August 25, 2005

Champions League Draw

GROUP A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Club Brugge
Rapid Vienna

Bayern and Juventus are the obvious picks to go through here; both have countless years of European experience and know-how. Brugge are unlikely to bother anyone, though Rapid Vienna surprised some people in the qualifiers so they should not be overlooked.

GROUP B
Arsenal
Ajax
Spatra Prague
FC Thun

Arsenal have once again gotten the benefit of a very easy draw, and yet they always seem to struggle through the group stage. Ajax are a big name, but this year’s vintage is only so-so. Sparta Prague could sneak this group actually, a technically sound side with more experience than you’d assume. Tiny Swiss side FC Thun are just happy to be here.

GROUP C
Barcelona
Panathinaikos
Werder Bremen
Udinese
Here’s another group where there’s one obvious pick, and then the rest are left to scrap it out. Barcelona should take first easily. Panathinaikos have some mettle and Athens is tough place to visit, Werder Bremen are an underrated side, while Udinese are also much better than anyone has given them credit for. The battle for 2nd is on.

GROUP D
Manchester United
Villarreal
Lille
Benfica

See above. United can walk these groups in their sleep. Lille came out of nowhere to finish 2nd in France last year, but they are not nearly that good this season. Benfica, a classic European name, make their return to Europe’s biggest stage after a lengthy absence, and could make some noise. Villarreal presents the group’s most tantalizing fixture, Diego Forlan’s triumphant return to Old Trafford.

GROUP E
AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Schalke 04
Fenerbahce

Last season’s epic semifinal between PSV and Milan will be revisited in this group. Look for both to advance, Schalke could bother the big two but it is unlikely, Fenerbahce should continue Turkish clubs miserable record in this competition.

GROUP F
Real Madrid
Lyon
Olympiakos
Rosenborg

Real Madrid have also gotten the benefit of an easy draw, Lyon should also join them in the knockout rounds and maybe even win this group. Olympiakos and Rosenborg are old hands at this, but rarely ever make any impact. This is probably the dullest group of the draw.

GROUP G
Liverpool
Chelsea
Anderlecht
Real Betis

Here’s where things get interesting; Liverpool, as a special entrant, did not have the protection that prevents clubs from the same country being drawn together in the same group, so it’ll be an English-flavored foursome with the defending champs joining Chelsea. Anderlecht are Belgian giants, but that does not translate into European success. Real Betis are new to the competition, and are one of the more open, attacking sides in this competition. How they do against the stingy defenses of Chelsea and Liverpool will be interesting.

GROUP H
Inter Milan
FC Porto
Glasgow Rangers
Artmedia Bratislava

Inter have an excellent side and should win this group, despite the ban they face of no fans at their home matches following last season’s shameful display in the quarterfinals.
Porto are a shadow of their 2004-winning selves and only lucked into this competition by snatching 2nd in the Portuguese League on the last day of the season. Keep an eye on Rangers, they are much better than they were a year ago and this could be the campaign they make a breakthrough in Europe. Artmedia humiliated Celtic in the qualifiers but don’t expect another Old Firm upset.

Edward Knowles, International Editor, 90:00™