Champions League Roundup: 10/22 - 10/23

A Champions League record for Hector Herrera, but not a good one

Hector Herrera's huge gaffe overshadowed Carlos Vela v Javier Hernandez in the third round of Champions' League Group Play:


Hector Herrera received his first Champions League start for Porto as they faced Zenit St. Petersburg.  Unfortunately, it all ended horribly for him only 6 minutes into the game after receiving two yellow cards in 20 seconds (a Champions League record).  His first yellow was received after a sloppy tackle against Zenit's Hulk.  The second, more controversial, yellow card came on the ensuing free kick, where Herrera broke from the wall too early to interfere with the kick.  The referee was in no mood to deal with Herrera's transgression, and bypassed a warning for the yellow.  Herrera must now sit out the November 6th UCL match as Porto travel to Zenit.  Porto fought hard with a ten-man squad and were unlucky to lose the game 1-0.  Porto has started group play with 2 straight home losses and are in dire straits.  Worst for Mexico fans, will Herrera be trusted with a start in a critical match again this season?

Diego Reyes was not called by Porto for this match.

Chicharito receiving a high kick during Champions League action

Elsewhere, Javier Hernandez received a rare start for Manchester United as they took on Carlos Vela and Real Sociedad at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.  There were no goals scored aside from an own-goal by Sociedad goalie Inigo Martinez in the second minute.  Hernandez' movement, coupled with an energetic Shinji Kagawa, helped to make the United side more pacey than they have been in recent weeks.  Vela was often dangerous for Sociedad, but the goals never came.  The teams meet again in San Sebastian on November 5th.


Elsewhere, Jonathan Dos Santos was not called for Barcelona's 1-1 draw with AC Milan in San Siro.