Champions League - Behind enemy lines
A weekly look at the fortunes of the British clubs’ Champions League adversaries, including a slip-up from Manchester United’s next’ opponents Roma.
Roma (away to Manchester United October 2nd)
Serie A leaders Roma lost their 100% record with a 2-2 home draw against Juventus on Sunday, but nonetheless looked impressive for the majority of the game. However, United will take heart from the Giallorossi’s late lapse in concentration which allowed Juve to snatch a point. Francesco Totti was again imperious in his withdrawn striker’s role, scoring twice in the space of six first half minutes to cancel out David Trezeguet’s opener before Vincenzo Iaquinta leveled late on.
Lyon (home to Rangers October 2nd)
The French champions were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw against struggling Lille on Sunday night. Michel Bastos opened the scoring for the visitors before Sidney Govou’s second half strike grabbed a point for Alain Perrin’s side, who failed to make up for last week’s 3-0 drubbing against Barcelona.
Steaua Bucharest (home to Arsenal October 2nd)
In their first game since the resignation of Georghe Hagi, 10-man Steaua Bucharest were held to a 1-1 draw away to unheralded Arad. Hagi quit because of pressure from the club’s owner George Becali, and his former charges now lie seventh in the domestic table. Banel Nicolita gave them the lead before Edson leveled from the penalty spot late on several minutes after Victoras Iacob was sent off.
Valencia (home to Chelsea October 3rd)
Valencia recorded their fourth straight win in all competitions with a 2-1 win over Real Betis on Seville on Sunday. Full-back Miguel got Los Che on their way with a super individual strike before Jaoquin netted against his former club in the closing stages of the game. Betis striker Rafael Sobis struck near the end, but it was nothing more than a consolation as Valencia prepared for the visit of Chelsea with all three points.
Marseille (away to Liverpool October 3rd)
Marseille’s dismal domestic campaign continued as they were outclassed 2-0 by Auxerre. The goals came in the space of six first-half minutes, both from Romanian forward Daniel Niculae. Auxerre were reduced to 10 when Kevin Lejeune was sent off but there was no way back for Albert Emon’s side, who were without playmaker Samir Nasri, who has flu. Marseille are two places above the relegation zone.
Milan (away to Celtic October 3rd)
Milan’s unconvincing domestic form continued as Parma left the San Siro with a point after claiming a 1-1 draw. Clarence Seedorf gave the Rossoneri the lead on the stroke of half-time but Andrea Pisanu hit back for Parma. Milan striker Alberto Gilardino was dropped for the visit of his former club, with Filippo Inzaghi getting the nod instead.
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