Champions League Round Up: 5 Things I Learned from Today's Fixtures

Today's Champions League results were quite startling.

Man City were completely outclassed by Bayern Munich, Manchester United were nearly beat by FC Basel at Old Trafford, Real Madrid were absolute class, and Inter continue their winning ways under Claudio Ranieri.

Here are some things I learned from today's results in Champions League.

1. Manchester United Are Average Without Wayne Rooney

From seeing Manchester United almost fall apart against weaker opposition FC Basel, I noticed that Manchester United lack that killer threat in the attacking third when Wayne Rooney is missing.

Wayne Rooney is vital to Manchester United's chance at success. Without him, Manchester United seem lost and confused and allow other teams have a chance to win the game.

If Manchester United want to win silverware this year, Wayne Rooney must stay healthy.

2. Manchester City Is Not Among Europe's Elite, Yet

Roberto Mancini's side was outclassed by Bayern Munich. Munich ran circles around them and Manchester City could not trouble Manuel Neuer throughout the night. From watching that performance, it seems to me that it is too early to consider Manchester City as one of the elite clubs in Europe.

Don't get me wrong, they probably have more talent than any other club in Europe. However, the club still has some big problems.

1. Roberto Mancini seems to lose the plot once his side is losing.
2. Manchester City haven't looked great against top opposition, such as Napoli and Bayern Munich.
3. Carlos Tevez is a negative attitude around the club and should have been sold during the summer.

And those are just some of the club's problems.

3. David De Gea Is Not the Right Man for Manchester United

David De Gea seems to not have settled well in the city of Manchester. His performances have been lackluster and many people are touting him as the new "Manuel Almunia."

He could have cost Manchester United the game against Basel and it seems the defense has little confidence with him at goal.

How long now till Lindegaard replaces him in the starting XI?

4. Bayern Munich Are the Real Deal

Bayern Munich are proving to all of Europe that they are not to be messed with after that fantastic display against Manchester City.

Bayern looked to improve on their goalkeeping and defense situation during the summer, and it has worked out brilliantly. They have not conceded a goal since August.

With this club kicking on all cylinders, Bayern should have no problem going deep into this competition as well as recapturing the Bundesliga title.

5. Eden Hazard Might Be Edging Closer on a Move to Arsenal

Lille is not playing well at the moment. It has failed to hold on to leads in both of its Champions League fixtures and are behind in Ligue 1.

This slow start could prove to be costly as its star player, Eden Hazard, could be leaving the club in January.

With each bad result Lille gets, the more likely Hazard leaves and joins Arsenal.

Lille's chances of holding Hazard are starting to slip away from the palms of their hands.