Day 1 featured all close, exciting contests. Many of the underdogs in today's contests played far better than expected, with AC Milan snatching a 2-2 draw in Barcelona, and Genk holding Valencia 0-0 at home. I picked mostly favorites for the matches, leaving me with only two correct selections out of the eight games. Oh well, I never said they were going to be right. My team of the day is APOEL, as they came from behind to take a 2-1 victory over Russian power Zenit. Zenit is backed by international experience and expectation, as well as finances, making them favorites in the match. As has proven in the last few years, Cypriot teams are well trained, and while they are not the most talented, they are organize and difficult to break down. Many of the "minnows" in the Champions League each year are pounded when facing larger sides because of a lack of discipline in the back. Through thirteen Champions league matches, a Cypriot side has yet to lose a match by more than one goal. Extremely impressive. As clear underdogs in Group G, APOEL have given themselves a great start by gaining the win today.
Tomorrow's games are not nearly as appetizing, but Manchester City - Napoli will feature some of the world's best attacking players, while Villarreal - Bayern also features two European giants. Every game in Group A should be fantastic this year. Benfica - Manchester United could be interesting if Benfica can continue the typical Portuguese play at home, but United should be far too much to handle. Here's my predictions for Day 2, hopefully they go better than Day 1:
Ajax - Lyon: DRAW
Basel - Otelul: HOME WIN
Benfica - Manchester United: AWAY WIN
Dinamo Zagreb - Real Madrid: AWAY WIN
Inter - Trabzonspor: HOME WIN
Lille - CSKA Moscow: DRAW
Manchester City - Napoli: HOME WIN
Villarreal - Bayern Munich: AWAY WIN
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