Round three of the Champions League group-stage kicked off yesterday with the groups now taking shape as we reach the half-way mark. Some groups are a lot closer than others and with the other half playing tonight we should get a slight idea of the teams likely to progress.
Group E: Roma were on the wrong end of an upset at home to FC Basle; veteran Swiss striker Alexander Frei opened the scoring after twelve minutes. A great through ball from Roma's own veteran Totti found Marco Borriello who went on to equalise nine minutes later. Cameroon international Samuel Inkoom put Basle back ahead just before half time and substitute Cabral wrapped the points up in stoppage time. This leaves both teams on three points from three games.
The other game in the group saw a weakened, due to injuries, Bayern Munich side host CFR Cluj. Cluj took advantage by taking the lead two minutes before the half hour mark thanks to Cadu. However Cluj then made their own downfall as Cadu then scored an own goal just four minutes later. Bayern then went ahead after 36 minutes thanks to another own goal, this time from Cristian Panin. Mario Gomez looked to sealed the points after 77 minutes but Juan Culio pulled one back to set up a nervous final four minutes for Bayern, which they prevailed through. This leaves Bayern with maximum points while Cluj join Basle and Roma and three.
Group F: Saw the an early kick-off due to Russia's time-zone as Spartak Moscow took on Chelsea. Yuri Zhirkov gave Chelsea the lead after 23 minutes with a stunning strike, then Nicolas Anelka sealed the points two minutes before half-time. Chelsea are still on maximum points with Spartak on six.
A solitary goal from Souleymane Diawara three minutes into the second half was enough for Olympique Marseille to see off MSK Zilina. This gives Marseille their first three points of the campaign while Zilina are still to manage any.
Group G: The Amsterdam Arena witnessed the most bizarre sending off in football history as Ajax hosted Auxerre. Demy De Zeeuw put the hosts ahead after just seven minutes, Luis Suarez doubled the lead four minutes from half-time. 56 minutes in and Ajax were reduced to ten men after Andre Ooijer was last man, Auxerre scored from the resulting free-kick by Valter Birsa. Auxerre then were also reduced to ten men four minutes from the end when Dennis Oliech picked up a second yellow card. Auxerre then had another man sent off in injury time but kept ten men on the field, substitute Jean-Pascal Mignot managed to pick up two yellow cards for dissent while on the sidelines warming up! This Ajax on four points with Auxerre struggling with nil points.
The game of the night saw Real Madrid host AC Milan at the Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo put Madrid ahead from a trademark free-kick after thirteen minutes, the points were wrapped up a minute later when Mesut Ozil doubled the lead for Jose Mourinho's side. This gives Madrid maximum points with Milan level with Ajax on four.
Group H: SC Braga managed to see off Partizan Belgrade at home; Lima opened the scoring after 35 minutes before Matheus sealed the victory in second half injury time. This gives Braga their first three points of the campaign with Belgrade yet to find any.
Arsenal had another comfortable night at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. A rare goal from Alex Song put the Gunners ahead after nineteen minutes. Samir Nasri then continued his fine goalscoring form three minutes before half-time to double Arsenal's lead. Returning Arsenal captain Fabregas made it three from the penalty spot on the hour mark. Jack Wilshere made it four after 66 minutes and Chamakh made it five three minutes later. Donestk managed a consolation eight minutes from time thanks to Eduardo who scored against his former club on his emotional return to the Emirates. Arsenal still have maximum points with Donetsk on six.
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