The Champions League 2014-15 season got underway on Tuesday, with a series of major matches.

The results were across the board in the first four groups, leaving some strong first impressions on how the opening round could go.

Here are some observations from each group:

Group A - Wide Open & Olympiacos Very Much Alive

This group did not initially look particularly competitive. Atletico Madrid was the runner-up of last season's competition, and by all accounts looked just as competitive in 2014-15 as it had been last season. Juventus underperformed a year ago, but few felt that Olympiacos, despite a terrific performance in last season's competition (albeit in a mediocre group), would pose a big challenge to get out of the group.

That could not be more incorrect after the opening game day.

Juventus did what it needed to do at home. It dominated possession (71-29), played solid defense and got two big goals from Carlos Tevez.

But Atletico, who is expected to top the group, did not get the job done in Greece. The team imploded against the confident Olympiacos side that, with its 3-2 win, looks like a threat to make the top two in this group. Olympiacos was out-shot and out-possessed throughout the encountered, but the team managed some timely attacks and scored when it counted.

This team should win at home against Malmo (and on the road as well) and another victory at home against Juventus should all but guarantee a spot in the top two. Of course an implosion away from home could be fatal but Olympiacos has what it takes to get out of the group.

Group B - Real Madrid's to Lose

The reigning champs came out with determination to put any lingering anxieties to rest. They scored 40 goals in the opening half before adding a brilliant fifth. Everyone seemingly went right. Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema all scored, while Iker Casillas made a big save and seemingly regained some confidence. It was a win they were supposed to have, but in their recent form, few would have expected such a massacre.

For FC Basel, this loss might be a painful blow, but there is still hope. While the Swiss side was getting pulverized, Liverpool was struggling to put away the group's minnow at home. The English side had to wait until the 82nd minute to get a goal from Mario Balotelli, but even that was not enough. A tying goal came soon after and it was up to some late penalty heroics from Steven Gerrard to bail out the team and grab a crucial three points. If Liverpool continues to play this way, then it will stand no chance against Madrid and could see itself eliminated by Basel in this round.

Group C - Zenit as Favorite?

The Russian team Zenit St. Petersburg was undoubtedly the weakest side to make the knockout rounds last season. The team was fortunate to get a favorable draw in Group C, but few would have picked the side as the favorites. After its 2-0 win over Benfica--on the road, no less--it would be hard to dismiss the Russians.

Meanwhile in Monaco, the French side shut down the other group favorite in Bayer Leverkusen. A home win was expected, but Leverkusen is looking weak to start the tournament and could struggle against the other two sides in this group. It looks wide open, but Zenit's play thus far (and its away win) make it the favorite.

Group D - Arsenal Woes Continue

The Gunners have not had a great start to 2014-15. Since winning its opening match of the year, the team has managed just one win in its last six games. The main reason behind the team's early season struggles has come down to a weak attack and some spotty defending in the midfield. This was on full display against Borussia Dortmund. The German side cut through Arsenal with its speed and tenacity and the Gunners simply had no answer. It was a frustrating night for Arsenal fans and proved that this team might still not be ready for a deep run in this tournament.

The other match between Anderlecht and Galatasaray might have been encouraging, however, for Arsenal fans as neither side proved to be a powerhouse.

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