Champions League Two-Twos, Americans Abroad, Jewish Chants, Fun in Finland

2-2 was the name of the game yesterday. Manchester City, Ajax, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke, and Arsenal all scored two goals. And Manchester City are pissed! Rightly so, it must be said. Super Mario was basically thrown to the ground in the final minute (right in front of the ref) and nothing was given. Regardless, City have flopped. Jamie Jackson has five reasons why. Phil McNulty says Mancini must recognize the brutal truth.

Here are how the groups look. The BBC has all the permutations. Ben Lyttleton discusses things about the Champions League.

Getting paid to watch a match and do nothing: The Fifth Official

Today you've got Shakhtar at Chelsea as the most attractive fixture. Jonathan Wilson knows his Eastern European football. Here he discusses the man behind Shaktar's success. Elsewhere, Celtic host Barcelona, which could be interesting. And Manchester United are in Portugal to face Braga.

There's chanting going on at White Hart Lane. But, there has always been chanting going on at White Hart Lane. Tottenham has a strong Jewish history. Here's their official statement: "Our fans adopted the chant as a defence mechanism in order to own the term and thereby deflect anti-Semitic abuse. They do not use the term to others to cause any offence, they use it a chant amongst themselves. "The club believes that real anti-Semitic abuse such as hissing to simulate the noise of gas chambers is the real evil and the real offence. We believe this is the area that requires a determined and concerted effort from all parties and where we seek greater support to eradicate." For some that's not enough.

The playoffs return tonight. Yes, Major League Soccer continues down the path to some sort of final game. New York Red Bull host D.C. United at 8pm EST on the NBC Sports Network. Super-Storm Sandy fucked up the last leg so they had to switch venues. Anyway, this was a nice gesture. Here are some predictions. 

Some Americans prefer to ply their trade outside of the United States. Here is a look at what a bunch of them are up to. Yes, it's Americans Abroad!

Former UNC Asheville goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen is a funny guy with excellent trick-shot skills. Check him out. The 3:12 mark is worth a chuckle.

This is interesting: Santa Cruz: The third division Brazilian club with the incredible fanbase. Who knew?

OK. Done.

Onward!!

-SSN