Football Update: UEFA Champions League- Wednesday Preview
Today is the last day for the first round of 32 top European teams. Eight teams already qualified for the next round, and by the end of tonight, 8 other teams will be decided as well. The matches in Group E, F, G and H will be played tonight, and the result
will confirm which teams qualified for the next round, and which teams will be facing each other in knockout stage. Group H attracts most interest, where after 5 matches, top ranked English team, Arsenal is in must win situation.
Group E
Cluj vs. Roma
Currently ranked eighth in Italian Serie A, Roma will be playing an away match in Romania against Cluj. Roma needs a win or at-least a draw to ensure their position for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League. Claudio Ranieri’s Roma is on second
position in table in Group E. Experts believe that Cluj winning over Roma will be an upset, and Roma can be kicked out if in other match Bayern Munich losses to Basle, which is again very unlikely. Roma captain Francesco Totti, himself an Italian star is sure
that his team can march through next stage.
Bayern Munich vs. Basle
The champions of German League, Bundesliga, are on the top of their Group and already claimed a spot in next round. Munich on their home ground is facing Basle, minnow to their standard. The match would be important for Bayern Munich as they lost 2-0 to
rivals Schalke in Bundesliga last week. Thomas Kraft, Beyern Munich’s goalkeeper said "We don't have to win, but we want to win," Kraft added that
"Because we lost at Schalke this game is important for us to get a good feeling back."
Basle manager Thorsten Fink was himself ex-Bayern player and he believes they can challenge German club.
Group F
Marseille vs. Chelsea
Didier Drogba gets a chance to play against his old team, which he confesses “finishing his career at the club remains a very tempting prospect.” Apparently, a dead rubber match, as Chelsea is way ahead on the table with 15 points scored already. Chelsea
coach Carlo Ancelotti wants his “blue” team to play with a style against Marseille. Despite the loss, Marseille can go to second round with impressive goal difference. For Marseille goalkeeper/captain, it would be a moment relaxation in UEFA champions league,
as they are almost through to next round.
Zilina vs. Spartak Moscow
It is the first campaign for Slovakian champions in UEFA champions league, and they are the bottom of the table with no point against their name. MSK Zilina boss Pavel Hapal wants his team to win this last match so they can have at-least a point against
the Russian team, Spartak Moscow. Zilina conceded 17 goals in their 5 matches so far and they want to end their rough and touch champions league run on a positive note. He expects that home ground advantage will play a vital role.
Group G
Real Madrid vs. Auxerre
There is 10 point difference on the table, Real Madrid has already qualified and Auxerre has no chance to do so. French side, Auxerre might fancy their chances as big shots of Real Madrid, for instance Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos are banned for the match.
It is expected that some other key players like Sami Khedira, Kaka and Captain Iker Casillas might not be playing, reasoning injury and rest for next stage.
AC Milan vs. Ajax
It will be a special moment for Frank de Boer as he will be in charge for the first time for Ajax in this champions league, facing AC Milan at their home. He would want that his inclusion brings good luck charm for the Ajax and they win against AC Millan.
AC Millan has already qualified, and Ajax on third position would like to finish on the same spot. However, the limelight would be former Ajax superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic who will lead attack with Robinho alongside.
Group H
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Braga
Unlike other groups, this group H is open and both teams playing this match have chance to qualify for the next round. Shakhtar Donetsk currently at top with 12 points on the table will be hoping to winning and go through. However, Braga with 9 points will
like to win and challenge for the next round. Ukrainian hosts Shakhtar Donetsk will be happy with draw too, earning them a point will ensure next stage. Barga has not won any away match this season, but they would be ready to prove the stats wrong.
Arsenal vs. Partizan
Arsenal find themselves in a situation where they have to beat Partizan Belgrade at Emirates stadium to ensure their progress in UEFA champions league. Or pray that Braga lose their encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk. Arsenal, currently enjoying the top
spot in English premier league is to play crucial match against Serbian team, Partizan Belgrade. Partizan Belgrade currently is at the bottom of group H with 5 matches played, without securing a point. With a good goal difference, Arsenal at this stage would
be aiming to win a home match and try to grab a top spot in group H. Apart from captain Cesc Fabregas, the gunners are roaring with potent players to win this important match tonight.
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