UEFA Champions League Thread

[vtec]

these are the results of today's champions' league draw:

2007/08 UEFA Champions League group stage

Group A --------------------------------Group B
Liverfekkin'wankscum FC (ENG) ------------------- Chelsea FC (ENG)
FC Porto (POR) ------------------------Valencia CF (ESP)
Olympique de Marseille (FRA) ------- FC Schalke 04 (GER)
Be?ikta? JK (TUR) ---------------------Rosenborg BK (NOR)
Group C --------------------------------Group D
Real Madrid CF (ESP) -----------------AC Milan (ITA, holders)
Werder Bremen (GER) --------------- SL Benfica (POR)
S.S. Lazio (ITA) -----------------------Celtic FC (SCO)
Olympiacos CFP (GRE) --------------- FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Group E -------------------------------- Group F
FC Barcelona (ESP) --------------------Manchester United FC (ENG)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) ------------AS Roma (ITA)
VfB Stuttgart (GER) --------------------Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR)
Rangers FC (SCO) ---------------------FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
Group G --------------------------------Group H
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) ------Arsenal FC (ENG)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) -----------------Sevilla FC (ESP) / AEK Athens FC(GRE)
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)------------- FC Steaua Bucure?ti (ROU)
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) -----------------SK Slavia Praha (CZE)



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[vtec]

teams to advance:

A: Liverfekkin'wankscum, porto
B: chelsea, valencia
C: real madrid, lazio
D: milan, benfica
E: barcelona, lyon
F: roma, manutd
G: inter, psv
H: sevilla, arsenal

[Lombardiamia]

teams to advance:

A: Liverfekkin'wankscum, porto
B: chelsea, valencia
C: real madrid, lazio
D: milan, benfica
E: barcelona, lyon
F: roma, manutd
G: inter, psv
H: sevilla, arsenal

I expect Celtic & Marseilles to proceed

[vtec]

could be. i was on the fence about those two. celtic are not a joke team by any standards, and marseille may just pip porto.

you're basically just saying, though, that the portuguese teams are going down, which may well be. they do sell most of their stars, but they also bring in new talent faster than anyone. celtic definitely have improved on last season (they added donati, duh), so i might have to revise my prediction. a lot of it will depend on timing.

[vtec]

after seeing the group schedule, i revise my prediction and agree that celtic will advance. they will come to milan on the very last matchday, and we will likely have it wrapped up by then, which will make it easier for them to get a result.

[vtec]

CL Draw: Strachan's Mixed Feelings

Scottish champions Celtic have been drawn in a tough Champions League Group D along with holders AC Milan, Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk. And the Hoops have met all three of these teams in the same competition during the last three years.


The familiarity of Celtic's opposition in the Champions League group stage has left manager Gordon Strachan with mixed feelings.

It was in 2004 that Celtic played Shakhtar from Ukraine in the group stages, while Benfica were among their opponents last season. And after finishing ahead of the Lisbon Eagles in the group stage, the Bhoys were paired with eventual winners AC Milan, being eliminated after a couple of brave, battling performances.

Strachan told the official Celtic website www.celticfc.net immediately after the draw was made: “Obviously, it’s a tough group and we probably wouldn’t have wanted to be drawn against the two sides that we faced last year – AC Milan and Benfica.

“First of all, the fact that they are both good teams makes you think that way, but it’s also for the fans. They would probably like to have seen us playing some new teams.

“The benefit is that we know what we are up against. We know the hotels, the flights, the logistics of going to all three places, because Celtic have been there in the last three or four years.â€

[vtec]

Arsenal Reflect On 'Tough Draw'

Arsenal's Champions League draw may have seemed favourable on paper at least, but the clubs Champions League director insists it is still tough as it pits the Gunners against unknown opposition.


Arsenal face Steaua Bucharest and Slavia Prague and the winners of Sevilla versus AEK Athens, which is unresolved following the tragic death of the Spanish side's 22-year-old defender Antonio Puerta.

Keith Edelman told Sky Sports News: "I think it's the first time we have never played one of the teams we have we have been drawn against.

"We have played in Prague quite a bit over the last few years, Bucharest we have never been to and it's going to be a new challenge for us, we have played a lot in Athens and Sevilla, of course, had a great run in the UEFA Cup and have done extremely well in that competition.

"I think they are all tough. The thing about the Champions League is it's an exciting competition but also a very challenging one.

"We have a very good young team full of enthusiasm. There is great team morale and we are confident we can have a great season and in Arsene (Wenger) pulling together enormous talent. We feel very positive about that."

[vtec]

CL Draw: Mijatovic Tags Madrid As Favourites

Predrag Mijatovic believes that Real Madrid are favourites to qualify from their Champions League group, but expects a tough contest.


After being drawn alongside Lazio, Werder Bremen and Olympiacos in Group C, the Spanish club's sporting director is confident that Madrid will progress.

Having made a number of changes to the squad that won the title for the first time in four seasons last term, Mijatovic is expecting another successful campaign.

"We have a young team and very excited about doing something big in Europe this season," he said.

"For the past four years we have not reached the quarter finals.

"We maybe considered to be the favourites in the group, but there are no longer any easy opponents.

"Any team can can a surprise and for that reason we will have to show every side respect."

[vtec]

CL Draw: Mixed Response From Inter

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini and captain Javier Zanetti gave their reactions on the Champions League draw which saw the club drawn with PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, and Fenerbahce.

Italian champions Inter Milan have been drawn alongside PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce, and CSKA Moscow in group G of the Champions League.

It seems like a very acceptable draw, but reactions from the Inter camp were traditionally diplomatic and cautious.

"It's difficult, as always," [whined] coach Roberto Mancini. "When you are participating in an important competition like the Champions League, it's difficult to make a list of preferred opponents.

"All opponents, at this level, are important and difficult to face. The same goes for the teams we have drawn today, they are all teams with tradition and pedigree in European football."

Captain Javier Zanetti also reflected on Inter's opponents.

"It's a well-balanced group, they are all potentially dangerous teams and we can't underestimate any of them," he said.

He admitted though, that if Inter get their game right, there should not be plenty of problems.

"Everything will depend on us, we have a great team which, if it wants to, can do well against anyone," he opined.

"We know about the difficulties of the Champions League, but we re very focused on doing well and we will give our all to go as far as possible."

[vtec]

CL Draw: Ferguson Relishes Roma Re-Match
Manchester United manager Sir tender Alex Ferguson is relishing his club's re-match against AS Roma in this year's Champions League campaign, and sees it as the key talking point in the draw for Group F that was made this evening in Monaco.


During last season's Champions League quarter-final between United and Roma, violence erupted at both legs.

United supporters were attacked by fans and baton-wielding police in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, resulting in a £31,000 fine for Roma for the behaviour of their fans. United were fined £14,500 by Uefa.

In the second leg, United tore Roma apart on the pitch, running out 7-1 winners to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit.

United boss Ferguson described that second leg showing as "the best ever European evening in my time at the club."

He said today after the draw threw up a reunion for the clubs: "That will be the talking point after last season."

But it is not all about Roma - United are also paired with Sporting Clube de Portugal, the Lisbon outfit from whom the Red Devils signed both Cristiano Ronaldo and, this summer, Nani. Then there will be a difficult trip to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kiev.

"It is a very tight group," said he added. "Dynamo Kiev are a good side.

"We also have two of Sporting Lisbon's former players, so we know a bit about them."

United have previously met Sporting just once, in the old European Cup Winners' Cup. That was 44 years ago, when George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law were in the United side that lost 5-0 in Lisbon.

Ferguson will hope for a different outcome and has set United a target of 10 points to reach the knock-out stages.

"The whole group possesses some very interesting aspects," he said.

"We hope we can get 10 points. It will be difficult but if we can get that I think we will qualify."

[vtec]

CL Draw: Could Have Been Easier - Benitez

Liverfekkin'wankscum manager Rafael Benitez says the Reds face a tough task to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League following tonight's draw in Monaco.

Group A sees seeded Liverfekkin'wankscum drawn with Porto, Marseille and Besiktas as they attempt to reach the final of this competition for the third time in four seasons.

Benitez [lamented to] the Liverfekkin'wankscum website: "It's clear when you look at some of the other groups that ours could have been easier.

"Porto have good experience in the Champions League and have enjoyed a good record over recent seasons. They will be tough opposition for us.

"Marseille are a good side in the French league and they will know a lot about us which could make it more difficult.

"And you always know when you go to Turkey that it will be hard because of the travelling involved and the wonderful support they give their teams over there.

"I am always confident we can qualify but as ever the key will be winning the home games and picking up results away."

[vtec]

CL Draw: Txiki - Barca In Group Of Death

Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain claims that his side's Champions League group - comprising Barca, Lyon, Stuttgart and Rangers - is one of the hardest groups


Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Begiristain is taking nothing for granted in the Champions League, despite his side's status as top seeds Group E.

Los Culers have been placed in a contest with Olympique Lyon of France, Germany's VfB Stuttgart and Scottish club Rangers, leaving Txiki unconvinced that Barca have safe passage to the knockout rounds.

The former Barca winger called it "one of the hardest groups," adding, "There are three strong teams: the champions of France and Germany, and one of the two great clubs of Scotland."

He continued, "The toughness of this group requires us to be 100% concentrated, and to take these matches seriously."

Johan Neeskens, former Dutch legend and current assistant to coach Frank Rijkaard, was equally grave in his reaction, taking each team in turn.

"[Lyon] is the French champion of the last few years. They're no easy rival, particularly at their own ground. For our French players, this will be a good tie, as they'll be eager to put in two good performances. They'll prove a tough rival.

"[Stuttgart] is an extremely tough opponent and, as a German club, it's very difficult to win on their pitch.

"In addition, they've signed Ewerthon, Mario Gomez and Cacau this season... Against Stuttgart we'll need to give a hundred percent so that problems don't befall us.

"[Rangers] are a team that have been playing very well lately. They're top of their league, and are difficult to face away due to the special atmosphere at their stadium.

"They play a physical game with long balls and we'll need to concentrate hard," he said.

He added that, ultimately, Barca's favourites tag is meaningless.

"In all of Europe, I'm sure that they consider us group favourites. But it's still going to be far from easy.

"In order to make the next round, we'll have to play like a team, and give one hundred precent.

"But it is great that we don't have to travel many kilometers and flight hours. In addition, we don't have to go to Eastern countries like Russia, meaning we don't suffer from extreme weather and cold."

Barca last won the competition in 2005-06, beating Arsenal in the final. None of their groupmates have ever lifted the famous trophy.

[vtec]

CL Draw: Werder Happy With Pairings

Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allofs have reacted positively to the Champions League draw, which has seen Werder Bremen drawn in Group C alongside Real Madrid, Lazio and Olympiakos.


Speaking after the draw Allofs said, “Real Madrid is of course an absolute dream opponent. The games against them will be similar to those last year against Barcelona and Chelsea.

“We are looking forward to them. Lazio and Olympiakos complete the group and they provide an interesting challenge.â€

[oily]

we need a defender! pronto!

JC has a broked rib / collapsed lung... and sami is getting older/slower
only cb left is agger :s

did Liverfekkin'wankscum make a bid for boumsong? is chelini a cb?

[Lombardiamia]

we need a defender! pronto!

JC has a broked rib / collapsed lung... and sami is getting older/slower
only cb left is agger :s

did Liverfekkin'wankscum make a bid for boumsong? is chelini a cb?

Guess you're too late for a defender now.

[Totally FRANK]

I read that risse will be playing CB.....

[Lombardiamia]

I read that risse will be playing CB.....

Lollll that would be funny. I'm still pretty sure that Riise doesnt know whats the difference between LB & offensive LW.

[Totally FRANK]

I read that risse will be playing CB.....

Lollll that would be funny. I'm still pretty sure that Riise doesnt know whats the difference between LB & offensive LW.

Yeah i would rather put sissoko in defense that riise.......

First riise doesn't know how to defend as a CB and second it is just a huge waste of talent for Liverfekkin'wankscum when going forward.......

[Lombardiamia]

I read that risse will be playing CB.....

Lollll that would be funny. I'm still pretty sure that Riise doesnt know whats the difference between LB & offensive LW.

Yeah i would rather put sissoko in defense that riise.......

First riise doesn't know how to defend as a CB and second it is just a huge waste of talent for Liverfekkin'wankscum when going forward.......

Riise is pretty much more offensive and dangerous than Crotch....

[juventino_italiano]

I dont know about Marseille advancing ahead of Porto.
But Benfica is not the team they were last year, Miccoli gone and Anderson out of their defence gone to Lyon.
And they've already undergone a coaching change.
So Celtic could certainly advance ahead of them

Roma's group is difficult, Man U obviously, and Sporting will be no pushovers, they have a lot of the Portuguese young talent