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Champions League- a new English dawn?

The front page of the Telegraph sport section exulted over the results and performances of English clubs in the Champions League last Tuesday night. From the comfort of my sofa I watched most of the televised marches on BT Sport and I cannot share that optimism. One must remember we are in the qualifying, not the business end, of the tournament where the big boys are managing their games, one eye still firmly on their domestic leagues.

Also the performances of Manchester City and Spurs did not convince me. City started well with two goals but only a missed penalty stopped Napoli from leaving with a draw.

Over at the Bernabeu, Real were a tad profligate in missing their chances and Lloris was exceptional in goal for Spurs.

Isco looks Real’s best attacking midfielder Raul and I liked the look of 18 year old Moroccan full back Hakimi, reflecting manager Zidane’s willingness to pitch them in early.

Chelsea played out a thriller against Roma, not in the top three of the serie a, but could have lost this one.  Manchester United under Mourinho are grinding out results but I can’t see them challenging yer Bayerns, Barcelonas and Reals.

The tournament to date has been more noteworthy for the under-performance of some clubs with a definite Euro pedigree: Atletico, Borrussia Dortmund and Seville.

I was particularly surprised to see Seville, who have won the Europa League two out of the last three years, suffer a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Spartak Moscow.

Borussia will do well to qualify as will Atletico who are not producing  the results yet.  Not surprisingly, given the squillions spent, is the form of PSG but I’m not sure if they are any more than a team that will reach the semis.

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About Rex Mitchell

Rex Mitchell is a Brentford supporter from childhood. This has not prevented him having a distinguished Fleet Street career as a sports reporter and later deputy football editor. A widower, Rex is a bit of a bandit golfer off his official handicap of 20 and is currently chairman of his local bowls club. More Posts