Sunday 16 September 2012

Champions League Group Stage: Week 1

Tuesday marks the start of the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League campaign for many of Europe's top teams.  The group stage includes some of the most exciting soccer matches of the year, as many of the richest, most powerful teams in Europe get eliminated.  Last year saw the shock elimination of England's Manchester United and Manchester City, Spain's Valencia and Germany's Borussia Dortmund.

Undoubtedly, the biggest game of the week has Spanish champions Real Madrid facing English champions Manchester City (09/18 11:45 PST).  There will be a lot of money and egos on the field on Tuesday (we're not even sure if Ronaldo's will fit through the oversize doorways of the Santiago Bernabéu), with Manchester City spending nearly £1 billion transforming their team in the past few seasons, and Real Madrid always being near the top in terms of spending.  Look for a very aggressive Real Madrid side as they attempt to right the ship and get a much needed 3 points in this year's group of death.  Prediction: 2-1 Real Madrid victory.

Other games of note this week:
 - Chelsea vs Juventus: Can Juventus' stifling defense hold up to Chelsea's new look offense?
 - Valencia vs Bayern Munich: Can Bayern Munich continue their Champion League excellence against a strong Valencia side that is looking for retribution after failing to make it through the group round last year?
 - Barcelona vs Spartak Moskva: Can Messi's run of form carry an injury ridden Barcelona side?

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