All of the second fixtures of the group stages have been played and we can already see the fate of some teams lying ahead. Some look sure, already, to be fighting for a Uefa Cup place, some look like they will have a full campaign of fighting until the last match for qualification, and some are just going through the motions.

So the tables are already shaping up, a couple look interesting, but most predictable. Arsene Wenger's hopes of early qualification look strong after a comfortable win at home over main rivals Olympiakos in Group H puts them ahead at the top by 3 points. Man Utd almost embarrassed themselves as much as Inter Milan last night until a cracking opportunistic goal from Michael Carrick gave them a disappointing 2-1 win over Wolfsburg. Utd are out in front in their group, but both Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow are on 3 points.

Athletico Madrid have had an incredibly shaky start, with only a draw against predicted group no-hopers Apoel-Nicosa handing them any points. This takes the pressure off group leaders Chelsea somewhat, who, after a lacklustre 1-0 away win to Apoel have gone clear at the top with 6 points. On the 21st October they invite a lagging Athletico to Stamford Bridge, surely a fixture which the Spaniards must win both for pride and points.



AC Milan, back in the Champions League after their disastrous run in the Uefa Cup last season, suffered their first defeat at home to FC Zurich, who will be hanging on to the hope of second place in Group C where Real Madrid are favourites and current leaders. Real defeated Marseille 3-0 at home with 2 goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one from Kaka. £150 million well spent?...