Group C
How the mighty fall. AC Milan had released many of their experienced players at the end of 2011-12 understandable given their increasing years and wage demands but the sales of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG were devastating and the future of European football may be without the Italian powerhouse. Milan may have had numerous shots but they failed to break down a stubborn Anderlecht defence and the game ended goalless. The current Milan midfield lacks the creativity and spark of previous generations and it may be difficult for them to avoid crashing out at the group stages. Anderlecht are arguably the weakest team so Malaga and Zenit could cause serious problems. Malaga have been on an impressive run this season but their win over Zenit proves they have the guile to win the group. The talented Isco put the Spaniards ahead in the third minute before Javier Saviola notched the second a little over ten minutes later. Isco then completed the rout with his second in the 76th minute. The 3-0 win was surprising considering the sales Malaga have made and the purchases Zenit have made. It shows that the Russians have plenty more work to do despite the expensive arrivals of Hulk and Axel Witsel from Portugal. The sales of Santi Cazorla and Salomon Rondon were important but the team ethic instilled by Manuel Pelligrini has shown great strength.