Clash of the champions
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Four Champions League Fixtures to look out for:
1. Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Manchester City were dumped at the Group stage last season, albeit after amassing an impressive 10 points which would usually guarantee a place in the knockouts. They will return to this year’s edition with a renewed sense of entitlement, having won the Premiership last season.
However, they couldn’t have asked for a more difficult group, with Madrid, Dortmund and Ajax (i.e the champions of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands respectively). They start their campaign at the Bernabeu Stadium against last year’s semifinalists Real Madrid who themselves have a point to prove. Jose Mourinho has the distinction of being the first person to win the league in England, Italy and Spain and now he will be salivating at the prospect of cementing his place among the legends by winning the CL at a third club.
2. Chelsea vs Juventus
Last year’s champions, Chelsea, kick off their campaign at home against a Juventus side who went undefeated in the Italian League en route to winning their first Italian title in almost 10 years.
Roberto di Matteo’s team has been rejuvenated by the addition of Eden Hazard and Oscar over the summer and will be looking to defend their title with a more attacking display of football than they managed last term.
Juventus, on the other hand, will be looking to regain their ‘European Elite’ status with the ageless Andrea Pirlo controlling the strings and Giorgio Chiellini shoring up the defence.
3. Paris St Germain vs Dynamo Kyiv
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi. PSG have definitely exhibited their intent by splurging over the course of the transfer window. Carlo Ancelloti’s side are expected to walk away with the French league this season and therefore there will be a sense of curiosity as to their performance in the Champions League. Their Qatari owners aren’t likely to appreciate a dismal showing, especially in a relatively easy group.
4. Manchester United vs Galatasaray
Having played three finals in the preceding four years, crashing out in the Group stage was a rude awakening for Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson was adamant that such a situation would not recur in the future and there can be no doubt that he will want to add a third European trophy to his cap.
However, with a match at Anfield against Liverpool next weekend, Ferguson might be tempted to rest a few players. Considering that resting players and incessant squad rotation was the reason behind last season’s exit, it provides quite the conundrum for the wily Scot.
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