Champions League: Chelsea Begins With Victory …Barca, Arsenal Draw

The group stage of the 2011 European Champions League began last night with  mixed results in the eight matches played.

English Premiership side, Chelsea  kicked off the campaign with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over German side, Bayer Leverkusen at the Stamford Bridge.

Both teams had a goal disallowed  before Brazilian defender David Luiz scored from 20 yards out and Juan Mata increased the tally late on.

Perhaps, the most exciting encounter was at Camp Nou of reigning champions, FC Barcelona where the homers clashed with fellow European heavyweight, AC Milan.

The encounter ended 2-1 but Barcelona had to come from behind after Alexandre Pato put the Italians ahead with the fastest goal of the competition, so far. Late on David Villa’s goal was cancelled out by Milan to ensure that the stakes were shared

In Germany, the much villified Arsenal, which started their domestic campaign on a poor note failed to hold onto a first half goal and victory against champions, Borussia Dortmund

Skipper Robin Van Persie had given the Gunners an unlikely lead but consistent pressure from Dortmund paid off at the death, when a sweet left footed volley found Arsenal’s net to ensure that honours were even.

Chelsea Fernando Torres (left) against Bayer Leverkusen last night