UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 Preview, Group B: September 29, 2010

Schalke vs Benfica

Schalke have been one of Europe’s biggest spending clubs over the summer, bringing in some top quality players such as Raul and Jurado to add to their already talented squad. They lost to Lyon in their first match and if they are going seriously contend to get past the group stages then they absolutely have to win this match as Benfica and Lyon are not likely to make many mistakes themselves.

Shalke just haven’t seemed to be on form this season and really need something to get them into gear, it’s more than possible that a convincing win here could be exactly what they need to get everything going again.

Benfica are a good side on paper, even if technically they aren’t quite as good as the hosts. If Benfica can grab one or two early goals then they have every chance of upsetting the Germans and grabbing all three points. A win here could mean an awful lot for Benfica’s Champion’s League ambitions, so they will need to capitalize on Schalke’s poor form.


Hapoel vs Lyon

The Israeli champion’s looked a little out of their depth when they lost their opening match to Benfica. And now they are facing last season’s semifinalists and things don’t look all too likely to get better for the underdogs.

The Israelis aren’t a bad side by any means they just seem to lack some of the substance to compete with the big boys of Europe. Even picking up a point here would add some credibility to the sides place in Champion’s League and let them leave the competition with some dignity when they eventually drop out of the group stages. Mathematically they can qualify, but the odds are not in their favour.

Lyon may not be on the best form in the French league, but this should be an easy match for the French side who have a very good opportunity to make it two wins from two outings in the group stages.

Lopez is set to be the favourite to open the scoring and he is tipped to cause some serious problems for the home sides defence. This is Lyon’s game to win or lose, if they play like we all know that they can then this should be an their game through and through

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores and live sports