What to Watch as the Champions League gets Interesting

By: Rob | November 3rd, 2009

Matchday 4 then, and it’s going to be an interesting one. At the half way stage of the Champions League groups, and alot of the big teams are not in the comfortable positions we might have expected.

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.