The S-Thread #1 For 11/20/12: The 2012-13 UEFA Champions League Matchday 9 Thread

Chilean rising force Arturo Vidal gave Juventus a fine win (Photo from UEFA.com and Getty Images).  

Fulltime: Shaktar Donetsk, Valencia, Bayern Munich and Barcelona become the latest to advance to the knockout stages in February. 

1) Roberto Di Matteo got it completely wrong in the end, especially in the 2nd half. There was no sense of urgency and adjustment to Juventus having more key possession. Even with 3 defenders in the middle and no out and out forward, it was still too passive/defensive from Di Matteo.

2) Galatasaray probably was fortunate that they got Manchester United on a day where Sir Alex did not care whatsoever. Gala have the advantage over Cluj going into the final day to advance with United despite both being tied at 7 points, as the Romanians have to hope United were as apathetic today in Turkey as they will be in Manchester two weeks from now.

3) Another commendable road display from Neil Lennon against Benfica, but it's all okay for them still. Win in Glasgow over a deflated Spartak side won't be easy, but controlling their fate on the last day is something they would gladly always take.

4) Oh Luiz Adriano, oh dear.

Team of the Matchday 9:

Cech; Caceras, Bouncci, Basa, Alves;  ,Willian, Sidibe, Messi; Luiz Adriano, Rui Pedro

Just a wild night so far on key Matchday 9, with results for Barcelona and Lille in the bag in the early kickoffs.

Just key halftime thoughts.

1) In the scoreless matches, United, Valencia, and Manchester United know that they will go through the Round of 16. Galatasaray has got to show something here in this 2nd half, or they won't even deserve to go to the Europa League.

2) Neil Lennon's Celtic side are amazing. Now behind for a change, they show their spirit and are not deterred, as Samaras does it again for them.

3) Rui Pedro definitely is not showing his countrymen any love. Braga just does not having the defending required to go past December in this competition.

4) Juventus is too open in the back so far and have been fortunate to go into the break without conceding to Chelsea. However,  Stephen Lictsteiner has been the best player on the field.

5) Oh Adriano and Shaktak, oh dear.