Hey, it's Michael Ballack. Long time no see.
Welcome back
Michael Ballack was highly admired around these parts during his time at Chelsea. We, like Carlo
Ancelotti, felt he deserved a short-term extension with the club. I, for instance, offered the
following after learning of the announcement of his departure in early June 2010.
Tuesday is certain to be a special European night at Stamford Bridge. Whether or not the guest
of honor plays a prominent role is up for suggestion.
This has been spoken of at length, but it bears repeating. Michael Ballack is returning to
London. The old man the legend will be part of a quite good Bayer Leverkusen side that will be
making its first trip to the Bridge since, well, ever.
AC Milan got the new season off to a dramatic start with a thrilling draw at Barcelona but there
were opening victories for Marseille, Chelsea, Porto and APOEL.
Pato struck for AC Milan inside 25 seconds at Camp Nou, the fifth fastest in Champions League
history and the earliest on any matchday one.
Thiago Silva scored Milan's crucial equalizer in Barcelona on Tuesday
Concerns over FC Barcelona's defence continued after the first of this season's UEFA Champions
League matches were played throughout Europe last night.
The defending Spanish and European champions had home advantage in their Group H encounter
against AC Milan but were behind after just 25 seconds with Alexandre Pato scoring the fastest goal
ever scored in the competition.
Barcelona and Arsenal picked up their first Champions League victories of the season while
Marseille made it two wins out of two after thrashing Dortmund.
Winners of the competition in three of the last six seasons, Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw
by AC Milan on matchday one, but turned in a clinical performance to win 5-0 at BATE.
