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calcutta · 06-25-2005, 11:04 PM

UEFA Champions League 2005/06

Return to old format
The Union of the European Football Associations (UEFA) shocked the footballing world when they announced that the prestigous Champions League tournament will revert back to the former 24-team format for the 2005/06 season. The news means that defending champions Liverpool and local English rivals Everton, among many other clubs, will not get to take part in Europe's biggest club competition, as they finished as the weakest qualifiers in their domestic associations.

A spokesman for the European governing body said that "the 24-team format will result in a much more exciting competition that boasts Europe's very best clubs, and the best club only."

The 24-team comeptition was expanded to 32 teams ahead of the 1999/2000 season due to pressure by G14 to include more of Europe's top clubs for financial benefits. But despite the success of the expansion over the past five seasons, UEFA insists that only the 'champions' and their closest rivals should be able to compete in the aptly named Champions League, as opposed to places for up to four teams from the major associations. This means that only England, Germany, Spain and Italy will have 3 representatives on show while the other major associations will have just one or two spots.

The Stade de France in Paris will host the final in May 2006

The Rules
The Champions League will retain the single group stage (but now with only six groups of four teams each), but only eight teams will qualify for the knockout rounds, as opposed to the sixteen in the last few seasons. Only the six group winners are guaranteed of progressing, the other two will be 'wildcards' as the top runner-up positions across all the groups.

Standard UEFA rules will apply to other parts of the competition including:
- the better head-to-head record between two teams tied on points will act as the first tiebreaker rule for the group stages;
- goal difference will be the main tiebreaker for the 'wildcard' standings;
- the knockout rounds incorporate the full 30 minutes of extra-time in the event of a draw over the two legs; and
- the Final is a single match to be played at the Stade de France in Paris, France. This match will also include the full 30 minutes of extra-time if the regulation time result is a draw.

The teams are shaping up for a much tougher competiton ahead and, with the closing of the summer transfer window yesterday, we will examine the six groups chances ahead in our upcoming previews.

IMAGE SOURCE: UEFA.com (Terms and Conditions)

NOTE: All this information is just made up for this "tournament review", and has not occurred in reality.

calcutta · 06-25-2005, 11:17 PM

GROUP A - PREVIEW

CHELSEA FC
English champions Chelsea announced only one new signing, which is uncharacteristically low for them during the Roman Abramovich era, as Jose Mourinho hopes to reclaim the title he won in 2004 with FC Porto. Still reeling off last year's defeat to Liverpool and that controversial Luis Garcia "goal", Chelsea feel this may be the year after being knocked-out in the last four in the previous two seasons. Mourinho's men won the club's first English Premier League title in 50 years last season with a record number of points after also winning the League Cup, but UEFA Champions League (UCL) success still awaits for the London giants.
Athletic Bilbao's Asier Del Horno was the lone signing for the Blues - an attack-minded left back who has become a regular in the Spanish national team. Scott Parker and Mikael Forssell were sold off to English rivals Newcastle United and Birmingham City, but Chelsea's 22-man squad remain firm favourites to win Group A.

PSV EINDHOVEN
Dutch champions PSV are shaping up for an uncertain future, as last year's success was predictably followed up by many big name departures during the summer. PSV won the domestic double in Holland last season, and went further than expected in the UCL, just a goal away from a finals appearance.
Italian giants AC Milan, their adversaries in last year's semis, then snared Swiss midfielder Johann Vogel in the transfer window while FC Barcelona signed playmaker Mark van Bommel on a free transfer, two important figures in their 2004/05 success. That was followed by a couple of swap deals - Ji-Sung Park went to Manchester United in exchange for Kleberson, while versatile veteran Phillip Cocu headed back to La Liga in exchange for Real Madrid's Danish anchor Thomas Gravesen. The club also added Swedish starlet Christian Wilhelmsson from Belgian club Anderlecht as a more than suitable replacement for Park, but will these new additions be able to emulate last year's success? We'll see in the coming weeks...

OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS FC
The team from Athens are riding high following last year's domestic success of winning both the league and cup, thanks to the performances of Brazilian veteran Rivaldo. The former Barcelona great has attracted compatriot and fellow striker Ailton to the club from Bundesliga club Schalke 04, following the departure of another Brazilian forward in Giovanni who spent six seasons at the club.
With Predrag Djordjevic announcing that he wants to stay with the club another year, Olympiacos have a very experienced midfield and strikeforce that could see them going far in the competition, along with a strong goalkeeper in EURO 2004 winner Antonios Nikopoloidis. The Greek club were just five minutes away from the knock-out rounds last year, but they were famously beaten by eventual champions Liverpool 3-1 despite leading at the break, and are hoping not to be undone in similar fashion this year.

AC SPARTA PRAHA
Czech outsiders Sparta won the domestic Gambrinus Liga last season but the perennial qualifiers will now be aiming to get out of the group stage again for the second time in three years. With the new format of 24 teams, this task will certainly not be easy, especially as they have only made one major signing to improve their squad. Czech international Marek Heinz, who made his name at the EURO 2004 with goals against Latvia and Germany, signed from domestic rivals Banik Ostrava in a hope to get onto the European stage again at club level. The Czech champions did manage to hold onto European targets Lukas Zelenka and Tomas Jun, and they'll need all the help they can get to progress ahead of Chelsea or PSV.

calcutta · 06-25-2005, 11:27 PM

GROUP B - PREVIEW

AC MILAN
The 2003 UCL champions are still coming to terms with a embarrassing choke job last season that saw them relinquish the UCL and domestic Serie A title when they were well on track to winning both. Their famous six minute collapse in Istanbul to Liverpool last campaign ended a miserable month of May for the giants.
With that said, critics believe that Milan have arguably the strongest and deepest squad in all of Europe. They've added to that squad with the signing of Czech winger Marek Jankulvski from Serie A rivals Udinese, and defensive midfielder Johann Vogel from Dutch champs PSV Eindhoven. They've also managed to hold onto European Player of the Year Andriy Shevchenko, despite pressure from Chelsea to lure him to London with their limitless transfer funds. The "Rossoneri", led by under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti, are hoping to add to their vast trophy cabinet after failing to win any silverware last season.

MANCHESTER UNITED FC
The Red Devils experienced a mixed summer that started with the infamous takeover by American tycoon Malcolm Glazer much to the displeasure of the United faithful. But the American, who also owns NFL franchise the Tamba Bay Buccaneers, promised an influx of funds that would bring in exciting new players to the 3rd-place English club which also failed to win a trophy last season. And he delivered on his promise...
The first big signing was that of veteran Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, after Roy Carroll was released, which will hopefully solve their ongoing goalie problems. That was followed by the acquisition of young Korean talent Park Ji-Sung from PSV in exchange for Brazilian flop Kleberson. But the biggest name to arrive at Old Trafford was that of Steven Gerrard from rivals and reigning UCL champions Liverpool. As a mark of respect, young striker Wayne Rooney gave up his number "8" jersey to Gerrard, and in turn Louis Saha gave up his number "9" shirt to Rooney who made that number famous in the England shirt at Euro 2004 (Saha will now wear #15). The first task for Gerrard is to help his new team avenge their loss to AC Milan in last year's Round of 16 when they meet at Old Trafford in the first matchweek.

Paolo Maldini, left, and new Man Utd recruit Steven Gerrard will meet again in 2005/06

SL BENFICA
It was a bittersweet ending to a successful Portuguese season for Benfica - they clinched the league title on the last day of the season ahead of rival clubs Porto and Sporting, but the departure of influential manager Giovanni Trappatoni almost put the club at a crossroads.
The Lisbon-based did find a more than suitable replacement in former Ajax manager Ronald Koeman, but the club did not make any major changes to their squad. They saw Croatian striker Tomislav Sokota agree a deal with fellow UCL qualifier Porto, but failed to lure in main Dutch targets Boudewign Zenden from English club Middlesbrough or Internazionale winger Andy van der Meyde. As a result, Benfica's chances against the likes of Manchester United and Milan seem very slim.

VILLAREAL CF
Villareal could well be a dark horse for the title after an overachieving domestic run that saw the Spaniards finish third. Boasting a strong Argentine flavour in attack including Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Pablo Sorin and Luciano Figueroa - all three vital figures as part of Argentina's successful Confederation's Cup team in the summer - the outsiders bring an exciting style of play that could possibly tear apart the likes of defensive juggernaut AC Milan.
But perhaps the most prominent figure is the man from Uruguay in star striker Diego Forlan, who scored 25 league goals last season to finish as Europe's joint Golden Boot winner. The former Red Devil was a flop at Manchester United in his three years at Old Trafford and will be looking to show his old manager a thing or two about his lack of playing time when the teams meet at El Madrigal in week 2.

calcutta · 06-25-2005, 11:43 PM

GROUP C - PREVIEW

REAL MADRID CF
An influx of big names was expeced at the Bernabeu and that lived up the bill when Real announced that Francesco Totti would finally be joining the club after years of speculation, shunning a deal to re-sign with his boyhood club AS Roma. That was followed up the surprise signing of Liverpool's Sami Hyypia to bolster their defence. Another veteran prescence was added in the form of the versatile midfielder Phillip Cocu from PSV (in exchange for Thomas Gravesen). The Dutchman was a key figure for Real's fierce rivals FC Barcelona in his many seasons there, but the trade deal was well accepted by the fans of the club.
Madrid, who finished runners up in Spain last season, managed to hold onto many of their own big names despite reports of likely departures and player squabbles with manager Wanderley Luxemburgo. Luis Figo and Guti were two players expected to leave, but the Brazilian boss sees them as key players for potential 2005/06 success. One big name that wil be missing from their first match against Lyon is another Brazilian in Ronaldo - the star striker is serving a one-match suspension for kicking Juventus player Alessio Tacchinardi in last year's extra time defeat to the Turin club.

OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS
French champions of the last four years, Lyon were expecting an exodus of star talent in the summer. That seemed to have begun when coach Paul Le Guen quit the club the day after sealing the title and continued when star forward Sidney Govou announced he would definately leave the club. But the French giants were able to hold onto arguably their most important asset in Ghanaian midfielder Mikael Essien, who will surely be vital to help in guiding the club past the quarter finals which they've failed to do in the last two seasons.
The managerial post was quickly filled by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier who in turn brought former signing at 'Pool Milan Baros to fill another hole at the second forward position. That was followed by the signing of French Midfielder Benoit Pedretti from domestic rivals Marseille to strengthen an already impressive midfield. Lyon's 2005/06 campaign begins with a tough road test at Real Madrid.

SV WERDER BREMEN
The German outsiders are still trying to come to terms with a mixed campaign last year that ended in an embarrassing 10-2 aggregate loss fellow Group C rivals Lyon. After an impressive first half which saw them upset Valencia to qualify for the knock-out round, Bremen were torn apart both at home (0-3) and in France (2-7), sparking a terrible run in the Bundesliga as well.
But they bounced back from that to clinch third place in Germany on the last day of the season to guarantee Champions League football for a second straight time. The transfer window was contrastly a less turbulent period, with Canadian right back Paul Stalteri the only departure, leaving for Tottenham.

CELTIC FC
The Bhoys are still reeling from a final day collapse that saw them lose the Scottish title to Old Firm rivals Rangers. Winning the Scottich Cup days later help to relieve some the pain but failed to keep long-reigning manager Martin O'Neill at the club - he was quickly replaced by Gordon Strachan. Their new boss now has European success is in his sights.
The Glasgow based club raided the English Premier League for many big signings - they lured in Tottenam's Robbie Keane to add to an already potent strikeforce as well as Newcastle pair Stephen Carr and goalkeeper Shay Given, giving the Bhoys are strong Irish feel. But the biggest coup came late in the period when they signed Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who played a huge role in the Reds' UCL winning campaign last season - after Scottish left back Jackie McNamara left the club.

calcutta · 06-26-2005, 10:45 PM

GROUP D - PREVIEW

JUVENTUS
2004/05 Serie A champions Juventus have their sights set on European success this time following a very busy summer. Marcelo Zalayeta, Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero all left the club for various reasons and the Turin giants brought in the likes on Giuliano Giannichedda from Lazio and Giorgio Chiellini back from Fiorentina, as they aim to reclaim the prize they last won in 1996. Although they have made three finals appearances since then, last year they struggled offensively and they became Liverpool's first major victims at only the quarter final stage - well below their expectations.
The Old Lady then pulled off a blockbuster trade on the last day of the transfer window with Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Lauren joining them from Arsenal in exchange for Lilian Thuram, David Trezeguet and Gianluca Zambrotta. Although experts believe the "Bianconeri" were worse off in the deal, manager Fabio Capello beleives that these new faces, along with the long awaited return of Adrian Mutu from a 7-month drug suspension, will help push the club further into the knockout stages and will attract bigger crowds after poor turnouts at the Delle Alpi last season.

AS MONACO
The club from the principality boasts one the deepest strikeforces in all of Europe that makes them an exciting prospect ahead of the new season. Beaten finalists in 2003, coincidentally to current group rivals FC Porto, Monaco slipped up at the round of 16 stage to PSV last season and were somewhat lucky to seal 3rd place in the French
league.
But manager Didier Deschamps is optimistic about their European prospects with the additiion of two offensive weapons in Olivier Kapo, who was a flop at his only season with Juventus, and 21 year old Brazilian star Robinho. After a brilliant showing for the national team at the Confederations Cup, Santos' Robinho was expected to sign with either Real Madrid or Arsenal, but Monaco made a move stunning scoop to secure his signature. The exciting youngster joins an already potent strikeforce that faces the stubborn defence of Juventus at home first, before a visit to Porto in Week 2 for a rematch of that famous final 18 months ago.

Brazilian sensation Robinho hopes to lift another trophy with new club AS Monaco

FC PORT0
The 2003/04 UCL and Portuguese league champions haven't been the same since the departure of Jose Mourinho, exemplified by a turbulent 2004/05 season that saw numerous coaching changes and big name losses. Costinha, Maniche, Derlei and Giourkas Seitaridis - three key figures of the 2004 success - all agreed shock signings for Russian club Dinamo Moskva before the end of the season. Despite that, the club were in the hunt for a second succesive domestic league title but lost out to SL Benfica on the final day.
A new season sees yet another new manager at the helm. Dutchman Co Adriaanse, who led minnows AZ Alkmaar to 3rd position in Holland's Eredivise, joined the club and brought two Dutch internationals from his old club with him. Right back Jan Kronkamp and midfielder Denny Landzaat will help fill holes made by the aforementioned departures, but it seems unlikely that Porto can repeat their 2004 success against improved Monaco or Juve squads.

SCHALKE 04
The Gelsenkirchen-based club were in the running for the German Bundesliga title last season, but a poor run of results at the beginning of the calender year and beyond saw them lucky to finish second behind Bayern Munich. The two teams also faced-off in the German Cup final with Schalke again coming out as second best.
The German outsider's chances of winning the group are very slim after failing to strengthen their squad in the summer. Goalkeeper Volkan Unlu and sriker Ailton left the club for more attractive Mediterranean destinations, but their only signing was that of German international striker Kevin Kuranyi. Despite impressive showings at national level at the recent Confederations Cup, the former Stuttgart man is not the ideal one to attain European success at club level.

calcutta · 06-26-2005, 11:20 PM

GROUP E - PREVIEW

FC BARCELONA
European success has deserted the 2004/05 Spanish champions as they have not won the UCL since its inception in 1992, making just one finals apperance where they were embarrassed 4-0 by AC Milan. But things are looking great for Frank Rijkaard's men following their domestic championship and a handful of big name signings in the summer. PSV's workman in the middle of the park Mark van Bommel and Athletic Bilbao winger Santiago Ezquerro both joined the club early in the transfer window on Bosmans and that was followed up by the signing of Deportivo striker/winger Albert Luque.
By adding more offensive assets to a squad that already boasts Deco, Ronaldinho and last season's top scorer Samuel Eto'o who scored 24 league goals, the Catalan giants prospects of topping the "Group of Death" are very bright indeed. But experts believe Barce's defence is a liability as proven by Chelsea's 4-2 win over them in the Round of 16 last season, and by not improving that haphazard backline, the Spaniards could well be eliminated by another London club early again.

ARSENAL FC
The Gunners, who finished well adrift of champions Chelsea as Premiership runners-up last season, made some much needed squad changes in the transfer period in a hope to progress beyond the quarter final stage in Europe's most prestigous club competition for the very first time. The infamous tapping up affair of Ashley Cole saw the imminent departue of England's most prized left back. He was grouped with Robert Pires and Lauren in a 6-player trade with Italian giants Juventus. Arriving from the Turin club are left back Gianluca Zambrotta and France's World Cup 98 semi final hero Lilian Thuram to bolster a problematic defence, as well as another Frenchman in tall post-striker David Trezeguet who joins Golden Boot compatriot Thierry Henry in what promises to be an exciting offensive partnership.
Prior to that deadline day blockbuster trade, Arsenal also pulled off a major coup with the signing of Spanish starlet Joaquin Sanchez from Real Betis. The 24 year old international winger had attracted interest from many giant clubs including local rivals Chelsea and Real Madrid after leading Betis to fourth place in La Liga. As Arsenal's new #7, speedster Joaquin fills the flanker position left behind by Pires and manager Arsene Wenger along with his club's faithful fans are anticipating big things in their final season at Highbury.

Joaquin, celebrating Betis' Copa Del Ray win in June, adds to an electrifying cast at Highbury

AFC AJAX
Despite finishing second in the Eredivise last season, it was overall a disappointing 12 months for the fallen European giants. Amsterdam-based Ajax won the UCL twice in the early 1990s but have not come close to a finals appearance since. Last year's campaign was particularly poor as they were humbled out of the group stage by Juventus and Bayern Munich, and with arguably a tougher group this year, their prospects of replicating a 2003 quarter final appearance are not so bright.
To make matters worse, their chances seemed to diminish further when star playmaker Rafael van der Vaart left for Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV. But manager Danny Blind has taken small steps to improve is squad with the signing of former youth team member Olaf Lindenbergh from AZ Alkmaar and defender Vincent Kompany from Anderlecht. The latter was especially impressive as the 20 year old Belgian stopper was sought after by many of Europe's top clubs. But there's no denying that it will take a miracle for Ajax's young squad to overcome the might and power of Barcelona and Arsenal.

PANATHINAIKOS FC
Pana's best achievement in the UCL in recent times was a quarter finals appearance in 2002 where they lost out to Barcleona. With rematches set for Weeks 3 and 4, the Greek club are hoping to revenge that unlucky defeat in an attempt to emulate that previous achievement. But even if they somehow succeed in upsetting the Catalans, Pana really have an outside chance of progressing from the Group of Death with the new tougher format.
The Thessaloniki-based club finshed second in the Greek championship to fierce rivals Olympiacos by just three points, as the two clubs are still aiming to showcase their prowess at club level following the EURO 2004 success of the Greek national team. But the loss of their defensive rock in Sotirios Kyrgiakos to Rangers have put a severe dent in their prospects. They received midfielder Dragan Mladenovic in return from the Scottish champions but failed to improve their squad in other key areas, although they managed to hold onto veteran anchor Angelos Basinas, a member of that Greek national team. Their first test is away at Arsenal, the team that effectively knocked them out in last year's group stage.

calcutta · 06-27-2005, 02:55 AM

GROUP F - PREVIEW

FC BAYERN MUNICH
After completing the domestic double in Germany last season, 2001 UCL winners Bayern have high hopes for replicating that success on the European stage. Last year they fell victim to Chelsea at the quarter finals after ridding of Arsenal in the previous round. This season, they'll be playing at their new stadium the Allianz Arena, ahead of its showcase at the 2006 World Cup next summer.
The German giants have seen a number of players leave the club including defensive duo Sammy Kuffour and Robert Kovac, as well as versatile German international Torsten Frings who spent just a single season there. There was considerably less "transfer in" activity while Brazilian defender Juan the only main figure, arriving from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. But manager Felix Magath is confident ahead of the new campaign believing that the veteran leadership of goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn and central midfielder Michael Ballack can push this talented squad back into the final where they expect to be.

INTERNAZIONALE FC
The Milan-based giants had a season to forget last year in Europe that could spell an early downfall in this year's tournament. Despite going undefeated in Serie A for the first half of the season, they were already out of the title race because of the insane amount of draws rather than wins they had. And that was followed by crowd troubles in the UCL quarter final second leg against cross town rivals AC Milan that could have cost the club expulsion from this season's cup. Instead, Inter will play all three of its home games in an empty Guiseppe Meazza Stadium in accordance with UEFA's decision.
But that hasn't stopped the 2005 Coppa Italia winners (which was incidentally their first piece of domestic silverware in 16 years) from attracting more big names to the club. Romanian left back Christian Chivu signed from domestic rivals AS Roma, while Valencia midfielder Pablo Aimar joins the club that knocked his former team out of last year's competition. With Roberto Mancini holding onto expected departees, the likes of Emre Belozoglou and Andy van der Meyde, the Italians add to arguably the deepest squad in Europe. Inter's first match is at any empty San Siro where they host Bayern Munich.

RANGERS FC
The Glasgow-based club are still in disbelief about the miraculous final day capture of the Scottish Premier Title in May, and are now aiming to carry that success over into European competition. But their hopes against the likes of Inter and Bayern are very slim as the team have struggled in the competition in recent times, failing to progress from the group stages if they had even qualified for the annual competition.
Manager Alex McLeish is not letting that underdog tag get to his head by attracting some very sought after players to bolster his defence. The Ibrox faithful will welcome Greek stoppers Traianos Dellas from AS Roma and Sotirios Kyrgiakos from Panathinaikos, along with Marseille captain in holding midfielder Brahim Hemdani, who are all likely to play a big part in a new look central defence. They will be first tested in Week 1 by Dynamo Kyiv at home.

FC DYNAMO KYIV
Ukrainian outsiders Dynamo are perennial qualifiers for Europe's top competition, but they have struggled to escape the group stage since their successful run in 1998/99. That season the club overcame Real Madrid to make the semi finals where they were undone by current group opponents Bayern Munich. It was the season shot Andriy Shevchenko to stardom sending him and other key players abroad, and as a reults trying to repeat that success in future seasons was not high on the cards.
Another major player of that campaign six years ago was fellow striker Serhiy Rebrov, who makes a return to the club after a tumultuous fives year spell in English football. Rebrov joins a cast that exutes international flare with Brazilian Diogo Rincon on the wing and the vesatile Romanian pair of Florin Cernat and Tiberiu Ghioane in the middle. After a somewhat disappointing second place finish to rivals Shakhtar Donetsk in the domestic league in June, Dynamo are hoping to bounce back with a respectable European run in 2005/06.

calcutta · 06-27-2005, 02:59 AM

DAY 1

Match of the Day
B) Manchester United vs AC Milan (Old Trafford)

A) Sparta Praha vs Chelsea
A) Olympiacos vs PSV
B) Benfica vs Villareal
C) Werder Bremen vs Celtic
C) Real Madrid vs Lyon

DAY 2

Match of the Day
D) AS Monaco vs Juventus (Stade Louis II)

D) Schalke vs FC Porto
E) Ajax vs FC Barcelona
E) Arsenal vs Panathinaikos
F) Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
F) Rangers vs Dynamo Kyiv

(Home team listed first)

06-25-2005, 11:17 PM	#2
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group A - Chelsea, PSV, Olympiacos, Sparta Praha GROUP A - PREVIEW CHELSEA FC English champions Chelsea announced only one new signing, which is uncharacteristically low for them during the Roman Abramovich era, as Jose Mourinho hopes to reclaim the title he won in 2004 with FC Porto. Still reeling off last year's defeat to Liverpool and that controversial Luis Garcia "goal", Chelsea feel this may be the year after being knocked-out in the last four in the previous two seasons. Mourinho's men won the club's first English Premier League title in 50 years last season with a record number of points after also winning the League Cup, but UEFA Champions League (UCL) success still awaits for the London giants. Athletic Bilbao's Asier Del Horno was the lone signing for the Blues - an attack-minded left back who has become a regular in the Spanish national team. Scott Parker and Mikael Forssell were sold off to English rivals Newcastle United and Birmingham City, but Chelsea's 22-man squad remain firm favourites to win Group A. PSV EINDHOVEN Dutch champions PSV are shaping up for an uncertain future, as last year's success was predictably followed up by many big name departures during the summer. PSV won the domestic double in Holland last season, and went further than expected in the UCL, just a goal away from a finals appearance. Italian giants AC Milan, their adversaries in last year's semis, then snared Swiss midfielder Johann Vogel in the transfer window while FC Barcelona signed playmaker Mark van Bommel on a free transfer, two important figures in their 2004/05 success. That was followed by a couple of swap deals - Ji-Sung Park went to Manchester United in exchange for Kleberson, while versatile veteran Phillip Cocu headed back to La Liga in exchange for Real Madrid's Danish anchor Thomas Gravesen. The club also added Swedish starlet Christian Wilhelmsson from Belgian club Anderlecht as a more than suitable replacement for Park, but will these new additions be able to emulate last year's success? We'll see in the coming weeks... OLYMPIACOS PIRAEUS FC The team from Athens are riding high following last year's domestic success of winning both the league and cup, thanks to the performances of Brazilian veteran Rivaldo. The former Barcelona great has attracted compatriot and fellow striker Ailton to the club from Bundesliga club Schalke 04, following the departure of another Brazilian forward in Giovanni who spent six seasons at the club. With Predrag Djordjevic announcing that he wants to stay with the club another year, Olympiacos have a very experienced midfield and strikeforce that could see them going far in the competition, along with a strong goalkeeper in EURO 2004 winner Antonios Nikopoloidis. The Greek club were just five minutes away from the knock-out rounds last year, but they were famously beaten by eventual champions Liverpool 3-1 despite leading at the break, and are hoping not to be undone in similar fashion this year. AC SPARTA PRAHA Czech outsiders Sparta won the domestic Gambrinus Liga last season but the perennial qualifiers will now be aiming to get out of the group stage again for the second time in three years. With the new format of 24 teams, this task will certainly not be easy, especially as they have only made one major signing to improve their squad. Czech international Marek Heinz, who made his name at the EURO 2004 with goals against Latvia and Germany, signed from domestic rivals Banik Ostrava in a hope to get onto the European stage again at club level. The Czech champions did manage to hold onto European targets Lukas Zelenka and Tomas Jun, and they'll need all the help they can get to progress ahead of Chelsea or PSV.

06-25-2005, 11:27 PM	#3
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group B - AC Milan, Man Utd, Benfica, Villareal GROUP B - PREVIEW AC MILAN The 2003 UCL champions are still coming to terms with a embarrassing choke job last season that saw them relinquish the UCL and domestic Serie A title when they were well on track to winning both. Their famous six minute collapse in Istanbul to Liverpool last campaign ended a miserable month of May for the giants. With that said, critics believe that Milan have arguably the strongest and deepest squad in all of Europe. They've added to that squad with the signing of Czech winger Marek Jankulvski from Serie A rivals Udinese, and defensive midfielder Johann Vogel from Dutch champs PSV Eindhoven. They've also managed to hold onto European Player of the Year Andriy Shevchenko, despite pressure from Chelsea to lure him to London with their limitless transfer funds. The "Rossoneri", led by under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti, are hoping to add to their vast trophy cabinet after failing to win any silverware last season. MANCHESTER UNITED FC The Red Devils experienced a mixed summer that started with the infamous takeover by American tycoon Malcolm Glazer much to the displeasure of the United faithful. But the American, who also owns NFL franchise the Tamba Bay Buccaneers, promised an influx of funds that would bring in exciting new players to the 3rd-place English club which also failed to win a trophy last season. And he delivered on his promise... The first big signing was that of veteran Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, after Roy Carroll was released, which will hopefully solve their ongoing goalie problems. That was followed by the acquisition of young Korean talent Park Ji-Sung from PSV in exchange for Brazilian flop Kleberson. But the biggest name to arrive at Old Trafford was that of Steven Gerrard from rivals and reigning UCL champions Liverpool. As a mark of respect, young striker Wayne Rooney gave up his number "8" jersey to Gerrard, and in turn Louis Saha gave up his number "9" shirt to Rooney who made that number famous in the England shirt at Euro 2004 (Saha will now wear #15). The first task for Gerrard is to help his new team avenge their loss to AC Milan in last year's Round of 16 when they meet at Old Trafford in the first matchweek. Paolo Maldini, left, and new Man Utd recruit Steven Gerrard will meet again in 2005/06 SL BENFICA It was a bittersweet ending to a successful Portuguese season for Benfica - they clinched the league title on the last day of the season ahead of rival clubs Porto and Sporting, but the departure of influential manager Giovanni Trappatoni almost put the club at a crossroads. The Lisbon-based did find a more than suitable replacement in former Ajax manager Ronald Koeman, but the club did not make any major changes to their squad. They saw Croatian striker Tomislav Sokota agree a deal with fellow UCL qualifier Porto, but failed to lure in main Dutch targets Boudewign Zenden from English club Middlesbrough or Internazionale winger Andy van der Meyde. As a result, Benfica's chances against the likes of Manchester United and Milan seem very slim. VILLAREAL CF Villareal could well be a dark horse for the title after an overachieving domestic run that saw the Spaniards finish third. Boasting a strong Argentine flavour in attack including Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Pablo Sorin and Luciano Figueroa - all three vital figures as part of Argentina's successful Confederation's Cup team in the summer - the outsiders bring an exciting style of play that could possibly tear apart the likes of defensive juggernaut AC Milan. But perhaps the most prominent figure is the man from Uruguay in star striker Diego Forlan, who scored 25 league goals last season to finish as Europe's joint Golden Boot winner. The former Red Devil was a flop at Manchester United in his three years at Old Trafford and will be looking to show his old manager a thing or two about his lack of playing time when the teams meet at El Madrigal in week 2.

06-25-2005, 11:43 PM	#4
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group C - Real Madrid, Lyon, Bremen, Celtic GROUP C - PREVIEW REAL MADRID CF An influx of big names was expeced at the Bernabeu and that lived up the bill when Real announced that Francesco Totti would finally be joining the club after years of speculation, shunning a deal to re-sign with his boyhood club AS Roma. That was followed up the surprise signing of Liverpool's Sami Hyypia to bolster their defence. Another veteran prescence was added in the form of the versatile midfielder Phillip Cocu from PSV (in exchange for Thomas Gravesen). The Dutchman was a key figure for Real's fierce rivals FC Barcelona in his many seasons there, but the trade deal was well accepted by the fans of the club. Madrid, who finished runners up in Spain last season, managed to hold onto many of their own big names despite reports of likely departures and player squabbles with manager Wanderley Luxemburgo. Luis Figo and Guti were two players expected to leave, but the Brazilian boss sees them as key players for potential 2005/06 success. One big name that wil be missing from their first match against Lyon is another Brazilian in Ronaldo - the star striker is serving a one-match suspension for kicking Juventus player Alessio Tacchinardi in last year's extra time defeat to the Turin club. OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS French champions of the last four years, Lyon were expecting an exodus of star talent in the summer. That seemed to have begun when coach Paul Le Guen quit the club the day after sealing the title and continued when star forward Sidney Govou announced he would definately leave the club. But the French giants were able to hold onto arguably their most important asset in Ghanaian midfielder Mikael Essien, who will surely be vital to help in guiding the club past the quarter finals which they've failed to do in the last two seasons. The managerial post was quickly filled by former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier who in turn brought former signing at 'Pool Milan Baros to fill another hole at the second forward position. That was followed by the signing of French Midfielder Benoit Pedretti from domestic rivals Marseille to strengthen an already impressive midfield. Lyon's 2005/06 campaign begins with a tough road test at Real Madrid. SV WERDER BREMEN The German outsiders are still trying to come to terms with a mixed campaign last year that ended in an embarrassing 10-2 aggregate loss fellow Group C rivals Lyon. After an impressive first half which saw them upset Valencia to qualify for the knock-out round, Bremen were torn apart both at home (0-3) and in France (2-7), sparking a terrible run in the Bundesliga as well. But they bounced back from that to clinch third place in Germany on the last day of the season to guarantee Champions League football for a second straight time. The transfer window was contrastly a less turbulent period, with Canadian right back Paul Stalteri the only departure, leaving for Tottenham. CELTIC FC The Bhoys are still reeling from a final day collapse that saw them lose the Scottish title to Old Firm rivals Rangers. Winning the Scottich Cup days later help to relieve some the pain but failed to keep long-reigning manager Martin O'Neill at the club - he was quickly replaced by Gordon Strachan. Their new boss now has European success is in his sights. The Glasgow based club raided the English Premier League for many big signings - they lured in Tottenam's Robbie Keane to add to an already potent strikeforce as well as Newcastle pair Stephen Carr and goalkeeper Shay Given, giving the Bhoys are strong Irish feel. But the biggest coup came late in the period when they signed Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who played a huge role in the Reds' UCL winning campaign last season - after Scottish left back Jackie McNamara left the club.

06-26-2005, 10:45 PM	#5
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group D - Juventus, AS Monaco, FC Porto, Schalke GROUP D - PREVIEW JUVENTUS 2004/05 Serie A champions Juventus have their sights set on European success this time following a very busy summer. Marcelo Zalayeta, Ciro Ferrara and Paolo Montero all left the club for various reasons and the Turin giants brought in the likes on Giuliano Giannichedda from Lazio and Giorgio Chiellini back from Fiorentina, as they aim to reclaim the prize they last won in 1996. Although they have made three finals appearances since then, last year they struggled offensively and they became Liverpool's first major victims at only the quarter final stage - well below their expectations. The Old Lady then pulled off a blockbuster trade on the last day of the transfer window with Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Lauren joining them from Arsenal in exchange for Lilian Thuram, David Trezeguet and Gianluca Zambrotta. Although experts believe the "Bianconeri" were worse off in the deal, manager Fabio Capello beleives that these new faces, along with the long awaited return of Adrian Mutu from a 7-month drug suspension, will help push the club further into the knockout stages and will attract bigger crowds after poor turnouts at the Delle Alpi last season. AS MONACO The club from the principality boasts one the deepest strikeforces in all of Europe that makes them an exciting prospect ahead of the new season. Beaten finalists in 2003, coincidentally to current group rivals FC Porto, Monaco slipped up at the round of 16 stage to PSV last season and were somewhat lucky to seal 3rd place in the French league. But manager Didier Deschamps is optimistic about their European prospects with the additiion of two offensive weapons in Olivier Kapo, who was a flop at his only season with Juventus, and 21 year old Brazilian star Robinho. After a brilliant showing for the national team at the Confederations Cup, Santos' Robinho was expected to sign with either Real Madrid or Arsenal, but Monaco made a move stunning scoop to secure his signature. The exciting youngster joins an already potent strikeforce that faces the stubborn defence of Juventus at home first, before a visit to Porto in Week 2 for a rematch of that famous final 18 months ago. Brazilian sensation Robinho hopes to lift another trophy with new club AS Monaco FC PORT0 The 2003/04 UCL and Portuguese league champions haven't been the same since the departure of Jose Mourinho, exemplified by a turbulent 2004/05 season that saw numerous coaching changes and big name losses. Costinha, Maniche, Derlei and Giourkas Seitaridis - three key figures of the 2004 success - all agreed shock signings for Russian club Dinamo Moskva before the end of the season. Despite that, the club were in the hunt for a second succesive domestic league title but lost out to SL Benfica on the final day. A new season sees yet another new manager at the helm. Dutchman Co Adriaanse, who led minnows AZ Alkmaar to 3rd position in Holland's Eredivise, joined the club and brought two Dutch internationals from his old club with him. Right back Jan Kronkamp and midfielder Denny Landzaat will help fill holes made by the aforementioned departures, but it seems unlikely that Porto can repeat their 2004 success against improved Monaco or Juve squads. SCHALKE 04 The Gelsenkirchen-based club were in the running for the German Bundesliga title last season, but a poor run of results at the beginning of the calender year and beyond saw them lucky to finish second behind Bayern Munich. The two teams also faced-off in the German Cup final with Schalke again coming out as second best. The German outsider's chances of winning the group are very slim after failing to strengthen their squad in the summer. Goalkeeper Volkan Unlu and sriker Ailton left the club for more attractive Mediterranean destinations, but their only signing was that of German international striker Kevin Kuranyi. Despite impressive showings at national level at the recent Confederations Cup, the former Stuttgart man is not the ideal one to attain European success at club level.

06-26-2005, 11:20 PM	#6
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group E - Barcelona, Arsenal, Ajax, Panathinaikos GROUP E - PREVIEW FC BARCELONA European success has deserted the 2004/05 Spanish champions as they have not won the UCL since its inception in 1992, making just one finals apperance where they were embarrassed 4-0 by AC Milan. But things are looking great for Frank Rijkaard's men following their domestic championship and a handful of big name signings in the summer. PSV's workman in the middle of the park Mark van Bommel and Athletic Bilbao winger Santiago Ezquerro both joined the club early in the transfer window on Bosmans and that was followed up by the signing of Deportivo striker/winger Albert Luque. By adding more offensive assets to a squad that already boasts Deco, Ronaldinho and last season's top scorer Samuel Eto'o who scored 24 league goals, the Catalan giants prospects of topping the "Group of Death" are very bright indeed. But experts believe Barce's defence is a liability as proven by Chelsea's 4-2 win over them in the Round of 16 last season, and by not improving that haphazard backline, the Spaniards could well be eliminated by another London club early again. ARSENAL FC The Gunners, who finished well adrift of champions Chelsea as Premiership runners-up last season, made some much needed squad changes in the transfer period in a hope to progress beyond the quarter final stage in Europe's most prestigous club competition for the very first time. The infamous tapping up affair of Ashley Cole saw the imminent departue of England's most prized left back. He was grouped with Robert Pires and Lauren in a 6-player trade with Italian giants Juventus. Arriving from the Turin club are left back Gianluca Zambrotta and France's World Cup 98 semi final hero Lilian Thuram to bolster a problematic defence, as well as another Frenchman in tall post-striker David Trezeguet who joins Golden Boot compatriot Thierry Henry in what promises to be an exciting offensive partnership. Prior to that deadline day blockbuster trade, Arsenal also pulled off a major coup with the signing of Spanish starlet Joaquin Sanchez from Real Betis. The 24 year old international winger had attracted interest from many giant clubs including local rivals Chelsea and Real Madrid after leading Betis to fourth place in La Liga. As Arsenal's new #7, speedster Joaquin fills the flanker position left behind by Pires and manager Arsene Wenger along with his club's faithful fans are anticipating big things in their final season at Highbury. Joaquin, celebrating Betis' Copa Del Ray win in June, adds to an electrifying cast at Highbury AFC AJAX Despite finishing second in the Eredivise last season, it was overall a disappointing 12 months for the fallen European giants. Amsterdam-based Ajax won the UCL twice in the early 1990s but have not come close to a finals appearance since. Last year's campaign was particularly poor as they were humbled out of the group stage by Juventus and Bayern Munich, and with arguably a tougher group this year, their prospects of replicating a 2003 quarter final appearance are not so bright. To make matters worse, their chances seemed to diminish further when star playmaker Rafael van der Vaart left for Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV. But manager Danny Blind has taken small steps to improve is squad with the signing of former youth team member Olaf Lindenbergh from AZ Alkmaar and defender Vincent Kompany from Anderlecht. The latter was especially impressive as the 20 year old Belgian stopper was sought after by many of Europe's top clubs. But there's no denying that it will take a miracle for Ajax's young squad to overcome the might and power of Barcelona and Arsenal. PANATHINAIKOS FC Pana's best achievement in the UCL in recent times was a quarter finals appearance in 2002 where they lost out to Barcleona. With rematches set for Weeks 3 and 4, the Greek club are hoping to revenge that unlucky defeat in an attempt to emulate that previous achievement. But even if they somehow succeed in upsetting the Catalans, Pana really have an outside chance of progressing from the Group of Death with the new tougher format. The Thessaloniki-based club finshed second in the Greek championship to fierce rivals Olympiacos by just three points, as the two clubs are still aiming to showcase their prowess at club level following the EURO 2004 success of the Greek national team. But the loss of their defensive rock in Sotirios Kyrgiakos to Rangers have put a severe dent in their prospects. They received midfielder Dragan Mladenovic in return from the Scottish champions but failed to improve their squad in other key areas, although they managed to hold onto veteran anchor Angelos Basinas, a member of that Greek national team. Their first test is away at Arsenal, the team that effectively knocked them out in last year's group stage.

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06-25-2005, 11:04 PM	#1
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	UEFA Champions League 2005/06 UEFA Champions League 2005/06 Return to old format The Union of the European Football Associations (UEFA) shocked the footballing world when they announced that the prestigous Champions League tournament will revert back to the former 24-team format for the 2005/06 season. The news means that defending champions Liverpool and local English rivals Everton, among many other clubs, will not get to take part in Europe's biggest club competition, as they finished as the weakest qualifiers in their domestic associations. A spokesman for the European governing body said that "the 24-team format will result in a much more exciting competition that boasts Europe's very best clubs, and the best club only." The 24-team comeptition was expanded to 32 teams ahead of the 1999/2000 season due to pressure by G14 to include more of Europe's top clubs for financial benefits. But despite the success of the expansion over the past five seasons, UEFA insists that only the 'champions' and their closest rivals should be able to compete in the aptly named Champions League, as opposed to places for up to four teams from the major associations. This means that only England, Germany, Spain and Italy will have 3 representatives on show while the other major associations will have just one or two spots. The Stade de France in Paris will host the final in May 2006 The Rules The Champions League will retain the single group stage (but now with only six groups of four teams each), but only eight teams will qualify for the knockout rounds, as opposed to the sixteen in the last few seasons. Only the six group winners are guaranteed of progressing, the other two will be 'wildcards' as the top runner-up positions across all the groups. Standard UEFA rules will apply to other parts of the competition including: - the better head-to-head record between two teams tied on points will act as the first tiebreaker rule for the group stages; - goal difference will be the main tiebreaker for the 'wildcard' standings; - the knockout rounds incorporate the full 30 minutes of extra-time in the event of a draw over the two legs; and - the Final is a single match to be played at the Stade de France in Paris, France. This match will also include the full 30 minutes of extra-time if the regulation time result is a draw. The teams are shaping up for a much tougher competiton ahead and, with the closing of the summer transfer window yesterday, we will examine the six groups chances ahead in our upcoming previews. IMAGE SOURCE: UEFA.com (Terms and Conditions) NOTE: All this information is just made up for this "tournament review", and has not occurred in reality.

06-27-2005, 02:55 AM	#7
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Group F - Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Rangers, Dynamo Kyiv GROUP F - PREVIEW FC BAYERN MUNICH After completing the domestic double in Germany last season, 2001 UCL winners Bayern have high hopes for replicating that success on the European stage. Last year they fell victim to Chelsea at the quarter finals after ridding of Arsenal in the previous round. This season, they'll be playing at their new stadium the Allianz Arena, ahead of its showcase at the 2006 World Cup next summer. The German giants have seen a number of players leave the club including defensive duo Sammy Kuffour and Robert Kovac, as well as versatile German international Torsten Frings who spent just a single season there. There was considerably less "transfer in" activity while Brazilian defender Juan the only main figure, arriving from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. But manager Felix Magath is confident ahead of the new campaign believing that the veteran leadership of goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn and central midfielder Michael Ballack can push this talented squad back into the final where they expect to be. INTERNAZIONALE FC The Milan-based giants had a season to forget last year in Europe that could spell an early downfall in this year's tournament. Despite going undefeated in Serie A for the first half of the season, they were already out of the title race because of the insane amount of draws rather than wins they had. And that was followed by crowd troubles in the UCL quarter final second leg against cross town rivals AC Milan that could have cost the club expulsion from this season's cup. Instead, Inter will play all three of its home games in an empty Guiseppe Meazza Stadium in accordance with UEFA's decision. But that hasn't stopped the 2005 Coppa Italia winners (which was incidentally their first piece of domestic silverware in 16 years) from attracting more big names to the club. Romanian left back Christian Chivu signed from domestic rivals AS Roma, while Valencia midfielder Pablo Aimar joins the club that knocked his former team out of last year's competition. With Roberto Mancini holding onto expected departees, the likes of Emre Belozoglou and Andy van der Meyde, the Italians add to arguably the deepest squad in Europe. Inter's first match is at any empty San Siro where they host Bayern Munich. RANGERS FC The Glasgow-based club are still in disbelief about the miraculous final day capture of the Scottish Premier Title in May, and are now aiming to carry that success over into European competition. But their hopes against the likes of Inter and Bayern are very slim as the team have struggled in the competition in recent times, failing to progress from the group stages if they had even qualified for the annual competition. Manager Alex McLeish is not letting that underdog tag get to his head by attracting some very sought after players to bolster his defence. The Ibrox faithful will welcome Greek stoppers Traianos Dellas from AS Roma and Sotirios Kyrgiakos from Panathinaikos, along with Marseille captain in holding midfielder Brahim Hemdani, who are all likely to play a big part in a new look central defence. They will be first tested in Week 1 by Dynamo Kyiv at home. FC DYNAMO KYIV Ukrainian outsiders Dynamo are perennial qualifiers for Europe's top competition, but they have struggled to escape the group stage since their successful run in 1998/99. That season the club overcame Real Madrid to make the semi finals where they were undone by current group opponents Bayern Munich. It was the season shot Andriy Shevchenko to stardom sending him and other key players abroad, and as a reults trying to repeat that success in future seasons was not high on the cards. Another major player of that campaign six years ago was fellow striker Serhiy Rebrov, who makes a return to the club after a tumultuous fives year spell in English football. Rebrov joins a cast that exutes international flare with Brazilian Diogo Rincon on the wing and the vesatile Romanian pair of Florin Cernat and Tiberiu Ghioane in the middle. After a somewhat disappointing second place finish to rivals Shakhtar Donetsk in the domestic league in June, Dynamo are hoping to bounce back with a respectable European run in 2005/06.

06-27-2005, 02:59 AM	#8
calcutta MVP OVR: 14 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Sydney, Australia	Week 1 Fixtures DAY 1 Match of the Day B) Manchester United vs AC Milan (Old Trafford) A) Sparta Praha vs Chelsea A) Olympiacos vs PSV B) Benfica vs Villareal C) Werder Bremen vs Celtic C) Real Madrid vs Lyon DAY 2 Match of the Day D) AS Monaco vs Juventus (Stade Louis II) D) Schalke vs FC Porto E) Ajax vs FC Barcelona E) Arsenal vs Panathinaikos F) Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich F) Rangers vs Dynamo Kyiv (Home team listed first)