By DAN KARELL
Twenty teams begin the fight for ten UEFA Champions League group stage places on Tuesday as the Champions League play-off round commences.
AC Milan, who won the tournament in 2003 and 2007, have a difficult tie on their hands as they face a young and hungry PSV Eindhoven side in the first leg at Phillips Stadion, while Zenit St. Petersburg faces upstart Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira.
Celtic, who famously stunned Barcelona last year before eventually falling in the Champions League knockout rounds, travel to Kazakhstan for likely the first time in their 125 year history to face Shakhter Karagandy.
In the evening, the CONCACAF Champions League takes center stage, as the Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, and Club Tijuana are all in action against regional opponents.
If you will be watching today’s action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Today’s TV schedule is after the jump):
11am – Shakhter Karagandy vs. Celtic – Fox Soccer Plus/Fox Soccer 2Go
2:30pm – Paços de Ferreira vs. Zenit St. Petersburg – Fox Soccer Channel
2:45pm – Viktoria Plzen vs. Maribor – MSG Plus/Fox Sports Net
2:45pm – PSV Eindhoven vs. AC Milan – Fox Sports 1
2:45pm – Lyon vs. Real Sociedad – Fox Sports 2
8pm – Western Connection vs. Houston Dynamo – Fox Sports 1
9:50pm – Estudiantes Tecos vs. Morelia – ESPN Deportes (Copa MX)
10pm – LA Galaxy vs. Cartagines – Fox Soccer Plus
10pm – Victoria vs. Club Tijuana – Fox Soccer 2Go
Why are the games in Europe highlighted in bold black ?
Donovan’s pass was incredible. He is simply a game changer…has been his whole career.
Is Tijuana rained out?
Just saw on Twitter that they are playing and Arriola scored again. It would be nice to get him in to a qualifier once it’s locked down. That kid is on fire.
That PSV vs Milan game was thoroughly entertaining for a 1 to 1 game, if you have a chance to watch a replay do so. It is interesting because both goals were scored against the run of play when they happened.
As a Milan fan, I do not think that attacking will be a problem this year. SES, Niang, Balo, Montolivo, Poli, Saponara, and others. I’d love to see them splash some cash and add to that back line. Maybe add a couple of big signings like Doria and Alex Sandro.
Damn, Vela looks good. Just hit the post then delivered a great cross for a golazo for Greizman against Lyon. The guy is quality.
Now PSV would be a nice place for Donovan to land. Young, talented, fast and great passing. I think he could fit in well there…..I’m expecting this Milan and PSV tie to very entertaining.
… and down two goals
I think it’s safe to say this is the first time Celtic have played in Kazakhstan.
And also the first time they’ve been down a goal in Kazakhstan.
Or two goals down. Looking like another first is likely – first Kazakh team in the group stages of the Champions League. Unless there’s one I’ve forgotten but I don’t think so.
You’re not forgetting. And if they lose, they’ll be the first Kazakhstani team in the Europa League (or UEFA Cup) group stage.