UEFA Champions’ League 2010-11 - Group C (Part-2) – (Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor)
Other than Manchester United, the Group C of UEFA Champions’ League 2010-11 also includes Valencia, Rangers and Bursaspor.
-Valencia
Valencia were considered to be one of the biggest teams not only in Spain but in whole of Europe at the start of this decade. The Spanish team made it to the final of Champions’ League in 2000 and 2001. They carried on with their confidence and managed to win the Spanish La Liga in 2001-02 and again in 2003-04.
But since 2004, the Spanish league has become a battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid. One hardly gets a mention of Valencia while talking about Spanish football nowadays. The former Spanish champions have been further dented by the departure of their most influential midfielder, David Silva. The world cup winning left sided midfielder signed for cash rich Manchester City this summer.
There is a general feeling among the football corners that Valencia no longer have what it takes to mix it with the best in Europe and are not expected to make much of an impact this season. However, Valencia have had a relatively good start to the domestic season. Joquain Sanchez is their most talented player at the moment and he has been at the centre of most of their game-play.
If the team can play around him with the same vigor, they may still have a chance of at least making it to the final 16. Especially, considering that apart from Manchester United, the other two teams may not pose too much of a threat to the former Spanish champions.
-Rangers
The Scottish giants have made 9 appearances in Champions’ Leagues since 1999. This may give an impression that they have become accustomed to the European game and have a pedigree in Champions’ League. But, all these assumptions seem to be ill placed when the team’s record in Europe is looked upon.
Out of their 9 appearances, Rangers only once made it to the last 16 while on the other occasions they have merely acted as a stepping stone for others. Rangers are currently the champions in Scotland and they have dominated the Scottish league for long. They play their first game against Manchester United on Tuesday but Sir Alex has played down the threat from his old team.
This upcoming match is built up to be ‘The Battle of Britain’. Manchester United are believed to be the favorites but a match against an old-fashioned Scottish outfit at old Trafford might be interesting to watch.
-Bursaspor
Finally, there is this Turkish side Bursaspor. Many believe that they are here just to make up the numbers. An assumption that might be true is that there is a huge difference of class between Turkish league and major European Leagues. The only thing that may work in their favor can be the home ties.
Turkey is always believed to be a tough place to visit, and the atmosphere in Turkish European nights tends to bring out the best in the home teams. Bursaspor may derive inspiration from their neighbors, Besiktas who managed to beat Manchester United last season. They still couldn’t make it to the next stage but still a win against Red Devils will go a long way for them.
Prediction:
Manchester United are the clear favorites in the group C while Valencia are expected to follow the former champions to the final 16. Rangers might have an outside chance, but history may go against them. Beating Valencia may be their best chance of making it to the knockout round for the 2nd time in 10 attempts.
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