The Deft Volleys Thread #1/The S-Thread #1: 2012-13 UEFA Champions League, Group Stage Matchday 1

Groups A, B, C, and D open the 2012-13 Champions League group stages, with the marquee matches between the BPL and La Liga BBVA title holders Real Madrid and Manchester City with Jose Mourinho's side in so much early season turmoil.

First, the look at the other matches, as the top competition in club football outside of the FIFA Club World Cup (I say that as a technicality, not an actual reality) begins.

Group A

Dinamo Zagreb/Porto: It's been another summer of vulture raid that FC Porto has had to endure. But the Liga Sagares giants are always keen to establish new stars in their club, and that maybe the case with one James Rodriguez. Despite Hulk becoming their latest all-star to leave, the team was able to fend off Spurs and keep midfield rock Joao Moutinho, and see Lucho Gonzalez be their captain once more.

For the Croatians, though not as arduous as last season's group, it could still be an adventure for them to even make the Europa league's last 32.

Live coverage of Madrid/Man City in a bit...

Revised Thread After Match Day One 

Well, that was a captivating opening evening of action, wasn't it?

The biggest game exceeded its major expectations, and all games had tallies outside of another drab performance by the faded power that is AC Milan. The Rossnieri was rendered absolutely useless by Anderlecht, as Serie A is already destined to another painful year in continental play.

Here's the Team of the Day/Best Eleven:

Hart; Kolarov, Wellington (Malaga), Nuytinck (Anderlecht), Jenkinson (Arsenal); Isco (Malaga), Lucho Gonzalez (Porto), Toure, Marcelo; Podolski (Arsenal), Lewandowski (Dortmund)

And Post Match Review Thoughts

1) Roberto Mancini started terrible, became amazing, only to blow it again in Europe.
2) Madrid of course badly needed it and should have that turn around their awful start in La Liga.
3) PSG was impressive considering they could have felt the pressure to perform. Just like Madrid, a needed win to kick start their domestic campaign.
4) Malaga was really impressive in their Champions League debut. Isco a class above everyone else today.
5) AC Milan, just awful, awful, awful.
6) Porto will always be tough in Europe, no matter who coaches or who plays for them.

That's it for a terrific first day in Champions League coverage. Matchday 2 coverage on Wednesday, September 19, at 2:15 PM on the birdie social protocol.