Ten things we learned this week

By Marc Shaw

Here are a few things we learnt from watching the UEFA Champions League this week.

1) Ten men often play like 12

AC Milan managed to win 1-0 at Club Brugge KV despite losing club legend Paolo Maldini in the first half through injury and having defender Alessandro Nesta sent off for two bookable offences before the break. Kaka volleyed their classy winner four minutes from time.

2) Stuttgart are in daunting form

Three goals in ten second-half minutes sent Panathinaikos FC crashing out of the Champions League against VfB Stuttgart. The German side remain on top in Group E ahead of Manchester United FC. They have conceded just two goals in the Bundesliga all season.

3) Van Nistelrooij and Forlán make a good partnership

After four goals in his last four games, including a stunning sixth-minute opener in a 3-0 win against Rangers FC, Diego Forlán finally seems to have found his shooting boots. Ruud van Nistelrooij, who scored the other two against Rangers, said: "It can work into a great partnership. If you see his qualities and my qalities they can adapt together."

4) Casillas is a great goalkeeper

Real Madrid CF's goalless draw at FK Partizan secured their place in the last 16, but it was only thanks to a superb run of saves from Iker Casillas. "I want to congratulate all my players but especially my goalkeeper Casillas," said Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz. "In the last 15 minutes he made some brilliant reaction saves and earned us a point."

5) Chelsea are on song

The multi-millionaires from London may not be popular, but Chelsea FC are certainly effective as their 4-0 win at S.S. Lazio proved. That win saw most bookmakers reduce their odds on Claudi Ranieri's side. They are now fourth favourites to win the competition.

6) Drogba has his off days

Having scored five goals in his first three Champions League games this season, Olympique de Marseille's Didier Drogba finally drew a blank as his side lost 1-0 at FC Porto. That said, he did go close with a free-kick against the crossbar in added time.

7) Pršo had a happy birthday

AS Monaco FC forward Dado Pršo turned 29 in style on Wednesday, scoring four goals as his side won 8-3 against RC Deportivo La Coruña. Standing in for the injured Fernando Morientes, the Croatian helped to produce the highest scoring game in the UEFA Champions League's short history.

8) No1s are not always goalkeepers

Traditionally, the No1 is always a goalkeeper, but that is not the case with Greek champions Olympiacos CFP. There was some surprise when international midfield player Pantelis Kafes came on after 65 minutes wearing the No1 shirt.

9) Elber is still a threat

Former FC Bayern München striker Giovane Elber was denied a goal for Olympique Lyonnais against his old club by a superb Oliver Kahn save on Matchday Three. However, he then found the winner as Lyon won 2-1 in Munich. "We're happy for him," said Lyon coach Paul Le Guen.

10) Arsenal still have hope

They had to field four strikers in order to do it, but finally Arsenal FC have a Champions League win. Ashley Cole broke the deadlock after 88 minutes at home against FC Dynamo Kyiv to secure a 1-0 victory. "You have to take a gamble when you need to win," said coach Arsène Wenger.