Unfortunately, despite some very close calls, there weren't really any major upsets in week 1 of the UEFA Champions League.
Let's start with the big game, Manchester City vs. Real Madrid. Despite having been largely outplayed in the first half, Manchester City was fortunate to see the score show 1-0 after a 68th minute goal by Dzeko. The two teams later traded goals, giving Manchester City a 3-2 in the 85th minute. It was almost certainly going to be Manchester City win at that point, but their fortune quickly faded. After an 87th minute Karim Benzema goal, it was Ronaldo's turn to play the role of hero, adding the winning goal in extra time. My predictions were off to a decent start. While the score may have been wrong, the result was right with a 1 goal Real Madrid victory and Real Madrid pressing early with 12 shots directed towards goal in the first half.
Not to be outdone, Wednesday was Lionel Messi's turn to play the hero. This game should have been a cake walk for Barcelona at home, despite all of their injuries, but they just had to make it an interesting one. In their defense, they were without a real center back, as Puyol is out with injuries and Pique had to leave the game in the 12th minute due to an ankle injury. After an early goal by youngster Tello, Barcelona fell behind 2-1 due, in part, to a terrible own goal by Dani Alves. Now it was Messi's turn, scoring two quick goals in the 72nd and 80th minute; a good start in his attempt to beat his own record for most goals in a single Champions League campaign. From there on, it was Barcelona doing what they do best. Keep possession, not letting Moscow have even a sniff at the ball. 3-2 victory for Barcelona.
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