Champions League: Dicey for Dortmund

How it stands

The Group Stage of the Champions League is so elongated these days, it feels like simply the warm-up for the guaranteed thrills and spills of the knockout games.

As warm-ups go, though, it’s top notch and so far there have been plenty of early stories developing as Europe’s finest jostle for qualification. With two games to go in the opening round of fixtures, let’s see where some of the top teams are at.

English resurgence?

The jury’s out but there have been some good early signs. Man United, like Chelsea, have looked solid if unspectacular yet still top Group A, which isn’t the toughest.

A lack of cutting edge was shown up against Sociedad, while they were lucky to get away with a point in Donetsk. United have plenty of scope to improve, though.

Man City look likely to qualify for the first time, so that has to be regarded as progress. 

The manner of their beating at the hands of Bayern shows there is lots to do, though.

Arsenal’s win in Dortmund was perhaps the highlight for the English clubs and hints that Arsene Wenger’s side finally have the grit to go with their undoubted silky passing game. Of course, this tournament is  a marathon not a sprint.

German repeat?

Bayern have looked mightily impressive so far as they try to defend their title. Unbeaten and with plenty of goals in the bank.

There are worrying signs at Dortmund, however, who had their confidence dented by the loss to the Gunners. 

More of a worry, arguably, is the form of Napoli, who can lean on the Champions League nous of manager Rafa Benitez. You’d probably back Dortmund with their experience and squad strength to qualify but Group F is the most exciting.

Rise of Atletico

While Barcelona and Real Madrid canter through this stage in second gear, PSG look like they may be ready to ruffle some feathers at the top table. 

They have Zlatan Ibrahimovich in prime goalscoring form — albeit mainly against  poor Anderlecht.

Atletico, meanwhile, are arguably Europe’s most improved team so far this season. Second in La Liga and unbeaten in Europe, Diego Simeone’s side also have a genuine weapon in striker Diego Costa. n