Football Lost Again (as Some Might Say)

Some Quick Thoughts on Last Night's Champions League Results:

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Borussia Dortmund 1 - Arsenal 1

It's hard to recall the glory days of Thierry Henry and Patrick Viera's Arsenal: wonderful to watch but with a strong, rock-solid core. Today's Arsenal strike me as little wimpy boys. Won by a goal thanks to an error fit for a second-division side last weekend... no spine, no character, no poise to secure a lead. This is getting pitifully boring for the Gunners.

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Chelsea 2 - Bayer Leverkusen 0

Fernando Torres assisted both goals for David Luiz and Juan Mata. "Is that all he's good for now? Just assisting?" was my Liverpool-supporting (and Chelsea-hating) wife's retort when I told her what happened last night. It's obvious that the resentment is still palpable amongst Liverpool fans re: 'Nando. But what the heck, signs of life, right?

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Barcelona 2 - AC Milan 2

Andres Iniesta got hurt and is out for a month, following Alexis Sanchez to the injury ward. With Iniesta gone, in steps Cesc right into the midfield. Thiago's waiting on the bench too... 

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70%-30% Ball Possession in favor of the Cules. 22 shots to 6 in favor of the Cules. But a 2-2 scoreline. Call it fatigue / lack of fitness / whatever. Somehow I still sense that a few idiots Catalunya are now are saying / thinking: Football has Lost. Tss..!

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Just wondering aloud: had Barca chosen to spend some of that summer moolah on a Central Defender (e.g. Thiago Silva, who scored last night's equalizer), rather than on striker/wingers (Sanchez) and CM (Fabregas) - both of whom are generally 'bonus additions' to their squad, then perhaps they wouldn't need to have a Biscuit and Masch Potato to play on defense... and very likely - they probably might have won. 

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Valencia also turned out to be a dud last night.

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Villarreal play Bayern tonight while we head to Croatia to play Dinamo Zagreb in our far-from-traditional Red Kits tonight. Being of Chinese descent, I consider red to be an auspicious color - and I very much prefer to perceive our Red Kit as an equally auspicious omen to this season's Champions League Campaign.

KAKA RULES OUT MADRID MOVE.

AC Milan playmaker Kaka has ended speculation over his future by declaring the "door is closed" on a move to Real Madrid, even though he has admitted to meeting with the Spanish champions.

The Brazil ace has reportedly been the target of a world-record bid from Madrid, but insists he sees his future with the Champions League winners.

"I have never asked to leave, terminate my contract or have any get-out clauses at Milan," he said.

"I see myself being a symbol of a great squad and I hope that this can be Milan."

The 25-year-old was instrumental in Milan's road to Athens glory last season and the fans - several thousand of whom arrived to greet him at the start of pre-season training on Monday - can look forward to seeing more of his magic in years to come.

He said: "They [the fans] don't have to worry. I have a contract until 2011 and the door to Real Madrid is closed.

"Only Milan can reopen it if they decide to sell me."

And Real would already be at an advanced stage with the player if the Milanese club did decide to take an offer seriously.

"Just like Milan look to strengthen by searching out other players, Real did so by searching me," admitted the South American.

"There was a meeting with Real Madrid, but the first to know about it was Milan.

"Real Madrid are a huge club but, as even Pele said, money is not everything. I have learned from friends who left Milan and are suffering away from this club."