UEFA Champions League Group G Week 1 Results

European Football's Premier Tournament Match Day One Review

Sep 29, 2009

The 2009-10 UEFA Champions League group stage games have begun. Here is a review of match day one results. Rangers FC at VfB Stuttgart and Unirea Urziceni at Sevilla.

Group G Game Week 1 Match Ups – September 16, 2009

Sevilla FC 2 – Unirea Urziceni 0

Spanish side Sevilla got off to a comfortable start in their 2009-10 Champions League campaign beating Unirea Urziceni 2-0 at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The hosts controlled the match from the onset and the Romanian champions were overmatched. Heralded striker Luis Fabiano put in the first goal in first half stoppage time before Renato added the clinching goal 20 minutes from time. Sevilla controlled the ball for two-thirds of the match but were unable to score until Fabiano broke the deadlock moments before the break. Surely the goal broke the visitor’s spirit who, despite posing no real threat to the Spanish goal, had kept the game on level terms. The second half was much like the first with Sevilla controlling the ball and the match. However, with Fabiano’s goal on the score sheet, Unirea were forced to push forward to seek an equalizer. This was all the space that Sevilla needed and ultimately the winner came. This time, Renato had an easy goal in the 70th minute after a flick on from Fabiano and the hosts cruised to a victory, claiming all three points.

VfB Stuttgart 1 – Rangers FC 1

Madjid Bougherra scored an equalizer 13 minutes from time as Rangers FC forced a 1-1 tie with hosts VfB Stuttgart in this Group G opener. The Germans will be disappointed with the result which seems fitting given that these two teams appear to have equal chances to claim the second knock-out phase birth from this group (with Sevilla appearing to be the odds on favorite to win the group). The Gers, playing without captain David Weir were under siege from the onset of the match. Brazilian born German striker Cacau was most dangerous forcing a save from Rangers keeper Allan McGregor in the first minute and providing plenty of opportunities for his team mates in the opening minutes. Finally, Cacau’s creativity led to Stuttgart’s opening goal when his back pass was slotted home by Pavel Pogrebnyak and the hosts appeared to be cruising. Stuttgart maintained the pressure on Rangers goal with Cacau again providing the spark. His powerful shot hit the side netting and Rangers, who had little efforts into the Stuttgart half, were clearly rattled. Just prior to the half, Pogrebnyak rattled the Scottish crossbar, but despite being flagged for off sides, his effort sent a clear message to Walter Smith’s side that they would be in for more in the second half. Instead, the Scottish champions rallied in the second half and forced pressure on Jans Lehmann’s goal. Finally in the 77th minute, the equalizer came when Bougherra worked well with Jerome Rothen and put a driving shot past Lehmann. Rangers were unlucky to not steal all three points away from their hosts as Steven Davis’ shot struck the post just before full time. Nonetheless, the Scottish champions will surely be content with the result and leaving Germany with a precious away point in what should be a hotly contested battle with Stuttgart to advance to the next round.

Upcoming Matches

Rangers FC versus Sevilla FC, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland

The Gers escaped from Stuttgart with an all important away point. They’ll have to the show the same quality that they did in the second half of their first match for the full 90 minutes when they host Sevilla in this Round 2 match. Sevilla looked composed and in control versus Unirea. However, Ibrox is a tough place to play, so do not expect a walk in the park for the Spaniards.

Unirea Urziceni versus VfB Stuttgart, Stadionul Tineretului

Stuttgart showed their best form in the first half versus Rangers, yet in the second half gave the Gers all the hope they needed for an equalizer. As a result, the Germans were highly disappointed to not take all three points from their opening match. Versus Unirea, they expect to claim victory and should. Cacau looked brilliant versus Rangers and should not be challenged versus the host’s defense. Stuttgart should take all three points.

Current Group G Standings

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