The Victors

Club Brugge v. Aston Villa-Villa was gutted by sales and looks like crap. But Brugge is but a shell of the team that was so tough at home last year. For no reason, I am guessing Aston Villa is still a bit too much for a reloading Brugge early in the season, but that is pure guess at this stage.

ASK v. Lask-no idea whatsoever.

Porto v. Man City-tough draw for City early, but they are supposed to be one of the powers from the EPL, so they are favored. Even though they have a new coach and are reloading to some extent, Haaland is still a norse god and City is likely too much for a good Porto team.

REal Madrid v. Inter- wow, what a matchup early. Real hasn't shown much this season but they always surprise in the CL. No one will be surprise if Inter is ready to play and Real Madrid is not, though, as this isn't the Kroos/Modric Champion's League juggernaut of yesteryear.

Dortmund v. Villareal- Dortmund is having ridiculously bad luck with injuries as they started the season without Schlotterbeck and have now lost Bensebani and Mane for this game. Makeshift defense, and they lost their new winger Konstanteidas to an ACL for the first half of the season, but they are actually playing well in the league and Guirassey is scoring, while Villareal has started slow this season and traveling to Dortmund is asking a lot. Dortmund likely coasts, but Villareal could grab at least one.

Losc v. Betis- Lille was tough at home last season and has started this season well with a win and a draw against PSG. Lille is playing well early. It won't likely be a high scoring game, but Lille should be in control.