Champions League: Week One Review

By Jamie Callaghan /

Group F

The shock of the night was at the Lille Metropole when the home team were defeated 3-1 by Bate Borisov. Lille dominated chances and possession but the Belarusian team were more clinical in front of goal. Goals from Vitali Rodionov, Edgar Olekhnovich and Aleksandr Volodko in the first half shocked the French team, who could only muster one second half goal from Chedjou. Lille have been gutted since their Ligue 1 victory in 2010-11. Yohan Cabaye (the captain) went to Newcastle and the entertaining forward three of Gervinho, Moussa Sow and Eden Hazard have all moved to pastures new. It seems that Lille have yet to recover from those sales. Borisov, on the other hand, have a wonderful chance to advance if they can continue to be so sharp. Valencia and Bayern Munich stand in their way. The Spanish and German team had a rematch of the 2001 Champions League final and once more it was FC Hollywood who came out victorious. Bastian Schweinsteiger put the Bavarians ahead before Toni Kroos struck the ball perfectly into the top corner to make it 2-0. Nelson Valdez managed to head one back before Adil Rami was sent off for accumulating two yellow cards. Bayern controlled almost two thirds of possession and they enjoyed most of the shots at goal. Seven of their eleven shots were on target and Valencia are not an easy team to beat, let alone dominate. The German team displayed all the qualities that may take them to the final once again, although they will be dreaming of better results than their last two appearances.