UEFA Champions League Analysis – Group H
Group G was arguably the simplest of the groups. Arsenal FC and Shakhtar Donetsk make regular appearances in the primary continental competition while Sporting Clube de Braga are relative unknowns in the competition. Fudbalski
klub Partizan were a force to reckon with back in the 1960’s but they have fallen from grace, their pedigree no better than SC Braga. Gunners stay at the top of the group after some sublime performances. In fact, Wenger’s side have scored the most goals in
the competition as they have found the back of the net an impressive 14 times while conceding just two. Shakhtar stand second in the group and the two sides are en-route to progressing to the next round.
Arsenal FC
The Gunners frequently get lucky with the draws and this year was no different. Shakhtar, Braga and Partizan are not the best of sides and Arsenal was expected to make it to the next round undefeated. Fabregas inspired Arsenal
have thrashed every opposition that has come their way and will qualify for the next round with a perfect record. Wenger’s boys are en-route to becoming the most scoring side in the history of the UEFA Champions League group stages.
Shakhtar Donetsk
The Ukrainian outfit stands second in the group with 6 points after three rounds of football. While Shakhtar conquered Braga and Partizan with consummate ease, Arsenal taught them a footballing lesson. Gunner’s roasted them 5 –
1 at the Emirates stadium, a result that goes a long way in highlighting the huge gulf of quality that is prevalent in the UEFA Champions League pot A and the rest of the teams. Girnyky now face Arsenal at home in the next round and a draw is the most they
can manage. However, Wenger’s men are favourites to win yet again. Mircea Lucescu’s side will win the remaining games and qualify for the next round as runner ups.
SC Braga
SC Braga is a side little known outside of Portugal. The club is making its first ever Champions League appearance, understandably, little is expected from the Portuguese minnows. The club stands third in the league with just three points from their opening
three matches; SC Braga defeated Partizan at home with a 2 – 0 score line. Things don’t look too bright for last year’s Portuguese Super Liga runner ups as they are unlikely to win any of the remaining matches. Braga cannot defeat Arsenal and Shaktar as these
two teams are far stronger than the modest Minhotos. Domingos Paciência’s side’s only chance of registering any points will come when travel to Partizan. Braga will eke out a draw and finish the group stages with four points; enough to get them a Europa League
passport.
Fudbalski klub Partizan
Crno-beli made it to the group stages of UEFA Champions league following seven years of continental exile. The club is yet to register a single point in the Champions League and the outlook is gloomy. Partizan has played Arsenal at home while the remaining
two matches were played away from home. Tonight, Partizan will play Sporting Braga at home. A victory would put the Serbians in hunt of Europa league spot while a defeat will all but end any chances of European football. However, Braga has fared well of late
and a draw is all that Partizan will get. Since Partizan will be hard-pressed getting a result against Shakhtar and Arsenal, they will finish bottom of the group thus ending their European adventure for the season.
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