The Champions League returned with a bang last week and Arsenal’s victory against Barcelona could be the landmark victory Arsene Wenger has been looking for from his side, who are still chasing silverware on four fronts this year, while the defeat for Barca means their coach, Pep Guardiola, has the unenviable record of having not won an away tie in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Despite the loss, Barca remain favourites to win the Champions League overall (Barcelona 2/1 to win the Champions League outright) and, even though last Wednesday was a rare off day for the Catalans’ star man Lionel Messi, he remains the totesport favourite to be overall top goalscorer in the competition at 21/10. But, if he again fails to fire in the return leg, Barca will hope Wednesday’s goalscorer, David Villa, can inspire them to an overall victory in the tie.
Much praise must go to Arsenal though. In the first half, despite being dominated, they still looked confident and the young triumvirate of Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott shone out and looked more than a match for Catalans, with Wilshere even arguably outplaying the little master Xavi in midfield.
It was also a fabulous week for Arsenal’s great north London rivals, Tottenham, who claimed an outstanding result, beating AC Milan 1-0 in the San Siro (Spurs now 14/1 to win CL Outright).
All the build up before the game was centred around the absence of Spurs’ flying winger Gareth Bale. However, Harry Redknapp’s side approached the Rossoneri with no fear, playing their natural attacking game and ably defending when under the cosh.
Spurs could be the surprise package of this year’s competition and will fear no-one at home after previously beating champions Inter 3-1 at White Hart Lane and they now look a safe bet to win the return leg against Massimilano Allegri’s men (Spurs 1/4 to beat Milan at home).
Looking ahead to this week’s fixtures and it’s hard to look past Chelsea, who face Danish Champions FC Copenhagen. The Blues have struggled in recent times and will be looking to get back on track after a string of disappointing results, including Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at home to Everton.
New signing Fernando Torres will be available for the Blues and it will be interesting to see who coach Carlo Ancelotti decides to leave out if he selects the Spanish striker.
The Danish side have impressed so far in the competition and will be looking to cause an upset as they aim to be the first Danish side to reach the quarter finals of the competition, but a win for Chelsea looks nailed on at 8/15), despite Copenhagen’s odds of claiming a draw (13/5 ) tempting during the Blues’ current malaise.
The other English team in action in the Champions League is, of course, Manchester United, who travel to France’s Mediterranean coast to take on French Champions Marseille on Wednesday (United 1/5 to qualify).
United have not always been at their imperious best this term but have only lost once in the league and have built their season on solid defensive performances rather than their usual attacking flair. The trip to the Stade Velodrome is tough, though, and they will need star defenders Rio Ferdinand (if fit) and Nemanja Vidic on form to see them through the tie safely.
But whatever happens in this week’s fixtures, if they’re anywhere near as entertaining as last week’s, then we’re all certainly in for a treat.
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