UEFA Champions League 2011/2012

[Confidence]

Friday 19th August 2011

UEFA clamp down on Arsene Wenger

UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for allegedly breaching the terms of his Champions League touchline ban.

Wenger, serving a punishment stemming from last season's Champions League last-16 defeat by Barcelona, was seemingly caught passing messages to his team via a third party during Tuesday's 1-0 win over Udinese in their play-off first leg. Arsenal immediately confirmed that they will argue Wenger's case when the disciplinary is held on Monday.

A statement on UEFA's official website read: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger for not abiding by the decisions of the UEFA control and disciplinary body in relation to the one-match suspension he served during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League play-off game against Udinese."

Wenger claimed UEFA had told him he was permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench. But European football's governing body denied giving Wenger the green light and have been studying the report from their match officials before deciding whether to take further action.

The governing body's statement continued: "According to the UEFA disciplinary regulations, a manager may not communicate with his team during the match for which he is suspended and may follow the game from the stands only. "Wenger was serving the suspension which the UEFA control and disciplinary body handed down following the English team's round of 16 match at FC Barcelona in the same competition last season.

"Arsenal won the play-off first leg against Udinese 1-0 in north London. The new disciplinary case will be discussed on Monday 22 August."

 

[Confidence]

Monday 22nd August 2011

Bayern look safe, Villarreal in trouble

Bayern Munich are huge favourites to qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, but the same cannot be said for La Liga outfit Villarreal.

German Bundesliga giants Bayern head into Tuesday night's second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Swiss outfit FC Zurich with a two-goal advantage, thanks to strikes from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben last Wednesday.

While Bayern were far from impressive, they were still far too good for their Swiss opponents and will be confident they in their chances of sealing their progress at the Letzigrund Stadium on Tuesday. However, Villarreal will not enjoy as comfortable an evening, although many still expect them to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Danish side Odense.

Despite missing a number of key players last Wednesday, Odense claimed a shock win over Villarreal courtesy of a Hans Henrik Andreasen strike six minutes from time. Still, with the likes of Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar leading the line for the Yellow Submarines, Tuesday's affair at El Madrigal is far from a foregone conclusion.

One side that should not have too many difficulties in seeing out their qualifier is Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb, who will go into their second-leg against Swedish side Malmo with a 4-1 lead. A brace from Sammir and further goals by Ante Rukavina and Fatos Beciraj cancelled out Agon Mehmeti's early equaliser to give Dinamo a commanding advantage to bring along to the Swedbank Stadion.

Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia play hosts to Polish outfit Wisla Krakow on Tuesday night hoping to overturn a 1-0 deficit that came from a 71st minute Patryck Malecki strike in last Wednesday's first-leg. Elsewhere, Belgian side Genk will also be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit when they entertain Israeli outfit Maccabi Haifa, having lost 2-1 a week ago.

Tuesday's Fixtures

FC Zurich vs Bayern Munich (0-2 on agg.)

Villarreal vs Odense (0-1 on agg.)

Malmo vs Dinamo Zagreb (1-4 on agg.)

APOEL Nicosia vs Wisla Krakow (0-1 on agg.)

Genk vs Maccabi Haifa (1-2 on agg.)



​

 

[Confidence]

Monday 22nd August 2011

Wenger's young guns face Italian test

Arsene Wenger will head into Wednesday's Champions League qualifier second-leg against Udinese hoping his Arsenal young guns can stand up to the test.

The Gunners go into Wednesday night's game with a slender 1-0 lead from last Tuesday's first leg courtesy of a Theo Walcott fifth-minute strike. However, Wenger knows it will not be all smooth-sailing at the Stadio Friuli, especially against a more-than-capable Udinese side who tested them on many occasions last Tuesday.

Antonio Di Natale was a constant thorn in Arsenal's defence a week ago, and will look to replicate his form last season, where he netted 28 goals in Serie A. Wenger will be bolstered by the return of Robin van Persie, who missed last week's first leg due to suspension, while Alexandre Song and Gervinho will also be available after missing last Saturday's 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.

More interestingly, it remains to be seen if Wenger will field wantaway playmaker Samir Nasri, who is reportedly close to a move to Manchester City, and was Arsenal's most impressive player against Liverpool. Should the French international take to the field on Wednesday, it would render him ineligible to play in European competition for any other side, meaning his valuation could drop severely were City to pursue their interest in him.

Elsewhere, French Ligue 1 giants Lyon travel to Russia to play Rubin Kazan holding a 3-1 lead and will be confident in their chances of making the group stages for yet another season. Dutch side FC Twente travel to Portugal to play Benfica with plenty to do, having conceded two away goals in last Tuesday's 2-2 draw.

However, they will be buoyed by the excellent form of Costa Rican striker Bryan Ruiz, who is hoping another impressive performance will generate further interest from his suitors. Danish champions Copenhagen are all but eliminated from this season's campaign after suffering a 3-1 home loss to Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their clash.

It will take something of a minor miracle if Copenhagen can overturn the two-goal deficit at the Struncovy Sady and put their name in Thursday's draw for the group stages. And lastly, there is still plenty to play for in the tie between Sturm Graz and BATE Borisov, after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in Belarus last Tuesday.

Wednesday's Fixtures

Udinese vs Arsenal (0-1 on agg.)

Rubin Kazan vs Lyon (1-3 on agg.)

Benfica vs FC Twente (2-2 on agg.)

Viktoria Plzen vs Copenhagen (3-1 on agg.)

Sturm Graz vs BATE Borisov (1-1 on agg.)


​

 

[Confidence]

Monday 22nd August 2011

UEFA hit Wenger with two-match ban

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has received a two-match ban from UEFA for breaching the terms of a previous Champions League suspension.

The Frenchman was found guilty of failing to abide by UEFA rules surrounding his original ban - imposed after last season's last 16 defeat to Barcelona - after they decided he had passed messages to the dug-out during his side's Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese last week.

Arsene Wenger Factfile

UEFA have also fined Arsenal €10,000 (£8,743) for the improper conduct of their officials during the match. Wenger and the club have the right to lodge appeals against the decisions.
A statement from UEFA read: "The UEFA control and disciplinary Body has suspended manager Arsène Wenger from carrying out his duties at Arsenal FC's next two UEFA competition matches.

"Today's [Monday] decision was taken in relation to the Arsenal manager not abiding by the decision of the control and disciplinary body during the English club's Champions League play-off game against Udinese last Tuesday, August 16.

"Wenger is therefore suspended for Arsenal's second-leg match against Udinese in Italy on Wednesday and then the next UEFA competition fixture for which he would be eligible. "The control and disciplinary body has also decided to fine Arsenal 10,000 euros for improper conduct by its officials. An appeal may be lodged against these decisions within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

UEFA's statement continued: "The UEFA disciplinary regulations stipulate that a manager may not communicate with his team during a fixture for which he is suspended and may follow the game from the stands only." Wenger claimed UEFA had told him he was permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench.

But European football's governing body denied giving Wenger the green light and studied the report from their match officials before deciding to take further action. Arsenal indicated last week their intention to fight the case and Wenger himself admitted his "surprise" at UEFA's decision to open proceedings against him. It is understood the club intend to appeal against both the Wenger suspension and the club fine.

While Wenger's involvement in the second leg against Udinese on Wednesday looks set to be very limited, it may be that England midfielder Jack Wilshere can play a part after Wenger confirmed he had trained towards the end of last week. Arsenal later confirmed their intention to appeal against Wenger's suspension and the club fine on their official website.

 

[Confidence]

Tuesday 23rd August 2011
​

Nasri refuses to face Udinese

Samir Nasri will not play against Udinese for Arsenal in their crunch UEFA Champions League play-off second-leg fixture.

Although the Gunners are leading 1-0 after the first leg at the Emirates, the pressure will be on after their 2-0 home loss to Liverpool last Saturday. However, according to reports in the Guardian, manager Arsene Wenger will have to do without his compatriot against the Serie A side, after Nasri told the manager he did not want to become cup-tied by participating in the Champions League for Arsenal, which could put his £22 million transfer to Manchester City in doubt.

The midfielder has made his stand clear about seeking a move to the Citizens, turning down a big-money deal from Arsenal worth £90,000 a week, as Roberto Mancini has offered almost double that, and it has not helped that the Manchester club also look the most likely of the two to garner silverware, which has suited the 24-year-old with big ambitions.

Mancini has already announced his displeasure at the delay in the transfer, and revealed that the deal would be off if Nasri did take to the pitch against Udinese, which has alarmed the player. The money-men at Arsenal would also certainly not approve of playing the Frenchman, given that if the midfielder played, and the Gunners still crashed out of Europe, the London club would have lost both the huge transfer fee for Nasri, as well as miss out on the lucrative monies on offer in the Champions League.

However, this would represent a slap in the face for Wenger, who said during Arsenal's pre-season tour in Asia that he would be willing to keep Nasri for one final season and lose him as a free agent, despite the player making it clear he would not stay at the Emirates.

Ex-Arsenal star David O'Leary fears that Arsenal could be knocked out of Europe by Udinese, saying to talkSPORT: "I do fear for them in Italy and I hope I'm proved wrong because they are liable to concede goals. "They are liable to score goals too because of the attractive way they play but they give you chances," O'Leary said.

"They are a team that says: ‘we can play and play really well', but they also say to the other team: ‘you can go and play as well', and I think that is why teams like playing against them, it's like a basketball match, end to end stuff."

The ex-Leeds United manager also mused about the future of Wenger, saying: "I never think Arsene will get the sack, I think he will only leave if he thinks he has done enough or he will only go when he thinks he is going down a cul-de-sac that he thinks he can't get out of. "I don't think he is a quitter but I don't think he has ever been in this position in his football life."

 

[Confidence]

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Nasri-less Arsenal face Italian test

Arsenal arrive in Italy for the second-leg of their crucial UEFA Champions League qualifier against Udinese holding a slender 1-0 lead from last Tuesday.

However, the Gunners could be forgiven if their minds are elsewhere at the moment, following the imminent departure of midfield star Samir Nasri to Manchester City. To add to their troubles, young star Jack Wilshere was also absent from Arsenal's travelling party after a further injury setback. One bright light however comes in the revelation that manager Arsene Wenger will be present on the sidelines on Wednesday, despite just being handed a new two-match ban for communicating with his bench in last Tuesday's first-leg.

Originally suspended for that game, Wenger was seen passing instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice, with the club claiming they had clarified with UEFA beforehand and had received the greenlight than doing so was legal. However, UEFA have since refuted these claims and while they have slapped Wenger with a further two-game suspension, the governing body have agreed to delay the onset of the ban till the Gunners have sufficient time to process an appeal.

Elsewhere, French Ligue 1 giants Lyon travel to Russia to play Rubin Kazan holding a 3-1 lead and will be confident in their chances of making the group stages for yet another season.

Dutch side FC Twente travel to Portugal to play Benfica with plenty to do, having conceded two away goals in last Tuesday's 2-2 draw. However, they will be buoyed by the excellent form of Costa Rican striker Bryan Ruiz, who is hoping another impressive performance will generate further interest from his suitors.

Danish champions Copenhagen are all but eliminated from this season's campaign after suffering a 3-1 home loss to Czech outfit Viktoria Plzen in the first leg of their clash. It will take something of a minor miracle if Copenhagen can overturn the two-goal deficit at the Struncovy Sady and put their name in Thursday's draw for the group stages.

And lastly, there is still plenty to play for in the tie between Sturm Graz and BATE Borisov, after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in Belarus last Tuesday.

Wednesday's Fixtures

Udinese vs Arsenal (0-1 on agg.)

Rubin Kazan vs Lyon (1-3 on agg.)

Benfica vs FC Twente (2-2 on agg.)

Viktoria Plzen vs Copenhagen (3-1 on agg.)

Sturm Graz vs BATE Borisov (1-1 on agg.)


​

 

[Confidence]

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Wenger cleared for Udinese tie

Arsene Wenger finally enjoyed some respite during his fortnight from hell after UEFA granted him "a stay of execution" for Arsenal's crunch Champions League clash with Udinese.

European football's governing body agreed to defer a two-match touchline ban which they imposed on Wenger and which the Gunners elected to contest. UEFA acceded to Arsenal's request for the appeal to be heard before any suspension began, with a hearing likely to take place on Thursday.

Wenger was handed a two-match ban after being found guilty of breaching the terms of his one-match suspension during last week's first leg against Udinese. UEFA decided the Frenchman had passed messages to the dug-out during the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger claimed he had been told he was permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench. Reacting to tonight's news, Wenger joked: "My assistant will be less under pressure."

He added: "I will be in a position where I can do the job like I wanted. "But the most important thing of course is that we have a good team performance and that the players and me together make the right decisions."

Speaking before learning of the reprieve, he had said: "I really don't know why I have been banned for the first time and, naively, I still don't know why I should be banned again for the second time." A statement from UEFA tonight said: "The UEFA appeals body has granted a stay of execution to the appeal lodged earlier by Arsenal FC and their manager Arsene Wenger.

"The appeals body will take a decision in due time, but not before Arsenal's UEFA Champions League game against Udinese Calcio in Italy on Wednesday. "Following the play-off first leg match between Arsenal and Udinese last week, the UEFA control and disciplinary body banned Wenger from carrying out his duties at Arsenal's next two UEFA competition matches and fined the club 10,000 euros (£8,743).

"Without today's decision by the appeals body, the manager's suspension would have taken effect for the play-off second leg at Udinese." The match in Udine on Wednesday night will be vital in shaping Arsenal's season, while the financial rewards of winning the tie and reaching the Champions League group stage are obvious.

Predictably, it was not all good news for Wenger, with Samir Nasri on the brink of joining Manchester City and Jack Wilshere ruled out for at least another fortnight. The Football Association were also not as generous as UEFA when it came to meting out their own punishment for Arsenal's transgressions at Newcastle on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League season.

Arsenal were fined £30,000 by the FA for failing to control their players against their hosts, who were given the same sanction.

 

[Confidence]

Tuesday 23rd August 2011

Wilshere to miss Udinese match

Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere has been ruled out of Wednesday's crucial Champions League qualifier second-leg against Italian outfit Serie A.

Arsenal head into Wednesday's game at the Stadio Friuli holding a slender 1-0 lead after last Tuesday's first-leg, courtesy of Theo Walcott's fifth-minute strike. However, the Gunners have since been hit by problems on and off the field, starting with Saturday's 2-0 home loss to Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League.

Following that match, manager Arsene Wenger was hit with a two-match suspension for behaviour that violated his previous ban during the first-leg, although the Frenchman could still be on the sidelines on Wednesday. And earlier on Tuesday, Arsenal revealed they had agreed terms with Manchester City for the sale of Samir Nasri, who has since travelled north for a medical.

Now, according to The Guardian, Wilshere will also be absent from the match against Udinese after he failed to make training on Tuesday, and was subsequently left out of the squad that flew to Italy. Nonetheless, Wenger will be boosted by the return of Gervinho and Alexandre Song, who both return after missing Saturday's loss to Liverpool due to domestic suspension.

 

[no_faith]

arsenal will be KO by udinese.

ps bro, it is the other way round.:(
lost $ sianzzz

 

[Confidence]

Champions League play-off wrap: Bayern, Villarreal progress

24 August 2011

Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Dinamo Zagreb were among the clubs to book their place in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday. Bundesliga giants Bayern defeated FC Zurich of Switzerland 1-0 in the second leg of their play-off. Germany international Mario Gomez netted the only goal for the visitors in the seventh minute of the match at the Letzigrund Stadium, completing a 3-0 aggregate victory.

Villarreal had to wait until the second half of their second leg against Odense to break down their Danish opponents for the first time. A goal eventually came through Italy international Giuseppe Rossi, who struck in the 50th minute at Estadio El Madrigal and followed it up with a second 16 minutes later. Both sides then went down to 10 men, with Bashkim Kadrii dismissed for Odense on 71 minutes and Borja Valero suffering the same fate five minutes later.

Carlos Marchena completed the scoring with Villarreal's third eight minutes from time, making it 3-0 in the match and 3-1 on aggregate. Dinamo Zagreb survived a 2-0 defeat at Swedish club Malmo to progress 4-3 on aggregate. Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, late goals from Wilton Figueiredo and Pontus Jansson saw Malmo come out on top on the day.

But it was not enough for them to prevent a Croatian club from reaching the group stage for the first time since Dinamo did so in 1999/00. Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia overcame a 1-0 first-leg deficit in their tie against Wisla Krakow to progress 3-2 on aggregate. Sergei Pareiko's penalty and a goal from Ailton Jose Almeida made it 2-0 to the hosts at the GS Pancypria Stadium.

Cezary Wilk then struck for Wisla to level the aggregate scores at 2-2 and put the Polish club on the verge of progressing via the away goals rule. But a second goal from Almeida with four minutes remaining meant it was Apoel who booked their spot in the next round. Belgian champions Genk defeated Maccabi Haifa 2-1 in their second leg, with goals from Jelle Vossen and Thomas Buffel doing the damage either side of Eyal Golsa strike for the Israeli visitors.​

With the tie finishing 3-3 on aggregate, extra-time was required. Maccabi lost Itzhak Cohen to a red card in the 109th minute, and although Genk were unable to force a winner in open play, they prevailed 4-1 in the subsequent penalty shootout at the Cristal Arena.

 

[Confidence]

Champions League play-offs wrap: Arsenal, Lyon creep into group stage

25 August 2011

​

Arsenal defeated Udinese 2-1 away from home on Wednesday to reach the Champions League group stages, while Benfica and Lyon also progressed. English Premier League side Arsenal led the play-off tie 1-0 on aggregate following their narrow victory in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last week. Centre-forward Antonio Di Natale struck for hosts Udinese in the 38th minute of the match at the Stadio Friuli, levelling the tie at 1-1.

But a goal from Robin Van Persie 10 minutes into the second half made it 1-1 in the match and 2-1 on aggregate. Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny kept out a Di Natale penalty with a fine save four minutes later. And England international Theo Walcott made sure of progression for Arsene Wenger's men when he scored in the 68th minute, making it 2-1 in the match and 3-1 on aggregate.

In other ties, Portuguese giants Benfica defeated Twente of the Eredivisie 3-1 in Lisbon. Axel Witsel claimed a brace either side of Luisao's goal early in the second half for the Liga Sagres hosts. Twente pulled one back through Bryan Ruiz with five minutes to go at Estadio da Luz, but it was not enough to prevent a 5-3 aggregate defeat for the Dutch side.

Ligue 1 club Lyon recorded a 1-1 draw away to Russian side Rubin Kazan, enough to send them through 4-2 on aggregate. Hosts Rubin opened the scoring in the 77th minute through Bebars Natcho, with Babary Kone levelling 10 minutes later for Lyon, who led 3-1 from the first leg in France.

Czech champions Viktoria Plzen reached the Champions League group stage for the first time with a 2-1 victory at home to FC Copenhagen. The Danish visitors had led through Cristian Navarro Bolanos' goal in the 32nd minute, but second-half strikes from Marek Bakos and Michal Duris made it 2-1 to Plzen in the match and 5-2 on aggregate.

Elsewhere, BATE Borisov won 2-0 at SK Sturm Graz of Austria. Goals from Alexander Volodko and Marko Simic sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory for the Belarusian club.

 

[Confidence]

​

 

[Alamaking]

Champions League Table


Bayern Munich
Villarreal
Manchester City
Napoli

Porto
Shakhtar Donetsk
Zenit St Petersburg
APOEL

Manchester United
Benfica
Basle
Otelul Galati


Real Madrid
Lyon
Ajax
Dinamo Zagreb

Barcelona
AC Milan
BATE
Viktoria Plzen

Chelsea
Valencia
Bayer Leverkusen
Genk

Inter Milan
CSKA Moscow
Lille
Trabzonspor

Arsenal
Marseille
Olympiakos
Borussia Dortmund

 

[Confidence]

Thursday 25th August 2011

Fenerbahce barred from Europe

Fenerbahce will not play in the Champions League this season due to an ongoing investigation, the Turkish Football Federation have confirmed.

The announcement comes on the eve of the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday. According to a statement on the TFF website, UEFA wrote to the federation Tuesday to demand Fenerbahce's withdrawal, threatening wider disciplinary action against the TFF should they fail to do so. The letter was forwarded to Fenerbahce, who declined to withdraw.

"In the face of this development, on August 24 an extraordinary meeting of the board of directors was held to discuss the threat of the Turkish Football Federation being exposed to severe disciplinary sanctions if Fenerbahce took part in the UEFA Champions League this season, and it was decided to bar them from participating," the statement said.

Fenerbahce were crowned league champions last term, pipping Trabzonspor to the Super Lig title with a dramatic 4-3 win at Sivasspor on the final day. The final standings remain official, but Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim is one of more than 30 people held in custody pending trial on the matter. UEFA are expected to make an announcement later this evening.

Ahead of the expected UEFA statement, there was confusion over who would take Fenerbahce's spot in the competition. The remaining second legs of the play-offs were due to take place tonight, and there was speculation that one of the beaten teams from this round would be reinstated.

If UEFA were to go by co-efficients, Arsenal would be guaranteed a place in the group stage, regardless of the outcome of their tie against Udinese. There was also the possibility the TFF could be invited to enter another team in Fenerbahce's place

 

[Confidence]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
25.08.2011 18:49:26

Bayern and Co. on the wrong end of the stick

Monte Carlo - The three Bundesliga representatives in the Champions League have all been drawn in difficult groups as they look to reach the knockout stages of Europe's elite competition.

While Borussia Dortmund celebrate their Champions League return after an eight year absence, FC Bayern Munich have arguably been handed the toughest group possible as they embark on Mission Munich'. Meanwhile things could have been better and things could have been worse for Bundesliga runners-up Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Reigning champions BVB had to suffer being in pot 4 because of their low UEFA coefficient ranking, but will have been content getting drawn in Group F with Arsenal, Olympique Marseille and Olympiacos.

FC Bayern on the other hand have had things made difficult for them in Group A as they will have to go through FC Villareal, Manchester City and SCC Napoli if they are to qualify for the first knockout round. Drawn in Group E with Chelsea, FC Valencia and KRC Genk, Bayer Leverkusen will fancy their chances of causing an upset under new coach Robin Dutt.

It all kicks-off on 13th September

Elsewhere in the draw German international Mesut Özil and Sami Khedira will take on Olympique Lyon, Ajax Amsterdam and Dinamo Zagreb in Group D as part of the Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid side. Last year's Champions League winners Barcelona might have worried when they were drawn alongside AC Milan in group H, but with BATE Borisov and Viktoria Plzen added to the mix they remain favourites to top the group.

The six group stage matches will all take place between 13th September and 7th December. The final will take place in Munich�s Allianz Arena on 19th May. Will we see a German representative fighting for Europe's most coveted prize?

 

[Confidence]

Group A
FC Bayern Munich
FC Villarreal
Manchester City
SSC Napoli

Group B
Inter Milan
CSKA Moscow
OSC Lille
Trabzonspor

Group C
Manchester United
SL Benfica
FC Basel
Otelul Galati

Group D
Real Madrid
Olympique Lyon
Ajax Amsterdam
Dinamo Zagreb

Group E
Chelsea
FC Valencia
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
KRC Genk

Group F
Arsenal
Olympique Marseille
Olympiacos
Borussia Dortmund

Group G
FC Porto
Shakhtar Donetsk
Zenit St. Petersburg
APOEL FC

Group H
FC Barcelona
AC Milan
BATE Borisov
Viktoria Plzen

 

[Confidence]

Friday 26th August 2011

​

Manchester City face tough draw

Manchester City avoided a group of death in their first Champions League draw but Roberto Mancini's side still face something of a baptism of fire.

City will come up against three tough opponents in Group A foes Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli, but there are already some who believe the Citizens will not only qualify for the knockout stages, but could go all the way at the first time of asking. Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is one of those who sees no reason why City will not be able to challenge for European glory, given the resources they have at hand.

"They are Champions League contenders," Villas-Boas said, according to The Independent. "Why not? "They have joined together the best talent in the world. It's something unbelievable. "It shows what they want to achieve, and they have a winning coach as well, a coach who won three titles in a row at Inter [Milan].

"I don't see why they wouldn't have the drive and qualities to go all the way through." Villas-Boas' own charges will face Valencia, the former club of latest new signing Juan Mata, plus Bayer Leverkusen - where Michael Ballack is now playing - and Genk from Belgium in Group E.

Manchester United were given a relatively comfortable draw, in Group C alongside Benfica, the club they beat to secure their first European Cup in 1968, as well as Swiss champions Basle and unknowns Otelul Galati from Romania, making their bow in the competition.

Arsenal have to overcome Marseille, Greek champions Olympiakos and a potentially tricky test against Borussia Dortmund - the club among the pot of fourth seeds to avoid - in Group F. City, among the pot of third seeds, could have been drawn against reigning champions Barcelona or Real Madrid but still ended up in the toughest-looking group.

Although Bayern Munich and Villarreal both had to come through a play-off to qualify, both clubs have plenty of Champions League experience. Napoli finished third in Serie A last season but have managed to hang on to the core of their team and provide a threat too - Sergio Aguero should be guaranteed a good welcome given that he is the son-in-law of Naples' favourite adopted son Diego Maradona.

United's group appears the easiest on paper, and though Arsenal have to play German champions Borussia Dortmund, they should be confident of overcoming both Marseille and Olympiakos. Chelsea too should view themselves as more than capable of progressing to the knockout stages in Andres Villas-Boas' first season in charge.

Group H looked the one to avoid with both Barcelona and AC Milan, and BATE Borisov from Belarus and Czech side Viktoria Plzen were the unlucky ones. Real Madrid face Lyon, Ajax and Dinamo Zagreb in Group D, Inter Milan, CSKA Moscow, Lille and Trabzonspor will fight in out in Group B, while Europa League winners Porto are in Group G with Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg and APOEL from Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the winner of inaugural UEFA best player in Europe award for 2010/2011 was unveiled as Barcelona's Lionel Messi. Team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo were the other nominees.

 

[Confidence]

Friday 26th August 2011

Chelsea wary of Group E upsets

Chelsea will not get ahead of themselves, despite being handed a relatively straightforward group in Thursday's Champions League group stage draw.

Chelsea will face Valencia, the former club of latest new signing Juan Mata, plus Bayer Leverkusen - where Michael Ballack is now playing - and Genk from Belgium in Group E.

Chelsea communications director Steve Atkins said: "Every draw throws up challenges and this is no different, and I have spoken to Andre [Villas-Boas] and he certainly feels that too.

"Valencia is a formidable team and a very difficult place to go with their support - Juan Mata will be returning there a little bit more quickly than he thought!

"Bayer Leverkusen is also a difficult one and we will be delighted to meet up with Michael Ballack again, and Genk too are full of talent and should not be underestimated."


Champions League Group Stage

Group A	Group B	Group C	Group D
Bayern Munich	Trabzonspor	Manchester United	Olympique Lyonnais
Manchester City	LOSC Lille	FC Basle	Dinamo Zagreb
SSC Napoli	CSKA Moscow	Otelul Galati	Real Madrid
Villareal	Inter Milan	Benfica	Ajax

<tbody>
</tbody>

Group E	Group F	Group G	Group H
Valencia	Arsenal	Zenit St. petersburg	BATE Borisov
Chelsea	Olympiakos	Porto	Barcelona
Bayer Leverkusen	Olympique Marseille	Shakhtar Donetsk	AC Milan
Racing Genk	Borussia Dortmund	APOEL	Viktoria Plzen

<tbody>
</tbody>

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Friday 2nd September 2011

Allegri: Milan can stop Barcelona

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has started the mind games ahead of their Champions League clash with Barcelona, insisting the Catalan giants are not invincible.

The Rossonerri are drawn with the reigning European champions in Group H alongside BATE and Viktoria Plzen.

Speaking ahead of their clash with Pep Guardiola's men on 13 September at the Nou Camp, Allegri believes his side can neutralize their threat.

"The most important thing will be to limit the sources of Barcelona's play," the Italian coach is quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport.

"Barcelona though are a team that you can put into difficulties by attacking them which is what Porto showed in the European Super Cup."

Allegri went on to switch his focus on Milan's Serie A opener against Lazio which is expected to go ahead following a proposed agreement to call of the recent strike.

"Now we have to think about the league which will be open and elevated towards the highest levels," he said.

"It will be an interesting championship."

Milan, without its players on international duties, will play a friendly against Como on Friday.

 

[F.Inzaghi]

Friday 2nd September 2011

Inzaghi left out of Milan UCL squad

Italian veteran striker Filippo Inzaghi has been left out of AC Milan's 25-man squad for the Champions League this season.

Inzaghi, 38, is the second-highest scorer in European club competitions with 70 goals, two behind Schalke's Raul.

He missed half of last season's campaign with a knee injury but returned to play in May.

"I hope that Filippo will in good condition in January to be included in the list then," said AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

"I spoke to him and he was disappointed but it's understandable."

Inzaghi was dropped along with injured midfielder Mathieu Flamini.

Milan are in Group H alongside Barcelona, Bate Borisov and FC Viktoria Plzen.