UEFA Champions League Preview, Group D

Chelsea's Michael Essien received little resistance from Atlético
Madrid's defense. (photos: WSR)

Group D

As we play out the string until Chelsea goes to the Dragão for their group-deciding match with Porto, we are treated to another match day between the haves and have-nots. Of course, there is a statistical probability that the two haves could stumble (a probability that seems to increase every time analysis like this dismisses their chances to get points), but this gets back to the value of good teams playing well.

If Chelsea and Porto play near their capabilities, they continue rolling towards that match-up in Portugal. That will be a great affair much more anticipated than the Blues trip to the Vincente Calderon. If one of them stumbles, the group will become more interesting to some, but it would be parity at the expense of (not because of) performance.

Bruno Alves has been the one constant for Porto during their recent successes.
Club	Points	Diff
Chelsea	9	+6
Porto	6	+2
APOEL	1	-2
Atlético Madrid	1	-6
Through three rounds.

Given Chelsea's 4-0 win two weeks ago over the Atléti, a competitive match would be a surprise. Atlético remains one of the most talented squads in the world, but with an inability to defend and the adjustment period to new head coach Quique Sanchez Flores, Chelsea looks prime to stay perfect, even if they have to grind-out a result.

Porto did not have it as easy last round against APOEL, with an early own goal forcing them to work for their 2-1 victory. APOEL has been consistently forcing teams to beat them, losing by one goal to each of Chelsea and Porto. While it's tempting to think the reverse fixture in Cyprus could see APOEL narrow that one goal gap, Porto seems to have hit their typical, steady stride, now unbeaten in seven straight. While their win streak was snapped with a 1-1 weekend draw against low-rung Belenenses, Porto started with Radamel Falcão and Cristian Rodríguez outside of the starting XI, presumedly saving their efforts for Tuesday.

Though APOEL has played with heart in each of their three matches, they have yet to record a goal themselves. They couldn't even score against Atlético Madrid, a feet that would cause the jaws of Mallorca players to drop. Given the will, Porto finds a way to keep themselves on course for their November 25 shot at Chelsea's full squad.

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