Here is your group by group guide.

Group A

Bordeaux, who many people thought would be third best in this group, have waltzed away into the distance, and have qualified for the knockout stage in the New Year. Which means one of the giants, Bayern or Juventus will be in the UEFA Cup at best. At the moment, it seriously looks like its Bayern. The German side have 4 points, to Juve’s 8. The two still have to play, but if Juve beat an already through Bordeaux its all over and The Old Lady are through. If not, it could well come down to that one game. Which would be awesome.

Group B

Man United are through after a draw with CSKA Moscow. Wolfsburg sit second with 7 points, three more than CSKA with 4. Wolfsburg still have to host an already through Man United, if United win, it is likely to come down to the two sides playing one another on the 25th of November.

Group C

No-one yet through from this group, which is exceptionally tight. Milan and Real Madrid sit on 7 points, with OM just behind on six. OM are in the worst position as they still have both the other two to play. Fate is in their hands then…

Group D

Group is over, Porto and Chelsea are in the knockouts. Atleti and APOEL fight it out for the UEFA Cup.

Group E

Lyon through, in what is proving a strong year for the French. Fiorentina sit second on 9 points, while Liverpool are third with just 4. Fiorentina need a win over already qualified Lyon in a couple of weeks and they’ll be through. If they draw, a point will be enough against Liverpool in the final game. Thinks not looking good for Rafa Benitez.

Group F

Again, no-one yet through from here. Inter sit just about top, on 6. While Rubin’s taking of 4 points from Barcelona has put them second, with the defending champions are level points in third. Suddenly the forthcoming game between Inter and Barca is massive, a win there could put either side in a very good position, while a loss really leaves them in trouble. Dynamo Kiev are still not out of the running either – bottom but only a point back from Rubin and Barcelona, and only two back from Inter. All to play for.

Group G

Sevilla are through. Any of the others, Unirea, Rangers and Stuttgart could get through here too, again, all to play for.

Group H

Arsenal just need one point from two games and they are through, so job pretty much done. Olymmpiacos have 6 points in second place, while Standard have 4 just behind them. Both have work to do, but its all possible.

So which are the picks of the next two days? Well thats where I come in.

Tuesday:

Atlético Madrid Vs Chelsea

Atleti look a bit of a shambles at the moment, but the magic thing about football is that you know that they could turn it around over 90 minutes. Chelsea re oozing confidence though, coming off a brilliant win (and team goal) in the Premier League at the weekend.

Bayern Vs Bordeaux

The French side currently sit top of the group, three points ahead of third placed Bayern. If the German side want to progress (and you know what, I think they do) this is an absolutely massive match. Win it, and they’re back in the mix. Lose it and Bordeaux are six points ahead of them with just two games left.

Milan Vs Real Madrid

Yeah its the Derby of Europe Part II, and yeah, both sides will probably get through anyway, but whoever loses here will be on joint points with whoever wins the other game in the group, so it adds an element of doubt. With neither side really firing as well as their reputations would suggest either, it will be fascinating. Or dull. But either way its Milan and Madrid, and I know what I’m watching.

Wednesday

Rubin Kazan Vs Barcelona

Can Rubin do it again? That’s basically the reason for watching this. And if that isn’t a good enough reason, maybe the fact that Barca will be angry and looking to regain a bit of pride by banging a few goals past them will be.

Dynamo Kiev Vs Inter

Tricky trips to the Ukraine are rarely welcome, but even worse when you are in Inter’s position, at the foot of group F. They are only one point back though, and a big win should set them back on the course toward qualification. They have to to get it though, and Kiev will be giving nothing up easy.

Lyon Vs Liverpool

According to the tabloid press, if Liverpool lose in France on Wednesday, Rafa will be clearing out his desk on Thursday. Will that might be a touch over the top, Liverpool’s Champions League does hang in the balance. They do play their best with backs against the wall, and its a good job, They currently sit third in the group, three points back from Fiorentina, and six back from Lyon. They really, really need a win.

What an incredible set of results. Liverpool falling into further turmoil. The European Champions beaten by Rubin Kazan. 7 Goals between Fiorentina and Debrecen.

But we should probably start at Camp Nou, where this happened:

Rubin Kazan went into the game with the absurd odds of 46-1, which in a one off match is a bit ridiculous. But it gives an idea into how much of a chance anyone sane would give them. And yet.

A brilliant opening goal silenced Camp Nou, but deep down, we were all thinking Barca would probably get right back into it. They did, with a great goal from Ibrahimovic (who was Barca’s main source of everything). They then did everything but score, but Kazan held their nerve, rode their luck, and scored again. The European Champions, beaten.

Meanwhile at Anfield, Liverpool have made things hard for themselves losing to Lyon.

They started without Fernando Torres, and lost Steven Gerrard to injury early on. They had an early goal disallowed, which all suggests that the luck, again is not with Rafa’s men.

But they went 1-0 up, and after the goal, Liverpool looked the better team. But after Half-Time, Lyon came out all guns blazing, and scored two good goals (especially the winner) and Liverpool never looked the better side after the break. Lyon now in a great position to get through the group.

Inter meanwhile are winless in Europe for almost a year after only managing a draw against Dynamo Kiev. Jose Mourinho has resolutely not worked the magic he worked on Porto and to a lesser extent Chelsea in the Champions League. Inter still look to be struggling in Europe in the same way they were before. Prepare for the Jose to Anfield rumours.

Elsewhere, for Serie A, Fiorentina did eventually get the job done away to Debrecen. Goals galore here for you to enjoy, in a game that finished 3-4.

Tuesday:

Inter Vs Dynamo Kiev

Flying high after a 5-0 win at the weekend, Inter will go into this match strong favourites. But Shevchenko is lining up against them, and he’s got a fantastic record against Inter from his Milan days. He’d absolutely love to add to his tally tonight.

Liverpool Vs Lyon

Arguably the big one this evening. After losing last time around to Fiorentina, Liverpool are in the precarious position of 3rd, having only beat the groups whipping boys Debrecen 1-0 in the first matchweek. After the Beach-Ball madness at the weekend, Liverpool will need to…er…bounce back. Liverpool have done the whole slow starting in the Champions League only to pull it back late on before though, so who knows?

Stuttgart Vs Sevilla

The top 2 teams in Group G have a good chance of stretching their legs ahead of the rest of the group. A win for either side would put them in a great position – it’d basically put Sevilla through if they won, while Stuttgart need to fight off the teams below them a little more.

Wednesday

CSKA Moscow Vs Manchester United

United have been winning games this season, but haven’t look the convincing frontrunners they usually do – probably due to the fact that a certain Portuguese (who is currently the top scorer in the CL) is pying his trade in Madrid. CSKA don’t really do losing at home, and there is the infamous Plastic Pitch to deal with. I have a feeling there might be a upset here.

Bordeaux Vs Bayern

Both teams sit atop of Group A with 4 points, but with Juventus breathing down their necks, they will both want to make sure they get all three points here. If Juve win as expected, they’ll have 5 points, which means a draw in this game would leave the group wide open, while a win for either side puts them in a strong position.

Chelsea Vs Atlético Madrid

Atleti have looked completely off the pace in La Liga, but the return of multi-Golden Boot winner Diego Forlán will galvanise them. Chelsea meanwhile have begun to look the aged side they are, and with Petr Cech a long way from the rock that he once was there is a good chance there will be goals in this one.

Real Madrid Vs Milan

An absurd 16 European Cups between them means that all eyes would always be on this one. Throw in the fact that Kaká is playing against the club that made him too, and you have one hell of a spicy encounter. Milan have looked oddly out of sorts all season, but have begun to fight back and are now just three points from the fabled Champions League places. Leonardo could definately do with inspiring his team to a win here, against a Madrid side that will lack Ronaldo, who is injured.

The two biggest upsets came from Italy. Above, misfiring Milan suffered a shock defeat after a beautiful finish from Zurich defender Hannu Tihinen enough to win the game 1-0. Milan are now in all kinds of trouble with the start of the season they’ve had.

Elsewhere in Italy and to Florence, where La Viola gave Serie A a reason to smile, as they beat Liverpool. After the defeat they suffered in Matrch Day 1 against Lyon, Fiorentina needed a result here, and it makes that group very interesting indeed.

Fiorentina’s first goal by the way, a perfectly brilliant abuse of the “interfering with play” rule, and indeed, proof that you should play to the whistle.

Man United looked like they might join Liverpool in terms of teams beaten, after they went 1-0 to German Champions Wolfsburg, but a freak Giggs Free-kick (his 150th Man United goal) and a Carrick winner meant United won the game 2-1

For awhile it looked like OM would get a result against Real Madrid, an even first hour fell to pieces for the French side, when a preventable opener for Ronaldo, a penalty for Kaká and a second Ronaldo goal in ten minutes spelt game over for Marseille.

Tuesday

Fiorentina Vs Liverpool

The boys from Florence suffered a defeat against Lyon last time around, so will be desperate to get some kind of result against Group Favourites Liverpool. The latter just came off a superb win in the Premier League, which should give them the boost to get through a tricksy away tie.

Barcelona Vs Dynamo Kiev

Mainly because you’ll want to be keeping an eye on how Barca are doing right? They’re always great to watch. Unless they’re playing Inter. Anyway, maybe this will be the week that Ibra finally starts doing it in the Champions League, or maybe Andrei Shevchenko will remind everyone he is class afterall.

Rangers Vs Sevilla

This years Champions League is absolutely vital for Scottish Football, as they might lose a Champions League spot if Rangers don’t do very well. They’ll need a good result against Spanish side Sevilla who had an amazing 4-0 away win against Bibao at the weekend.

Wednesday

Bayern vs Juventus

This weeks biggie without a doubt. Can Bayern finally start living up to their own expectations? Are Juve truely ready to make the step up to be Italy’s main representatives in Europe? Make no mistake, this is a game neither side will want to lose. Which might mean its a draw. Hopefully a good one.

Manchester United Vs Wolfsburg

By far the biggest test in Man United’s group should be German Champions Wolfsburg who were 4-2 winners against Hannover in the German League at the weekend. Man United win 2-0 in their game, so hopefully we’ll see some goals and a good match. Would expect Man United to take it though.

Real Madrid Vs Marseille

Should be an interesting test for Galacticos 2.0, who surely get bonus points for having new bloggers over at their offside page. Last time around they were beaten by an offside Pippo Inzaghi (is there any other kind?) so they could really do with getting something out a very tough trip to the Bernabéu

Porto Vs Atlético Madrid

Portugal vs Spain, if nothing else, but two good attacking sides going at each other for 90 minutes, might make this a good outside bet for game of the night. Both sides could do with the points, Porto lost to Chelsea last time, and Atleti only drew to APOEL.

So you can see Gila’s elbow against Lyon, The Galacticos getting 5 goals, Barca and Inter’s fascinating stalemate, and Arsenal’s absurd comeback against Standard Liege. All of that goodness and more after the jump.

Tuesday’s Champions League.

Zurich Vs Real Madrid

Talking points: Well first off, a great Free Kick from Ronaldo, although its right at the keeper, still nothing he could do about it. Then Raul added one for his 65th CL goal, and Higuain scored a lovely goal just before half time. Then Zurich fought back. A Eduardo-esque penalty call, and a header from a corner made it look like Zurich might get back in the game. A great bit of goalkeeping though was promptly followed by an awful bit when Ronaldo got his second. Guti rounded off the scoring.

OM Vs AC Milan

Talking Points: Stoari had a torrid time in the Milan goal, and really should have saved Heinze’s headed goal. Didn’t matter in the end, as Pippo Inzaghi did what he always does, and scored two goals (one of which from an offside position, of course).

Besiktas Vs Man United

Talking Points: United were a bit lucky here, they had there chances, but it came to a late save and Paul Scholes heading in a rebound to win it. But thats the difference between group winners and runners up.

Chelsea V Porto

Talking Points: Chelsea too only one by a single goal, against Porto. Anelka needed two attempts, but the second was a very well taken finish that more than deserved the goal it bought.

Wednesday.

Lyon Vs Fiorentina

Talking Points: A big big win for Lyon, who will be very happy that a) they nabbed three points, and b) Gilardino was sent off for elbowing Toulalan, which obviously means suspension and trouble for Fiorentina. A miserable night for La Viola, who could easily have lost by more were it not for Frey’s heroics in goal. Most underrated keeper in Europe.

Inter Vs Barca

Talking Points: It was always absorbing, but no doubt a dissapointing game considering the calibre of those involved. Neither Ibra nor Eto’o lit up the game in the way they might have, and it looks like we’ll have to wait till the return match at Camp Nou to see them at full tilt. Hopefully.

Standard Vs Arsenal

Talking Points: It was rather inevitable that Eduardo would be the talking point after his ban was uplifted, and indeed here he was. His stupid backheel gifted Standard with their opening goal, and after they got a penalty soon after it looked very bad for Arsene Wenger. Three goals, the last inevitably from Eduardo himself meant that Arsenal are the only club to have come back from 2-0 down twice in the Champions League era. Not without controversy though – Arsenal’s second goal struck Alex Song’s arm on its way through.

Group E

Lyon take on Fiorentina in a rematch from last seasons Group F, which provided all kinds of controversy. Should be a cracking match again this year too, despite Lyon losing a certain Karim Benzema to Real Madrid. Elsewhere Debreceni visit Liverpool, in the first Anfield Champions League night of the season, expect a win for the home side, even though they are sometimes slow starters in this competition.

Group F

This is where everyone’s eyes will likely be this evening, as Barcelona visit the San Siro. Added spice is provided in the swap deal between the clubs, involving Ibrahimovic, Eto’o and a boat load of money. Jose Mourinho was turned down for the Barca job before they decided on Pep, who resembled Jose with his sprint up the touchline against Chelsea last year. Inter look a much stronger side this year than in previous years, and will be desperate to have a run at the Champions League, should be a cracker.
The other match sees Dianamo Kiev take on Rubin Kazan in a game only Andrei Shevchenko’s mum is going to watch.

Group G

Stuttgart take on Rangers in Group G, in an open group where every point is going to really really count as anyone could take it. Elsewhere Unirea visit Sevilla, which should be a win for the Spanish side.

Group H

Arsenal have Eduardo back for the visit to Standard Liege, in a group that they should dominate. The other game in this group sees Olympiacos take on AZ.

Finally the Champions League returns to our screens tomorrow, and there are some brilliant games to kick us off in the first week. And while we have to wait till Wednesday for the really big one this week, Tuesday is still crammed with more quality matches than you can shake a stick at.

So here is your group by group guide to what is going down on Tuesday, with the Wednesday preview to follow tomorrow.

Group A

We kick off typically in Group A, and the big game from this group sees formerLaurent Blanc lead French Champions Bordeaux to Turin to meet Juventus in the hope of causing a minor upset. They’ll have to play well, the Italians are sitting pretty in Serie A at the moment with Diego having a revelatory season.
The other game sees Bayern travel to Israel to play Maccabi Haifa in a game they should win, as the stutter back to form after their indifferent start. They should have enough to pick up all three points.

Group B
B is Manchester United’s group, and they have a long trip to Turkey ahead to play Besiktas. Man United haven’t lost away from home in Europe since the San Siro in 2007, so will be looking to keep that record in tact. Meanwhile Wolfsburg make their Group Stage debut playing host to CSKA Moscow in a game that could be vital in deciding who gets out of this group.

Group C
The big match in C is Marseille playing host to AC Milan. The Italian giants have looked incredibly shaky in Serie A this season, a 0-0 draw at the weekend followed a battering at the hands of local rivals Inter. OM will be looking to capitalise accordingly. Meanwhile alot of eyes will surely be focused on the Galacticos 2.0 project as Real Madrid visit Zurich.

Group D
Finally Group D, which sees two teams struggling to get over Jose Mourinho clash. Chelsea are at home to Porto, and with Chelsea looking as strong as they do in the Premier League, it should be a win for the home side. Athletico Madrid take on newcomers APOEL aware that they will be strong favourites against the Cyprus team.