during matches. After a first half where both teams spent more time studying each other than really threatening the opposition's net, United got to work only after Dzeko opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs put both teams level three minutes later on a free-kick and Michael Carrick scored the winner in the 77th minute to give the hosts all three points.
Michael Owen started the game for Manchester but was quickly taken out after picking up an injury in the opening twenty minutes. In a nice twist of fate, Berbatov's entrance instantly provided the spark that United lacked in the opening stages of the game. As a matter of fact, this was probably Berbatov's best game since he came to Old Trafford. Still, the man of the match award goes to Giggs who got the equalizer and had the presence of mind to set up Carrick for the winner.
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- Group C -
The Galacticos are head and shoulders above the teams of this group so it's not surprising to see them with all six points. Milan, on the other hand, are the big deception, falling at home against Zurich.
AC Milan FC Zurich: 0-1
I think it's safe to say that Milan will be going nowhere until they bring more youth to the squad. Wednesday's result was truly a slap in the face right down to the manner in which the winning goal was scored (backheel on a corner (!)).
Real Madrid Olympique de Marseille: 3-0
Is there no stopping Cristiano Ronaldo? The Portuguese winger seems to be back to his 2007-2008 form, going on an amazing scoring spree (two goals on Wednesday, current top scorer in La Liga). Maybe this edition of the Galacticos might work after all.
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- Group D -
With six points in their pockets, Chelsea are sitting atop of Group D with Porto trailing not too far behind.
APOEL FC Chelsea: 0-1
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Porto Atletico Madrid: 2-0
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- Group E -
You would think that Liverpool would be on top of this group by now, especially after their great display in the Premiership over the weekend. Instead we have Lyon leading with six points and Fiorentina tied with the Reds at three points each.
Fiorentina Liverpool: 2-0
The upset of Matchday 2. 1-0 would be a respectable result but 2-0 is just a shame for Rafa Benitez's troops. Thankfully, it was an away game and they might reverse the trend once they're back at Anfield.
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Debreni VSC Olympique Lyonnais: 0-4
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- Group F -
Group F is probably the tightest bunch in the competition so far with all teams still in it even Russia's Rubin Kazan.
Rubin Kazan Internazionale Milano: 1-1
While the draw against Barcelona can be considered as a great result, Mourinho must be seething at his team's performance on Tuesday. Stankovic's header was the only thing separating them from a loss as they played a poor game overall.
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Barcelona Dynamo Kyiv: 2-0
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- Group G -
Spanish club Sevilla is comfortable on top, leaving the three other teams fighting amongst each other for second place.
Unirea Urziceni VfB Stuttgart: 1-1
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Rangers Sevilla: 1-4
There's a lot of talk about Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, but in terms of attacking power, Sevilla aren't far behind. In a tough stadium, they managed to trounce the Rangers to the score of 4-1.
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- Group H -
With their win against Olympiacos, Arsenal took control of Group H with six points to their account. The Greeks are right behind them with three.
Arsenal Olympiacos: 2-0
I have mixed feelings about this game since either teams deserved better no matter which way the final score went. Arsenal easily dominated the Greeks who seemed overwhelmed but goalkeeper Nikopolidis came through time and time again. Robin Van Persie's opener in the 78th minute was only sweet justice for a team that had several scoring opportunities but I couldn't help feeling bad for Nikopolidis who had stopped everything until that point. Arshavin's goal was offside and shouldn't count in my opinion but Arsenal weren't threatened in any way by Olympiacos during the game so I guess it's a moot point.
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AZ Alkmaar Standard de Liege: 1-1
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September 22nd 2009 16:38
September 17th 2009 03:35
So, the Inter Milan-Barcelona game wasn't as exciting as I anticipated so I won't be posting an individual recap of that game but read on for my thoughts on Day 1. There are several games for which I didn't find any highlights. Video sites are quick to take off links these days, so there's not much I can do about that.
- Group A -
Juventus Girondins de Bordeaux: 1-1
The season has just started and already Juventus are missing big name players in Diego and Alessandro Del Piero. Thankfully, youngster Giovinco is proving to be a worthy replacement after a nice display on Tuesday. In front, Iaquinta and Amauri are becoming a dangerous pair due to their size and abilities. Bordeaux's defense dealt well with the two strikers, limiting them to only one goal. Plasil scored the equalizer for the visitors who definitely deserved the point.
Iaquinta's opener
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Plasil's equalizer
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Maccabi Haifa Bayern Munich: 0-3
German giants Bayern had an easier game than Juventus, taking on Israeli club Maccabi Haifa in Day 1. Once again, Thomas Muller showed that he belongs in the big league by scoring two goals after Van Buyten's opener. With the emergence of Muller, you have to wonder if Luca Toni will ever see a game with Bayern again considering that they also have Olic, Gomez and Klose in front.
- Group B -
VfL Wolfsburg CSKA Moskva: 3-1
It was the Grafite show in Germany as the Brazilian striker scored all of his team's goals including a penalty in a win over CSKA Moskva.
Besiktas Manchester United: 0-1 (Read my recap HERE)
- Group C -
FC Zurich Real Madrid: 2-5
When looking at the final score of that game, you have to think that Madrid really took it to Zurich but the fact of the matter is that after leading 3-0, the Spanish giants' defense was soft enough to have Zurich come back to 3-2. Furthermore, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on free-kicks but the keeper could have done better on both kicks so this result wasn't convincing enough for me.
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Olympique de Marseille AC Milan: 1-2
There's been lots of talk about Ronaldinho stepping up after Kaka's departure but it was Clarence Seedorf who provided all the playmaking in Milan's win over Marseille. Both goals were scored by Inzaghi, showing that Milan's old guard still has some legs (though I don't those legs will carry them far).
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- Group D -
Chelsea Porto: 1-0
Like United, Chelsea didn't force themselves too much against Porto. Of course, with Drogba and Bosingwa both suspended, their attack lacked its usual bite. Thankfully, Anelka scored early in the second half and that was enough for the Blues to win it.
Atletico de Madrid APOEL FC: 0-0
If this was any other year, I would be shocked at this result, but this year Atletico seem to be in a crisis that is obviously influencing the results on the field.
- Group E -
Liverpool Debreceni VSC: 1-0
It's probably the most shocking results amongst all the big teams. Yes, Liverpool won but anyone who watched that game can tell you that Debreceni put up quite a fight, making life hard for Benitez's squad.
Olympique Lyonnais Fiorentina: 1-0
- Group F -
Inter Milan Barcelona: 0-0
The biggest game of Day 1 turned out to be its most boring. Barcelona's passing game was beautiful to watch as always but a terrifically organized Inter defense didn't leave too many holes for Ibrahimovic and Messi to sneak into. When the two strikers did find their way in, a shove was often enough to dispossess them of the ball. I was really disappointed in Henry's performance who didn't seem to be fit. His exit for Iniesta came way too late in my opinion.
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Dynamo Kyiv FC Rubin Kazan: 3-1
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- Group G -
VfB Stuttgart Rangers FC: 1-1
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Sevilla Unirea Urziceni: 2-0
Luis Fabiano's opener
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Renato's goal
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- Group H -
Olympiacos FC AZ Alkmaar: 1-0
Standard de Liege Arsenal: 2-3
Arsenal came close to being upset when poor judgement on their defense's part allowed Standard de Liege to go up 2-0. They managed to come back and win it but it was still pretty close.
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September 14th 2009 21:48
La Liga may claim to be the best league in the world this season but this year's edition of the Barclay's Premier League has one of the most enthralling race even at this early stage.
Last weekend, Manchester City stunned Arsenal with a football lesson on realism that ended on the score of 4-2. At White Hart Lane, Manchester United overcame an early deficit and a red card to defeat Tottenham 3-1. In other games, Yossi Benayoun's new haircut seems to have given him back his finishing touch as he scored three goals in Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Burnley. The upset of the week was probably Wigan's victory over West Ham on Saturday while Fulham also came up with a surprising victory of their own, topping Everton 2-1. The full results follow with Match Of The Day highlights
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There were lots of good games over the weekend in the Premiership. First, Chelsea cruised to victory against an impressive Burnley side that's surprising everyone so far this season. Liverpool took the difficult approach to their three points by having to fight back from behind against Bolton until Gerrard finally put them ahead in the final minutes. Manchester United had some luck on their side as their first meeting against Arsenal was decided on Abou Diaby's own-goal despite the Gunners' domination. Finally, Everton got their first points of the season thanks to a stoppage-time penalty against a stubborn Wigan side. Full results follow (along with the weekly video special).
Chelsea Burnley: 3-0 (Read my recap HERE)
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Lots of stuff going on this week in the Premiership. Arsenal and Tottenham are continuing their quest to the top with their third (second in Arsenal's case) win of the season. Chelsea is slowly improving as Ballack tries to force Ancelotti's hand to start him every game. Manchester United exploded offensively pumping five goals past goalkeeper Kirkland. And in the surprise category, Burnley is seemingly set on putting wrenches in everyone's plans. After stunning Manchester United with a 1-0 win, they played the same trick to Everton on Sunday. As for Liverpool they canceled an excellent mid-week performance with another heart wrenching defeat, this time against Aston Villa. The full results follow.
Arsenal Portsmouth: 4-1
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The Premiership got off to a bang last weekend with no teams settling for draws. Chelsea huffed and puffed to a 2-1 win against Hull City while Arsenal gave a footballing lesson to Everton at Goodison Park. Manchester United did the strict minimum against Birmingham to get their three points while Liverpool couldn't break down a well-organized Tottenham. In other games, ex-Gunner Adebayor started his season at Manchester City with a goal in a 2-0 win. Ex-Spur Darren Bent also started on the right foot by scoring the only goal in Sunderland's meeting with Bolton. The full list of results follows.
Chelsea Hull City: 2-1 (Read my recap HERE)
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First of all, I'd like to apologize for the lack of activity here for the past two weeks. I've been having trouble catching games online. I hope everything will be fixed this weekend. Meanwhile, there's been a lot of activity in Europe during the winter transfer period. So, here are my thoughts on some of them.
After failing to settle at Liverpool, Robbie Keane returned to Tottenham for a fee of £12 million and was immediately named captain of the Spurs.
Keane is back where he belongs
Keane's move to Liverpool didn't really help the Reds when you look at his performances with the club. Sure he scored some important goals including an important equalizer against Arsenal, but he quickly became the unwanted third wheel in the partnership of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. When Benitez tried to turn him into a winger, things only got worse. I guess Liverpool benefited from having him around when Torres was injured, but in the long run, this union wasn't going to last
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Liverpool is still in the lead as the Premiership heads into 2009. However, Chelsea and the Red Devils aren't far behind with Sir Alex Ferguson's troops holding two games in hand. Here are the standings after 20 games.
1. Liverpool (20-13-6-1 | 45pts) (Last 10: 5-4-1 | 19pts
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Arsenal Liverpool: 1-1
When Robin Van Persie gave a 1-0 lead to Arsenal at the 23rd minute, things were decidedly looking bright for the Gunners. Although Liverpool tried to suffocate their midfielders, they were able to reach Adebayor and Van Persie with long balls over the top. The goal itself came from a superb Fabregas-like pass from Samir Nasri who sent the ball right between the Reds' center defenders for the Dutch striker to control with his chest and fire off a shot in the same manner as Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp.
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Arsenal Middlesbrough: 1-1
Although Arsenal are hanging on to the top five, their chances of grabbing the title are slowly diminishing. On Saturday, they couldn't get the winning goal against Middlesbrough who presented themselves as fierce competitors. Boro thoroughly dominated the first quarter of the first half. Unfortunately, it was Arsenal who opened at the 16th minute when Adebayor was left alone on the six-yard line and easily headed in Fabregas' corner. Around ten minutes later, Middlesbrough got their equalizer via Aliadere and the scoreline stayed the same until the final whistle.
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Group A
Chelsea CFR Cluj: 2-1
The return of Joe Cole and Didier Drogba proved to be instrumental in Chelsea's qualification for the next round as Droga scored the winning goal after coming on as a substitute
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Group A
Bordeaux Chelsea: 1-1
What is going with the Blues lately? Not only they are slowing down in the Premiership, their Champions League latest performances are leaving a lot to be desired. After convincingly defeating Bordeaux 4-0 in Matchday 1, they could only get a draw in the return match. Are they simply exhausted or are other teams figuring them out? Thanks to this draw, Bordeaux still have a chance to qualify. They'll have to defeat Roma on Matchday 6 to get through
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Group A
A win by both Bordeaux and Roma leave things wide open in Group A where any team can now go through.
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