Real Madrid 2-3 Milan: Did the Champions League Just Get Interesting?

By: Daryl | October 21st, 2009

I’ll be honest, I’ve semi-ignored the opening games of the Champions League group stage. My general theory was that the early games are more or less meaningless, in that no team’s European campaign lives or dies by the results, and so therefore nothing much was at stake except for all the lovely lovely money UEFA were getting from Dutch beer-brewers and such. My suspicions felt pretty much confirmed by the big build-up and then goalless let-down that was Inter vs Barcelona back in September.

But Barcelona’s 2-1 loss at home to Rubin Kazan (who have more in common with Barcelona than I realized) yesterday was a reminder that the big teams don’t have it all their own way, and Milan’s 3-2 win over Real Madrid today was a nice reminder of just how good the Champions League can be. Big names, big teams, going at each other and producing big drama. From Dida’s butterfingers moment to Pato’s late volleyed winner.

So after three games we’re at the Champions League group stage halfway mark, and – as you’ll see below – things are finally starting to look interesting…

cl gs

[standings via UEFA.com of course]

I see big teams like Bayern, Liverpool, and Inter in trouble, and some potential mathematical drama ready to emerge from Group F. The return leg of that Inter vs Barcelona, Eto’o vs Ibrahimovic game (Matchday 5, November 24th at the Camp Nou) will have a lot more riding on it than first time out. So, in my mind at least, now the first three games are over, the real Champions League action can finally begin.

[video at top of post via 101GG, under the magnificent headline: Geriatricos edge Galacticos in five goal thriller]

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Category: Champions League

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I dont usually reply to posts but I will in this case. WoW :)
Vordonin

It's not Gourcouf it's Gourcuff!
Dave Trotter

The Bordeaux match should have been 4-2. Luca Toni should have scored. That guy is awsome!
elle

according to what was on Kickette yesterday, Gourcouf thinks greener pastures can suck it.
MoMONEY

How long until Gourcouf leaves for greener pastures? Where will it be? Too bad Milan didnt work out...
Laurie

Halfway in and there are TWO French teams top of the group? I have awakened in an alternate reality. But it's a good one.
Ryan McManus

Nope, both Milan and Madrid will not make it past the quarterfinals at their respective rates.
Thomas

Congrats to Bordeaux. That match should have been 4-1.
Jose

Could we do something about the Real Madrid blog? The trolling has been getting so bad that Corey has been forced to close the comments more than once.

IP bans, anyone? The Real Madrid Offside community (and I say this out of self-interest as a Barca fan) has been growing nicely lately and this crap threatens to ruin it (see what needed to happen in the Italy WCQ blog)...

I'm sorry if this is not the best place to bring this up.
Gaston

all thanks to platini
Tommy Wong

Did the commentator say Jankulovski on the first goal? What a strike by Pirlo. Memories of Italy v Ghana 2006.