Usually, those following the sports betting would figure that it pays off to be the home team in soccer, and it does, for the most part. But in this week’s Champions League action, no home teams won any of the four matches, including the defending Cup holders.
FC Copenhagen vs. Chelsea
The Blues showed no fear in Copenhagen, where they came away with a 2-0 win as Nicolas Anelka potted a pair of goals. Anelka may be the most infuriating player on the planet; when he wants to play, he is as skilled and talented as any striker you’ve ever seen, but Anelka is also as moody as anyone in soccer. It’ll be a miracle if Chelsea loses a two-goal lead at Stamford Bridge.
Lyon vs. Real Madrid
It was a bittersweet return for Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who spent the first five years of his career at Lyon, as he scored within seconds of coming on as a sub in the 64th minute. But Bafetimbi Gomis equalized in the 83rd minute, meaning the return trip to Madrid could be wild.
Inter Milan vs. Bayern Munich
In a rematch of last year’s finalists, Bayern got a small measure of revenge when Mario Gomez scored an injury-time winner at the San Siro on Wednesday, and now the defending champions will have an uphill climb in Munich.
Marseille vs. Manchester United
Finally, these two played a cagey draw in Marseille in a match where no one looked like they would win. Expect a more open match when they meet in Manchester in three weeks time.
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