A few surprises on UEFA’s Champions League Match Day 3, none bigger than Rubin Kazan’s improbable win in Barcelona against a Barca side that seemed a bit over exerted, but otherwise on top of its game. Milan achieved a very important success in Madrid to elevate both spirit and prospects. Fiorentina emerged winner in a seven goal thriller, while Inter’s European problems continued and Man United succeeded on a tough mission in Moscow without Rooney and a handful of others.
It is more than apparent that without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s game is assailable. After a string of poor results, the Merseyside club really needed not only the three points but also a boost of confidence ahead of its clash with eternal rival Manchester United this week-end. Lyon snatched all three points at the end to the distress of the Anfield faithful, who reacted accordingly, but will come on in full force now to lift their club on Sunday. Liverpool is in trouble and will need to return the favor in Lyon somehow, but more importantly it needs to find a way to succeed without its two superstars.
In form Adrian Mutu played an excellent match to lead Fiorentina to a 4-3 win in Hungary, scoring two and setting up another. La Viola looks set to battle Liverpool for the second place in the group, with Lyon having taken control.
For Ancelotti, a lovely evening in full view of Roman Abramovitch. Chelsea’s four goal margin of victory against Atletico Madrid did not reflect the play entirely, as Atletico failed to capitalize on a number of chances, but it did reflect Atletico’s massive defensive problems. Atletico is a club with a lot of talent and high expectations, in full blown crisis. The shake-up came soon, as Atletico Coach Abel Resina was sacked, but an apparent agreement with Dane Michael Laudrup to take over the team fell through.
From el Presidente Laporta on to the last player, there was no panic in Barcelona. It was just one of those nights. Two late efforts met the post, and so it goes. Nice goals, including Ibra’s. The result puts some pressure on Barca to come away with points from Russia against a confident team that now believes it has a real chance to advance. Barcelona’s confidence was not shaken, but Guardiola has to be very careful to protect his players against mental and physical fatigue.
Inter has not won in its last eight Champions League outings, a 2-2 tie at home with Dynamo Kiev the latest feat on a night when Mourinho acknowledged his players simply lacked the physical edge and the conviction. Inter really needs to win in Kiev in order to stay in contention. It would be very strange, but entirely possible, for Barcelona to pay Inter for a place in the final 16. Meanwhile Milan enjoyed an excellent win in Madrid. The rendez-vous with Kaka was overshadowed by young Alexandre Pato’s two goals. They meet again in Milano soon, where Kaka will be greeted with adulation.
If you bet on Unirea Urziceni to come away from Glasgow with three points, you are rich. The Romanian minnows, heavy underdogs, registered a resounding 4-1 victory in a match that featured four own goals, a historic result that will live forever in the hearts and minds of its players. Sevilla took control of the group with a win away at Stuttgart, virtually securing a place in the last 16.
Last minute drama in Group H as AZ Alkmaar equalized to deny Arsenal the three points, while Olympiakos sent its passionate fans home ecstatic with an end of the match winner that positions the Greeks well for a final 16 spot. Arsenal should the group easily, AZ and Alkmaar will battle for second.
A good night for French teams, as Marseille and Bordeaux scored important wins against Zurich and Bayern Munich, respectively. Juventus and Porto were also winners at home.