Nothing Settled From Tuesday Champions League Games

Matchday Four's first batch of games failed to provide conclusions in the UEFA Champions League group stage, as both teams that could have advanced with victories only managed ties. Both Chelsea and Real Madrid were in the driver's seat but both played to scoreless ties on the road--Chelsea at Schalke 04 and Real at Olympiakos. Olympiakos' goalkeeper, Antonis Nikopolidis, was apparently the man of the match for the Greek side, according to uefa.com's report of the game. If you watched Euro 2004 at all you'll be well aware of Nikopolidis and his skills. Olympiakos were short several key defenders, but Real still weren't able to put one past Nikopolidis.

The most shocking result from today was without a doubt Liverpool's 8-0 drubbing of Besiktas, a team they lost to a fortnight ago. In the other game in that group, FC Porto continued their unbeaten ways, dropping Olympique Marseille. Porto now "control their own destiny" (don't you love that phrase) and only need to win one of their last two games. It won't be easy though, with a visit to Anfield up next on Nov. 28, followed by a trip to Turkey on Dec. 11. Liverpool now sit third, three points behind Marseille but the Reds also control their own destiny thanks to a better goal difference. Actually, if Marseille lose at Besiktas, Liverpool would still control their own destiny even with a loss to Porto.

Finally, break out Rosenborg! The Norwegian side beat Valencia on a brace by Steffen Iversen, a name Spurs fans will be familiar with. Valencia have now lost four of their last five games.