Groups set the stage for Champions League of upsets | Brian Barry

In 2011 RTÉ suggested that they would cease airing coverage of the Champions League group stages, suggesting that it is merely a foregone conclusion for the big clubs, who have an opportunity to rest their top players in the second half of games. Ultimately this plan did not gather enough support; and those who opposed these calls can feel fully vindicated four rounds into the 2012/2013 campaign. With Premier League Champions Manchester City all but eliminated, Celtic's surprise success and German domination, the group stages are more attractive than ever before.Roberto Mancini's charges are on the verge of an early exit for a second consecutive year. They have not experienced happy travels to the traditional European strongholds of the Bernabéu and the Amsterdam Arena. A meagre two draws from four games will not see you through at this level, and City are fast learning that Europe's top table is a whole different entity to the Premier League. It is not for a lack of talent either as they face teams with vast amounts of European experience. While the likes of Tevez, Balotelli and Yaya Toure boast winners’ medals, European pedigree is something that must be acquired as a team and a club. Having been installed as a pre-tournament favourites, they flattered to deceive on the big stage, and now must look on enviously as their peers march on towards Wembley.If Man City are lacking in the European X-Factor, the Scottish champions have it in abundance. Working off a limited budget, and having been written off completely when the draw was made, Celtic secured an away win in Moscow before marching on the Nou Camp. Having been desperately unlucky not to see the game through to the end, the common perception was that they caught Barcelona on an off-day and the Catalan giants would not allow a repeat when they travelled to Parkhead. It was not a repeat of course and the rest is history for the Hoops, coming a day after the club's 125th anniversary.Now they face into the final two games with genuine hope of reaching the last 16 after 5 years in the doldrums. The tribulations of Rangers have tainted the estimations of Scottish football recently, and it was believed that this would have drastic implications for Celtic. However they have got a European lifeline; and gratefully received it with open arms.The standout aspect when you look at the groups is the success of the German clubs. With the competing German sides on top of 3 strong groups, it cannot be denied that there are underlying factors to this success. The financial astuteness of Bundesliga clubs is famed, and they are more than comfortable with attempts to introduce Financial Fair Play. The bookmakers have installed Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as third and fifth favourites respectively, with Schalke currently on top of a group containing Arsenal, Olympiakos and French champions Montpellier. The European tide is turning; the English domination of the last 8 years is waning; the Germans are all looking to win it.Aside from Man City, the other English clubs, Arsenal and champions Chelsea seem to going according to plan, while Manchester United are already through to the knockout stages. They are set to be joined by Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Malaga are impressively in command of Group C.The group stages of this year’s Champions League have been more intriguing than ever before and, with two rounds remaining, some big name clubs have work left to do. RTÉ won't be regretting their decision.