As the UEFA Champions League kicked off this week amidst much excitement, all eyes were on Europe's finest, as they looked to get their continental campaigns off to a strong start.However, amidst the goals and drama, there were a number of stories that emerged that may not have made the front pages, but are worth telling. Here are the 10 best things that came out of the midweek's Champions League games.
#10 Olympiacos sets the scene
While Borussia Dortmund would the first team that comes to mind when talking about brilliant tifos, Greek club Olympiacos started their journey in the Champions League this term with a brilliant bit of choreography before their encounter against last season’s finalists Atletico Madrid.
They were rewarded for their efforts, as the home team were able to pull the week’s biggest upset, beating the La Liga side 3-2.
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#9 From amateurs to Anfield
After qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history, Bulgarian club Ludogorets gave a very good account of themselves against Premier League giants Liverpool in their first encounter, and were unlucky to end up on the losing end following Steven Gerrard’s stoppage time penalty.
However, their road to success is a heartening story, as the club was founded only in 2001, and played amateur football in Bulgaria when Liverpool had last qualified for the Champions League in 2009.
Their ride to the Champions League group stages this season has been an amazing one in itself, as defender Cosmin Moti saved two penalties during the side’s Champions League playoff against Steaua Bucharest to take them to victory. With a story like that, Ludogorets should be the team that neutrals will back this season.
Read more here.
#8 Just Twitter things
With the world on Twitter now, it is common nature for clubs to live tweet their games on the platform.
However, while Joe Hart’s brilliant display against Bayern Munich was good reason for the club’s social media team to put up this tweet, the timing proved to be appalling.
Why? Jerome Boateng scored a minute later to snatch his side a victory!
Liverpool owner John Henry also gained attention on the social media website, echoing fans’ sentiments in a tweet where he suggested the club’s next transfer target.
Whether they can sign him is a different story, altogether.
#7 Joe Hart and Ashley Cole - best friends
England and Manchester City keeper Joe Hart had a brilliant game in between the sticks against Bayern Munich, and was unfortunate to be on the losing end after Jerome Boateng’s late winner.
However, the keeper was involved in a great bit of banter after the game finished, when he was told that Roma had won their game 5-1.
His response? “As long as Ashley Cole didn’t get one of them, it’s alright.”
#6 Zlatan protects his valuables
Standing in a wall when a free kick is being taken is dangerous business, with players guarding important body parts for good reason.
But as with most other things, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a different interpretation of this as well, and was found protecting his nose from Lasse Schone’s set piece.
#5 Tevez does the robot
The latest in line of interesting goal celebrations came from Juventus forward Carlos Tevez on Tuesday, as the Argentine broke into a robot dance after his first goal in the competition since April 2009.
The striker grabbed a brace for the Italian Serie A champions, as they eased to a 2-0 victory against Malmo.
#4 Ajax fans are interested in Paris
Well, just not the Paris that you’d be expecting.
PSG travelled to Ajax to face the Dutch club in their first match of the season’s Champions League, but were not given the greatest welcome by the home fans.
#3 Chelsea-Schalke referee loses passport
Chelsea and Schalke were dealt with an unnecessary distraction prior to their Champions League fixture at Stamford Bridge, as news emerged that the officials for their match had lost their passports.
The Serbian referees, led by Milorad Mai, had to be replaced after applying to the British embassy for visas, losing their passports in the process.
Croatian referee Ivan Bebek stepped in, and took charge of the game.
#2 Lukas Podolski cant find his shin pads
When things aren’t going for you, they really aren’t going for you. In the midst of Arsenal’s hammering at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, Gunners man Lukas Podolski faced another problem on the sidelines, as he wasn’t able to find his shin pads prior to being brought on.
He saw the funny side of the incident too, putting this up on Instagram later.
#1 Pep Guardiola celebrates his teams winner.. differently
It must be a German thing to show anger in times of happiness, as Pep Guardiola continued in Klopp’s footsteps by choking Jerome Boateng following the defender’s winner against Manchester City.
What started off as a normal celebration after Bayern’s 90th minute goal against the Citizens ended with the Spanish manager grabbing a hold of Boateng’s throat, something that the player did not seem to enjoy, by the looks of it.
It is Klopp who still holds the aces in this competition though.
