FOOTBALL: SURPRISES OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The biggest surprise of them all is Liverpool's comfortable 2-0 victory against Italian champions Inter Milan. Well, this match proves yet again there are teams which are meant to perform in Europe and there are teams which are meant to perform domestically. Liverpool again proved their European magic is still shining and Benitez is definitely a much relaxed man after the match. How much I hate him but I think Crouch was the decisive factor in the victory. Although I did not watch the match and cannot comment on the claims of Julio Cesar that Torres dived for the first yellow card which resulted in getting Materazzi sent off.

Other surprises include the 3-2 victory of Fenerbahce against FC Sevilla. Schalke 04's 1-0 victory against FC Porto was another unexpected result. Lyon was also creating the surprise of the night for holding Manchester United 1-1 at home. They could have won if not for the late goal from Carlos Tevez. It was Gigg's 100th Champions League match. Roma managed to beat Real Madrid 2-1 at home. Real always play dangerously in Europe because of their weak defence. Now that many are injured and Ramos is suspended for the return leg, it will be difficult for them.

One of the most anticipated matches was the Arsenal-AC Milan match. It ended pretty flat though as Arsenal dominated but failed to score, no thanks to Adebayor. Arsenal played to a 0-0 draw with Milan for their 100th Champions League match. Celtic were beaten by Barcelona with a 2-3 score at home thanks to Messi. Olympiacos and Chelsea played out a goaless draw.