For many of us, today kicks off what will feel like the first day of the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League season. No more qualifying groups. This is the real deal. And what a better way to start it than with a mouthwatering match between Real Madrid and Manchester City!

Roberto Mancini’s team kicks off their Champions League pursuit with the game at the Bernabeu, live at 2:45pm ET on FOX Soccer for viewers in the United States. This will be a gigantic test for City especially with the pressure on their backs to perform well as the current Premier League title holders. Real Madrid has had a poor start to their La Liga season, but the home advantage should be enough to claim all three points, or will it?

In the other Champions League match today featuring a Premier League team, Arsenal travels to France to play Montpellier. Steve Bould will be managing the Gunners today while Wenger sits in the stands after his suspension. With Arsenal’s convincing win against Southampton on Saturday, the Gunners will be full of confidence.

Before, during and after today’s matches, post your rants, raves, questions and observations in the comments section below.