The good, bad and barely acceptable
As ever, we've identified the stars, flops and those somewhere in the middle from last night's Champions League games, with Lyon and Raul among those earning praise...
THE GOOD
Lyon
Anyone wondering why Claude Puel survives at Lyon despite overseeing the end of their Ligue 1 dominance need only look at their continued ability to turn it on in the Champions League. Last night's 2-0 victory over Benfica maintained their flawless start in Group B - which they're [1.36] to top.
Raul
The Champions League record goalscorer hasn't had a brilliant time of it since leaving Real Madrid for Schalke this summer but struck twice past Hapoel Tel Aviv to open up an eight-goal lead over closest rival Ruud van Nistelrooy. He's [150.0] to be this year's unlikely chief goal-getter.
THE BAD
Hapoel Tel Aviv
Yes, they were expected to come bottom of a group featuring Lyon, Schalke and Benfica, however they've faced each at a point in which they've been struggling domestically and haven't been able to capitalise whatsoever. It's no wonder that the Israeli champions are [36.0] to qualify.
FC Twente
Harsh perhaps, given that a draw against Werder Bremen is nothing to be ashamed of, though the Dutch champions need to start winning if they are to end Holland's four-year knockout stage exodus. The fact their former striker Marko Arnautovic, who refused to celebrate despite a frosty reception, got the equaliser will have stung even more. FC Twente are [13.5] to progress.
THE BARELY ACCEPTABLE
Rangers
The Gers remain unbeaten this season and are second in the group after their 1-1 draw with Valencia, yet they will still be disappointed having created more than enough chances to defeat the Spaniards. Walter Smith's men will need to pick up points at Valencia and Bursaspor, hence odds of [3.6] to go through.
Rubin Kazan
The Russian title winners are competing with FC Copenhagen for a spot in the last 16 so really needed to match the Danes by triumphing away to Panathinaikos. They fell short, being held to a goalless draw, and as a result are four points off second place and [3.05] to reach the second round.
Disagree with our conclusions? Then shout us down in the box below...
Published: 21 Oct 2010
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