One of the greatest soccer tournaments in the world is well underway. Of course, I'm talking about the UEFA Champions League! The best clubs from across Europe, competiting for the sports ultimate prize...doesn't get much better than that.

GROUP A
Chelsea, Barcelona, Werder Bremen, Levski Sofia

At first glance this is a no brainer. Chelsea and Barcelona are both light years ahead of Werder Bremen and Levski Sofia. It'll be the results in the two legs between them that will ultimately decide who finishes first. Of course, this tournament is known for the "unknown surprises" such as yesterday's draw between Barcelona and Werder Bremen. Of course, I just don't forsee anything crazy happening in this group. Expect both Chelsea and Barcelona to advance.

GROUP B
Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, Inter Milan, Spartak Moscow

Sporting Lisbon is my all-time favorite team so I have a great deal of interest in this group. I knew "Os Leos" would have a good team this year, but even I was surprised to see them defeat Inter 1-nil in the first game of the tournament. A terrific start, followed by a disappointing draw with Spartak Moscow. Bottom line, this is a group where all four teams have a chance to advance. In my opinion...I see both Sporting and Inter going through. Bayern isn't as strong as they used to be and despite what officials with the club may say, I still think it was a HUGE loss when Owen Hargreaves was benched and later suffered an injury.

GROUP C
Liverpool, PSV, Galatasary, Bordeaux

Ever since Rafa Benitez took over Liverpool, the club has been a dominant force in both England and Europe. I expect nothing less in this year's edition of the Champions League and forsee them finishing first. The race for second is interesting but again, I don't think Galatasary is as strong as they used to be. That leaves Bordeaux and PSV...and based on prior history...I'll give the nod to PSV.

GROUP D
Valencia, Roma, Olympiakos, Shaktar Donetsk

Valencia is the hands-on favorite to win this group and I think that's no surprise to anyone. In most years I'd give Roma the nod to finish in second...but they just haven't impressed me this season. They seem to lack firepower and that's going to hurt them in Champions League. So I'm gonna go with what some may consider a surprise...Olympiakos in second.

GROUP E
Lyon, Real Madrid, Steaua Bucuresti, Dynamo Kiev

On paper, Real Madrid is the favorite. On the field, it's anything but. "The Galacticos" were handed an embarassing loss to Lyon, 3-nil in the opening game of the tournament. A slap in the face to the organization and hopefully a wake up call. It's obvious that both Lyon and Real Madrid will both advance...as for what position remains to be seen. If Lyon can defeat Real Madrid for the third time in two years, then Lyon gets first...and what a pleasant surprise that would be.

GROUP F
Manchester United, Celtic, Benfica, Copenhagen

When I discussed this group with my dad a week before he died, he agreed that while Benfica would have a difficult time with the British clubs, they should finish second behind Man Utd. While it doesn't look likely at the moment, I still stand by that prediction. You see, Man Utd is an awesome team that finally appears to have the pieces of the puzzle in tact to make a serious run at a Championship. Benfica is a club that plays much better in Europe than they do in the Portuguese Super Liga. Despite their 1-nil loss at home to Man Utd, Benfica dominated that entire game from beginning to end. They frustrated the Red Devils and made it difficult for them to get anything done in the midfield. Of course that's not to take away anything from Celtic who are a strong team themselves. Thing is, while the Portuguese Super Liga is weak...the Scottish in my opinion, is even weaker. Celtic will never reach their full potential due to the lack of competition in Scotland.

GROUP G
Arsenal, CSKA Moscow, FC Porto, Hamburg SV

Looking at this group I instantly say Arsenal and FC Porto. "The Gunners" will easily finish first but the race for second will be a nail biter. FC Porto have a pretty good team, with Ricardo Quaresma stealing the spotlight with his Cristiano Ronaldo-esque moves. But CSKA Moscow are former UEFA Cup Champions...they know how to get the job done and could be the dark horse in this group. I'm really not sure who to pick for second...so I'll just go with Moscow.

GROUP H
AC Milan, Lille, Anderlecht, AEK Athens

I still don't believe AC Milan should have been allowed in this tournament due to the Italian Scandal. None the less, I can't go back in time and change things to suit my beliefs. With that being said, Milan will finish first because they have a good team. Anderlecht and AEK Athens are ok clubs...but will just be along for the ride. Expect Lille to finish second...maybe even first if they surprise Milan.

Here's the standings after the first 2 matches played.