Wednesday's Champions League

Champions Stuttering Start

Last season's champions Chelsea began their defence of the Champions League with a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge to Serie A Champions Juventus. The hosts scored twice inside three minutes, with both goals courtesy of midfielder Oscar. The Brazilian international marked a terrific Champions League debut, with both goals before half time. His first goal was a long-range shot that was deflected into Gianluigi Buffon's goal by Leonardo Bonucci's boot; his second goal was simply spectacular, the ball was played into to him back-to-goal, his first touch seemed to be too heavy, as he knocked it passed Italian Legend Andrea Pirlo, before hitting a stunning curling effort into the top corner.

Oscar's sublime second

Just before half-time, the Old Lady of Turin awoke and Arturo Vidal pulled a goal back to give the hosts a nervy second half.  Vidal's rasping left-foot drive found its way past Petr Cech and into the bottom corner of the Chelsea goal. The second half wasn't as exhilarating as the first, but it was the visitors chasing the lead, who got their reward when second half substitute Fabio Quagliarella got Juve back on level terms with ten minutes to go. Marchisio played the ball to Quagliarella, who fired a low shot that went under Petr Cech. In the end a share of the spoils seemed a fair result for both sides and on this showing you can understand how Juventus went unbeaten last season.

Donetsk Dominate Newcomers Nordsjaelland

At the Donbass Arena, Henrik Mkhitaryan's brace earned Shakhtar Donetsk a comfortable victory over Danish newboys FC Nordsjaelland. The Armenian attacking midfielder scored in both halves, to dent Nordsjaelland's spirited efforts. The first goal was likely to knock the stuffing out of the Danish champions, as Shakhtar struck a minute before the break when Luiz Adriano's cut back found Mkhitaryan, who finished calmly putting the Ukrainians in front. The match was over in the 76th minute, when Mkhitaryan broke through the Nordsjaelland defence, before attempting an unselfish square ball, however the ball ricochted back to the 23 year-old and his left-footed effort was good enough to beat goalkeeper Jesper Hansen.

United Overcome Galatasaray

Michael Carrick's sixth minute goal was enough to see the Red Devils to victory, despite a spirited Galatasaray effort. Nani saw his second half penalty saved by Fernando Muslera, albeit a poor penalty from the Portuguese international. In the opening minutes Galatasaray were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty, when Nemanja Vidic seemed to foul Umut Bulut, but the German officials were unmoved by the protests from the Turkish club. A tidy Man Utd move saw Carrick finish whilst being on the turf, after the slightest of clips from Muslera. It was the Turkish team that forced the issue, hitting the woodwork three times, after the United goal, only to not prevail. With eleven minutes to play Darren Fletcher made a welcome return after a long lay-off with a bowel condition. Sir Alex Ferguson's men will need to sharpen up for future games, so that the Champions League doesn't end as it did last season.

Cluj Shock Braga

Former Braga player Rafael Bastos returned to haunt the hosts, as he scored twice in the first half to get the Romanian champions off to a dream start in their third UEFA Champions League campaign. In a game which Braga dominated, it was the Romanians counter-attacking tactics that worked well. A breakaway from Modou Sougou, who then played a lovely interchange with Rafael before, the latter stroked the ball home to give the Railwaymen the lead. The Portuguese side pushed hard for an equaliser, but they missed a host of chances before Rafael put the travellers ahead, when his shot was fortuitously deflected off Ruben Micael and into the Braga goal. In the second half Braga were unable to pull a goal back which would have made it an interesting finish.

Bhoys Stalemate

Celtic hosted their first home match in the group stage since 2008. Both previous sides between Celtic and Benfica at Celtic Park had finished with wins for the hosts, but this time it was different. It was an even match, where the Eagles dominated shots on goal. The best chance of the match fell to Benfica, when Rodrigo raced through the Celtic defence before being found by Enzo Perez. However Celtic keeper Fraser Forster did well to smother Rodrigo's tame effort. Next up for Celtic is an away trip to Spartak Moscow, whilst Benfica host Barcelona at the Stadium of Light.

Messi's Magic

Former Valencia manager Unai Emery took his Spartak Moscow side to the Nou Camp and came within 18 minutes of victory, after Lionel Messi took centre stage to cruelly deny Spartak anything from the game. Christian Tello opened the scoring with a fine shot, which found the bottom corner, but it was Spartak who fought back before half-time. Nigerian Emmanuel Emenike, who was excellent for the visitors, gave them hope after his cross was turned into his own net by Dani Alves. Ari and Aidan McGeady played a neat interchange, before the latter found Romulo, who beat Adriano for pace and scored past Victor Valdes. Lionel Messi tapped home an equaliser from close range after good work from Tello, before he headed Alexis Sanchez's cross past Moscow goalkeeper Andriy Dykan to secure a hard fought win for the Blaugrana.

 

Runners-Up Redemption

Bayern Munich began their campaign, at the scene of last season's final defeat, against Valencia. What looked like a fairly even game on paper, turned out to be dominated by the hosts. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who missed in the penalty shoot-out in the final, opened the scoring with a powerful strike, after receiving a pass from Arjen Robben. At the start of the second half, Valencia created chances to equalise but Manuel Neuer prevented that from happening. Then Toni Kroos scored a well-deserved goal with a long distance effort that beat Diego Alves. The arrears were reduced in stoppage time when Nelson Valdez pulled a goal back before Bayern substitute Mario Mandzukic saw his late penalty saved by Alves in the Valencia goal.

 

 

BATE Surprise Lille to Record History

BATE Borisov scored three times in the opening 45 minutes to stun hosts Lille and win the game before half time. A long looping strike from Aleksandr Volodko started the night perfectly for the Belarusians. A well worked and measured counter attack started by Aleksandr Hleb led to Rodinov to tap home, to give them a two goal lead after 20 minutes. Before the half time interval BATE struck again after Volodko's shot was only parried by Landreau in the Lille goal, allowing Edgar Olekhnovich a simple finish. Rudi Garcia, the Lille manager, made some changes in hope for a miraculous fight back, which didn't threaten. Aurelien Chedjou scored a consolation from a header which bounced down off the crossbar and over the line. This gave the vocal home support hope, but all was in vain.

Tuesday's Champions League

Real Contenders

On Tuesday, the Champions League group stage got under way. In the 'Group of Champions', Manchester City travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid, in a match that looked as mouth-watering on paper, as it was on the night.

After a goalless first half, with Real missing countless chances and some superb saves from the Man City Keeper Joe Hart, City stunned Madrid. Yaya Toure countered and found an unmarked Edin Dzeko, who slotted home the opener. The Spanish Champions responded well and Brazilian left-back Marcelo cut inside onto his right foot and his strike, took a deflection off Javi Garcia, before nestling in the back of the net. City again surprised everyone, when Aleksander Kolorov's free-kick deceived everyone in white and navy and found the net of Iker Casillas' goal. The English Champions led with five minutes to play, but Real yet again fought back, but this time more emphatically. Karim Benzema received the ball back-to-goal on the edge of the City box before turning and almost effortlessly striking past Joe Hart at his near post; this second Madrid equaliser gave them the impetus and it showed in the last minute of normal time, when Cristiano Ronaldo's shot dipped and beat Hart, the City stopper was left unsighted after Vincent Kompany, seemed to duck underneath the ball. A defeat to start with for City, but many positives to take away from this difficult match.

Jose Mourinho celebrating (foreground), whilst Marcelo congratulates Ronaldo on hitting a late winner

Dortmund Hold Off Ajax

In the other encounter in Group D, Ajax crossed the border into Germany to face Borussia Dortmund. Robert Lewandowski's powerful winner three minutes from time spared the blushes of team-mate Mats Hummels, who missed a second-half penalty for the German Champions. The Borussians deserved to win after dominating most of the game, but Christian Eriksen, could and probably should have put Ajax ahead in the first-half after seeing his one-on-one chance superbly saved by Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller.

Wenger Watches On

In Group B, Arsene Wenger watched his Arsenal side from the stands, after having a three match touchline ban imposed, after an outburst after last season's exit. Arsenal came from behind in Montpellier, after Younes Belhanda's early penalty put last season's surprise French Champions ahead. After the goal Arsenal looked much brighter and were rewarded with two goals in as many minutes, when firstly, Lukas Podolski restored parity with a powerful strike. Gervinho soon put the Gunners ahead, after persistent play from Montpellier old-boy Olivier Giroud found Carl Jenkinson, whose cross was swept home from close-range.

Whilst, in Greece, Schalke beat Olympiacos by two goals to one, courtesy of goals from Benedikt Howedes and a composed finish from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to seal the win, despite an equaliser from Algerian international Djamel Abdoun.

Zagreb's Manager Loses Unbeaten Tenure

Ante Čačić's 33 unbeaten tenure came to an end as Dinamo Zagreb's manager on Tuesday when FC Porto visited the Stadion Maksimir. FC Porto captain Lucho Gonzalez, for the past Champions, opened the scoring before half-time, despite receiving tragic news before kick-off that his Father had passed away. The Portuguese side dominated second half proceedings and in stoppage time Steven Defour rounded off a fine display, by making the win safe.

In Group A, moneybags Paris Saint Germain outclassed Dynamo Kiev at the Parc des Princes. The first two goals for PSG were scored by AC Milan old-boys, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, from the penalty spot, and Thiago Silva. Former Chelsea centre half Alex made it three before half time. Dynamo Kiev got a consolation three minutes from time through Miguel Veloso. PSG regained a three goal advantage in stoppage time when Javier Pastore.

Malaga's Magnificent Debut

Champions League newboys Malaga began their campaign with a pulsating victory over Russian side Zenit St Petersburg. 20 year-old Isco shone for Malaga, scoring twice, once in either half. It was Isco, below, who put Malaga ahead inside three minutes, before Javier Saviola scored his second goal in three days to give the Spanish side an early two-goal advantage. Zenit created chances, but they were wasteful in-front of goal. Malaga capitalised and took full advantage in the 76th minute when Isco capped a fine personal display.

Isco celebrating scoring Malaga's first Champions League goal.

 

Jeers of the San Siro

AC Milan have started the Serie A season slowly and this was no different. The San Siro crowd were not impressed by this showing from the Rossoneri and when Scottish referee Willie Collum blow the full-time whistle, boo's rang around the ground. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is now under serious pressure from the AC faithful. RSC Anderlecht's goalkeeper Silvio Proto made some fine saves and it was his heroics from Flamini and El Shaarawy that gained the Belgian Champions the point. There are whispers at the Italian club, that former Inter Milan manager Rafael Benetiez could be in line to replace under fire manager Allegri.

On a side note, I would like to pay my respects to Brian Woolnough, a journalist and broadcaster, who lost his battle with illness, he was aged 63.

ICC T20 World Cup Preview

The fourth T20 World Cup gets underway tomorrow when hosts Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in Group C. Here is a preview of each group and team with a prediction of how I believe they will do in this year’s tournament.

Conditions: Dry pitches, which are expected to provide assistance for the spinners. Dew at night could make chasing easier as the ball will be harder to grip and cause problems in the outfield. Small boundaries could mean scores of around 170-180 are around par.

Group A

England

The defending champions have lots to live up to after their splendid performances in the Caribbean in the last T20 World Cup. This time around it is a more youthful looking England squad, with the likes of Buttler, Kieswetter, Briggs and Hales. The team is packed with potential and has a good balance of experience with the inexperienced. Stuart Broad captains the side and will take charge of England for the first time in a major tournament; Broad has matured well over the last couple of years and has potential to take this England team to the final. The big hitting Morgan and Bairstow are in the squad, so I would expect some big totals in the two group games against Afghanistan and India. Spin bowlers are going to be key throughout this tournament, so the experienced Graeme Swann alongside Danny Briggs should give England some options in the bowling department, especially with specialist death seam bowler Jade Dernbach. One of the problems with this squad is potential inexperience in Sub-Continent conditions.

India

Batting could be key for the Indian team, especially with the return of Yurvaj Singh from illness. Other batsmen will add key runs and hit boundaries when necessary to build pressure on their opponents. The conditions for the bowlers will be crucial; expect them to play lots of spinners, as there is not a natural pace bowler in their squad. Harbhajan Singh is back in the squad could be one the leading wicket takers in this format and in these conditions.

Afghanistan

Unknown quantity, could cause a few problems, but shouldn't progress out of the group. Have nothing to lose or fear could give either opposition a challenge. Could be a force to be reckoned with in the future once they gain more international experience. In their played matches they have been inconsistent, but have a range of talent from the explosive batting of Karim Shadiq, whilst legspinner Samiullah Shenwari could prove a test to the opposition and reducing the scoring rate.

Verdict: England vs India will decide who will top the group, which I think England will win. Therefore, England to top the group.

Group B

West Indies

Favourites to win the tournament but captain Darren Sammy has played down their chances. Chris Gayle opening the batting, will be expected to get them off to a fast start with his six-hitting powers, other big hitting players include Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. With the bowling department looking bare, they are hopeful that Sunil Narine, will take the wickets, with his tricky spin deliveries. The Windies will need to be good in the field, if they are going to go far in the tournament, look out for Kieron Pollard in the deep.

Australia

The Baggie Greens haven't been as good in this format of the game. I feel they will struggle to make it out of the group due to their reliance of the two openers Shane Watson and David Warner. If these two players open well and get Australia off to a good start then they may be a challenge for any opposition, especially with the talent of Mitchell Starc in their bowling attack, who has been a success in international cricket. Starc has had a successful T20 warm-up in the Friends Life T20, over in England, playing for Yorkshire who finished runners-up in the competition. Usually good in the field should mean George Bailey's team restrict their opponents.

Ireland

Have taken the scalps of the commonly known nations before and I feel that they will reach the Super 8 stage of the tournament. With emerging talent and ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year George Dockrell, in there squad then they have a bowler who can take wickets and slow the progress of their opponents. They do have big hitters in the team in the form of the O'Brien brothers, Kevin and Niall, as well as Paul Stirling. I fully expect Ireland to be the dark horses of the tournament.

Verdict: West Indies are favourites to win the tournament, them and Ireland to progress, against an Australian team not to favour T20 cricket.

Group C

Sri Lanka

Home conditions and the home crowd could provide a lift to the hosts and it gives then knowledge of conditions during the day/night matches, like if to bat first. I feel the Sri Lankan squad is the strongest out of all teams. The death bowling of Lasith Malinga, with his yorkers are going to cause trouble to any batsmen, no matter how good they are, however his recent form has left a lot to be desired. The cool, calm captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene will help in high pressure situations to make the suitable decisions depending on the circumstances. Sri Lanka have one of the most stable and consistent top orders in World T20 cricket with Dilshan playing all sorts of outrageous shots to hit meaningful runs, alongside Dilshan there is Mathews and Chandimal, with Perera's big hitting.

South Africa

Strong performances in their recent series to end their summer tour to England, with Hashim Amla impressing in all forms, so expect him to be in contention for leading runs corer in the tournament. The Proteas have one of the strongest pace attacks in the tournament with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, but worryingly is the lack of spin options in these conditions with dry and slow wickets. Batting strength and the ability to hit quick runs is in the South African squad with the likes of AB De Villiers, Albie Morkel and Jacques Kallis, one of the strongest all-rounders in the tournament.

Zimbabwe

They can pull off a shock, just like they did in the inaugural T20 World Cup with victory over Australia. Unfortunately I feel they aren't as strong as they used to be following the retirement of Tatenda Taibu. This squad lacks international experience and may be too reliant on Captain Brendan Taylor hitting the runs, whilst left arm spinner Ray Price takes the wickets.

Verdict: Sri Lanka and South Africa to both beat Zimbabwe, but expect them to be close matches. However I feel South Africa will have a point to prove after not previously leaving up to expectations, so I expect them to top the group despite playing the hosts.

Group D

Pakistan

My favourites for the tournament, this is because they have reached the final twice, only winning the trophy once back in 2009. The main advantage for Pakistan is the balance of their squad. They have a quality bowling attack with Umar Gul at the death, whilst Saeed Ajmal restricts opponents in the middle overs. Sohail Tanvir's unorthodox bowling action could cause problems for opposition batsmen not used to his delivery action. The experience of 'Boom Boom' Afridi, when batting could increase the run rate; whilst his bowling will help to take crucial wickets with his bowling prowess and knowledge. This is a team to watch closely in the groups to see if they are potential challengers to take back their crown.

New Zealand

Usually dependant on Brendon McCullum's batting has been the Kiwi's downfall. Other players around him, like Captain Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram need to stand up and be counted, if New Zealand have a chance of going further than the Super 8's. The spin bowling experience of Daniel Vettori could be crucial, as he knows which deliveries will cause the batsmen trouble and he can claim a wicket or two in this tournament. Young Tim Southee is the key fast bowler for New Zealand, if he opens the bowling well, during the Powerplay overs then New Zealand have a chance. One problem that may play on their minds is the fact they falter on the major stage.

Bangladesh

They are a young side, who play without fear and could upset teams if they make it past the group stage. They will provide tricky opposition to South Africa and New Zealand, these will be tight matches. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage. Tamim Iqbal at the top of the order is likely to throw his bat at most deliveries, in an attempt to get them off to a good start, if he fails Mohammed Ashraful will steady the ship, but he hasn't been too consistent on the major stage. Shakib Al Hasan's all round abilities with bat and ball could be crucial for this Bangladesh side.

Verdict: Tightest out of the four groups. Pakistan to top the group and for me win back the trophy from England. New Zealand are ranked higher than Bangladesh, but I personally believe that Bangladesh will beat Ross Taylor's men and take second spot to progress to the Super 8's Stage.

Overall Verdict: Pakistan to beat South Africa in the final, with England and India being the other two semi-finalists.