Yesterday saw the first four groups play their first group game, and there was a lot of action all around Europe:
Group A: Holland witnessed a action packed first half between FC Twente and defending champions Inter Milan. The Italians took the lead after 13 minutes thanks to Wesley Sneijder, however Twente fought back and turned it around with a goal from Janssen seven minutes later and a Diego Milito own goal on 31 minutes. Inter equalised through Eto'o four minutes before half-time and the score finished 2-2.
Tottenham threw a two goal lead away in Germany to also draw 2-2 with Werber Bremen; a own goal from Pasanen after twelve minutes gave Harry Redknapp's side the perfect start to European life. Crouch got their second six minutes later and were looking good to win the game. However Hugo Almeida scored two minutes before half-time and Marko Marin put the Germans level two minutes into the second half.
Group B: Lyon won a tight match at home to Schalke. Benedickt Howedes had the game to forget; he scored the only goal of the game in his own net after 21 minutes and then ended up getting sent off just seventeen minutes later.
Benfica started their campaign with a win at home against Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel-Aviv; Luisao opened the scoring after 21 minutes before Cardozo rounded off the 2-0 victory with twenty minutes to spare.
Group C: Old Trafford witnessed a game of attackers versus defenders with Manchester United constantly attacking a Rangers side who played a fantastic defensive game. United weren't creative enough and their completely changed team were held to a 0-0 draw. Worse news for United is that Valencia looks to be out for the season after suffering a freak ankle break.
Valencia won comfortably away to Champions League debutantes Bursaspor. Goals from Alberto Costa, Artiz Aduriz, Hernandez Pablo and substitute Roberto Soldado capped off a 4-0 victory over the Turkish champions.
Group D: Lionel Messi was back to his best to help Barcelona thrash Panathinaikos 5-1. The Greek side actually took the lead with their only shot of the match from Sidney Govou after twenty minutes. Their lead only lasted two minutes before Messi put his name on the score sheet. David Villa made it 2-1 after 33 minutes and Messi made it three before half-time. Pedro and Dani Alves rounded the scoring off to put Barcelona favourites to win the trophy this year.
A single goal from Dame Ndoye three minutes from time saw FC Copenhagen beat Russian side Rubin Kazan to round off a great night's football action.
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