Liverpool present high hurdle for Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais need just a draw against Liverpool FC to book their UEFA Champions League knockout place from Group E but coach Claude Puel knows the Reds can make life very tough for the hosts. Rafael Benítez's team could fall six points behind second-placed ACF Fiorentina if results go against them on Wednesday although the manager, who hopes to have Fernando Torres fit, has overseen group-stage recoveries before.

Claude Puel, Lyon coach
Liverpool are always able to produce a big performance. They have a great manager and great players. There were brilliant against Manchester United ten days ago and, even though they lost at Fulham at the weekend, they played well with a lot of spirit. As far as we are concerned, we always focus on the next game, we always put out our best team. It doesn't matter if we take one point or three. We are playing at home and will do our best to win. We won't play for a draw – we don't know how. Even with nine points in the bag, nothing is certain because it's a tough group. Three teams can still go through, it's that open. Liverpool play the way they always used to play. It means they are always efficient when they play well. Even if they slow down the pace, they are able to score a quick goal.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
Fernando Torres is improving every day. He feels less and less pain. So we can't talk about a possible operation. He's not 100 per cent, but against Manchester United he was 80 per cent and scored the winning goal. I would have put him on the pitch even if the game had been less important. We have experience and have to believe in ourselves, that we can win against Lyon, even though they are a good team. In the past, we had the same difficulties and managed to go through. We have to be confident, show character. If you are nervous, you make mistakes. We are in a difficult period, but football changes every week. Every game is important. Despite the lack of four or five important players, we still have a very good team. We'll see an open game. Lyon won't play for the draw.

Weekend results
31/10/09 AS Saint-Etienne 0-1 Lyon
(Gomis 83)

• Bafétimbi Gomis struck on his return to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard where he spent six seasons with St-Etienne before a summer switch to Lyon.

• Jérémy Toulalan made his 200th Ligue 1 appearance in the St-Etienne game – 106 with Lyon, 94 for FC Nantes.

31/10/09 Fulham FC 3-1 Liverpool
(Zamora 24, Nevland 73, Dempsey 87; Torres 42)

• Liverpool have lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions after slipping to a fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign at Craven Cottage. They finished with nine men after Philipp Degen (79) and Jamie Carragher (82) were shown straight red cards.

• The Merseysiders have been defeated in their last five away fixtures in all competitions.

• Torres has scored seven goals in his last five Premier League outings.

Team news
Lyon
Out: Anderson (knee, calf, shoulder), Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin), Mathieu Bodmer (groin), François Clerc (knee)
Doubtful: Anthony Réveillère (groin)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Kim Källström returned from a groin injury as a substitute against St-Etienne.

• Réveillère did not play on Saturday after being afflicted by a similar problem.

Liverpool
Out: Steven Gerrard (groin), Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle), Martin Škrtel (muscle), Glen Johnson (calf), Fábio Aurélio (calf)
Doubtful: Fernando Torres (groin), Alberto Aquilani (virus), Daniel Agger (back), David Ngog (ankle)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Background
• Late goals from substitutes Maxime Gonalons and César Delgado gave Lyon a 2-1 triumph at Anfield on Matchday 3, only their second victory in England in seven attempts. It sent the French side three points clear in the section, six above their Premier League rivals.

• Lyon won their first-ever home fixture against English opposition – 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the 1967/68 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup second round – but failed to overcome visitors from across the Channel in five subsequent matches, drawing four and losing one.

• Although Liverpool have never played at the Gerland before, they boast an impressive recent record in France having prevailed on their last four trips. Skipper Steven Gerrard hit three goals in successive wins at Olympique de Marseille in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons.

Did you know?
Liverpool won the 1981 European Champion Clubs' Cup on French soil, beating Real Madrid CF 1-0 in the Parc des Princes final.

Rubin believe in mission improbable

The sense of anticipation is acute as FC Rubin Kazan welcome FC Barcelona to the Tatar capital looking to pull off a repeat of their sensational victory at Camp Nou a fortnight ago. Rubin fans are thrilled at the prospect of seeing the European champions in a city that just six years ago had never even witnessed top-flight football, and the excitement is mixed with real belief that the Russian league leaders can pull off another upset. Rubin coach Kurban Berdyev summed up the mood: "We're ready for a battle."

Kurban Berdyev, Rubin coach
I don't think that the team has changed psychologically since the win at Barcelona. The players are mentally strong; they know their quality and the strength of our opponents very well. Our aim is to show what we can do and a little bit more besides. We are ready for a battle. The pace will be faster than in Barcelona. Why? It's simple: Josep's Guardiola side is improving with every match. Draws in the Spanish league will not disturb Barcelona on Wednesday. The cold weather also shouldn't be a problem for the visitors, players in top teams don't need time to adapt for playing in such conditions.

Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach
The weather should not be a problem for us. A great team should be able to win whether it's cold, hot or if you play against 12 opponents. I respect Rubin. They won in Barcelona and I don't think that was down to luck. They scored twice and deserved it. That said, we controlled about 70 per cent of possession and I'm happy with that. I'm sure my players will run fast, otherwise they will freeze. There are no easy groups and we have to fight to the end. Rubin are strong. They defend well and are really dangerous on the break. We will have to be very sharp. We drew our last fixture in the Spanish league and that may help us to focus more for this match in Kazan. All 19 players who have travelled to Russia are fully fit and ready to play.

Weekend results
30/10/09 Rubin 4-1 PFC Krylya Sovetov Samara
(Noboa 48, Bukharov 56 75, Gökdeniz 63; Koller 61)

• Rubin have won four in a row – against FC Khimki, Barcelona, FC Rostov and Krylya Sovetov – since ending a sequence of five games without a victory.

• Rubin have not kept a clean sheet since a 0-0 draw with FC Tom Tomsk on 22 September, a run of seven games.

31/10/09 CA Osasuna 1-1 Barcelona
(Piqué 90+3og; Keita 72)

• Carles Puyol made his 453rd appearance for Barça against Osasuna, taking him past Carles Rexach and into third on the club's all-time appearance list. Xavi Hernández is second on 489, with Migueli leading the way on 548.

• Seydou Keita has now scored four in three games having registered the first hat-trick of his career against Real Zaragoza on 25 October.

Team news
Rubin
Out: Rafał Murawski (shoulder)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Cristian Ansaldi

Barcelona
Out: Gabriel Milito (knee), Thierry Henry (thigh)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Daniel Alves will be available for Barcelona after recovering from a right thigh tear in 13 days – a week sooner than predicted.

Background
• Goals in each half from Aleksandr Ryazantsev and Gökdeniz Karadeniz stunned the UEFA Champions League holders a fortnight ago. While Barça remain top of the section, all four teams are now separated by a single point at the halfway stage.

• Barcelona are unbeaten in four visits to Russia, recording one victory and three draws. The holders' last trip was a first group-stage meeting with FC Lokomotiv Moskva on 1 October 2002. Xavi, Puyol and Víctor Valdés featured for a Barcelona side who won 3-1 through goals from Patrick Kluivert and Javier Saviola (2).

• Rubin did not compete in Europe before 2004. Outside of qualifying rounds and UEFA Intertoto Cup ties, this is only their third home game in a UEFA club competition proper and they are still seeking a first win.

Did you know?
Barcelona are unbeaten in seven away matches in the UEFA Champions League, including the goalless draw at Inter on Matchday 1.

Prandelli unsettled by Debrecen danger

ACF Fiorentina may be favourites to secure a third straight UEFA Champions League Group E win when Debreceni VSC visit on Wednesday, but home coach Cesare Prandelli admits to concerns about the counterattacking threat of their Hungarian opponents. While Fiorentina could go six points clear of third-placed Liverpool FC with victory, Debrecen are yet to get off the mark, having lost 4-3 at home to Fiorentina a fortnight ago. With the visitors seeking the win they need to keep their hopes alive, coach András Herczeg promised to put on a show for their fans.

Cesare Prandelli, Fiorentina coach
I'm not very relaxed about the match, because most people will think it's going to be easy, but nothing is easy in football. We'll have to play well and get three points which are crucial for our Champions League campaign. I'm expecting Debrecen to play attacking football, so we'll have to be good in defence, and also keep the right balance. Debrecen are good with the ball and they're particularly dangerous on the break down the middle. They're a side who can cause you problems, but we're not afraid. We've overcome many problems over the past few years and this is the most important moment of them all, because we have a chance to keep the dream alive for our fans. I hope that at least one of our two injured players will be fit; most probably it won't be [Stevan] Jovetić, but [Adrian] Mutu might make it.

András Herczeg, Debrecen coach
We know that we will play a big team and it's important to go hard at this match. We examined the last game and have found our mistakes. Fiorentina are favourites to win, but it's important for us to play a good match and make a good impression in Italy. We had a good week training and we will face Fiorentina with heads up, trying to get a good result. We will play mainly for our supporters. In our group there are big teams that think they are playing easy matches against Debrecen, but we will try to make them hard. We are relaxed because we are a little team facing three great teams in Fiorentina, Liverpool and Lyon, but we would like to leave a positive impression with our supporters.

Weekend results
01/11/09 Fiorentina 3-1 Calcio Catania
(Marchionni 4 69, Gilardino 86; Mascara 48)

• The win – Fiorentina's first in five league matches – came despite Dario Dainelli's dismissal just before half-time. Having equalised, Catania were also reduced to ten men themselves on 59 minutes.

• Prandelli became Fiorentina's longest-serving coach against Catania, his 204th game surpassing a mark set by Fulvio Bernardini – the man who led the Viola to their first Scudetto in 1956.

30/10/09 Debrecen 1-2 Újpest FC
(Rudolf 17pen; Kabát 40pen 90+1pen)

• An added-time penalty, the fourth spot-kick of the match, condemned Debrecen to their second successive 1. Liga defeat. Having put András Herczeg's side ahead early on, Gergely Rudolf squandered the chance to double the lead when he missed his second penalty on 27 minutes.

• Debrecen had not lost back-to-back league matches since May 2004.

Team news
Fiorentina
Out: Cesare Natali (thigh), Stevan Jovetić (toe)
Doubtful: Adrian Mutu (knee)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Marco Donadel

• Jovetić missed the Catania match after injuring his toe in training.

Debrecen
Out: Róbert Feczesin (knee), Norbert Mészáros (rested)
Doubtful: none
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Background
• Fiorentina's first experience of Hungarian opposition since 1966/67 was a positive one on Matchday 3, Adrian Mutu scoring twice as the Viola found the net four times in the first half in Budapest to run out 4-3 victors. The result leaves the Italian side with six points, three behind section leaders Olympique Lyonnais but three above Liverpool FC.

• Péter Czvitkovics scored Debrecen's first group-stage goal in the first game between the sides, yet the Hungarian champions have now lost all three Group E games.

• Hungarian sides have traditionally enjoyed little success in Italy down the years – recording two victories, four draws and 13 defeats on 19 previous visits.

Did you know?
Czvitkovics became the first Hungarian to score in the UEFA Champions League group stage in three years on Matchday 3. Roland Juhász, who hit RSC Anderlecht's goal in a 4-1 loss to AC Milan on 1 November 2006, was Czvitkovics's predecessor.

No doubts for Arsenal's Diaby

Buoyed by a run of eleven games without defeat in all competitions, Arsenal FC's French international midfielder Abou Diaby says confidence is high going into their Group H contest with AZ Alkmaar on Matchday 4.

Unbeaten run
Saturday's 3-0 home win over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC was the latest positive result for Arsène Wenger's side, who stand to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League with a victory on Wednesday. "The quality is there, the spirit is there. We have a great squad," said Diaby, an ever-present in the Gunners' midfield in Europe this season. "It is up to us now to show in every game that we are a great team. If we do, I am sure we will win something at the end of the season."

Qualification beckons
For the immediate future, Diaby and his team-mates are looking no further than the return contest with Ronald Koeman's Dutch champions, who grabbed a 1-1 home draw two weeks ago with an added-time equaliser from David Mendes da Silva. "We want to win the game because if we do, we qualify," Diaby said. "We also want to finish top of the group, so it is a very important game against a good team. We are all really focused on it, and our confidence is high."

Mental strength
Signed from AJ Auxerre in January 2006, Diaby has had to bide his time before establishing himself in the heart of Arsenal's midfield, but with Denilson injured he is making the most of his opportunity. "I have had difficult times with injuries. But that's in the past. I'm trying to be focused on the future. I think mentally I am stronger because I had a lot of problems in the past."

Manager's support
Wenger is delighted with Diaby's form though he indicated that the 23-year-old remains a work in progress. "He has done extremely well. He gives us a good mixture. Before, we were often criticised that we were easily intimidated. But he is strong, quick, versatile and good in the air. Sometimes, however, he needs to be a bit more controlled. He is attracted like a magnet to the opposition goal. I know he would like to play further forward, but I think in the future he will play a deeper role, just in front of the defence."

Attacking instinct
Diaby, scorer of three Premier League goals this term, makes no secret of his striking instincts. "I used to play behind the strikers at academy level when I was young. Everyone likes to score goals, I like to go forward – sometimes after training I work on my finishing. If I find myself in front of the keeper, I want to make sure I score."

Mum's the word for Unirea's Varga

The eyes of Europe may be on FC Unirea Urziceni as they enjoy their first foray into the UEFA Champions League, but for striker Serban Dacian Varga his harshest critic remains the same – his mother.

'Good mood'
The 25-year-old played a key role in helping Unirea win their first title last season, scored his club's first UEFA Champions League goal against VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 2, and has broken into Romania's national team this year. Yet one person still expects more. "I always speak with my mother before matches," Varga said. "She means everything to me, but she is never really satisfied with how I play. She never gives tactical advice, but what she does give, and this means everything to me, is morale and a good mood."

Rapid rise
Varga has had plenty of reasons for cheer recently. He was playing second-division football when coach Dan Petrescu took him on loan from FC Sportul Studenţesc last term, turning him into a Romanian champion. After the No9's loan expired in the summer, following a yield of four goals in eight league starts, Petrescu returned to Sportul at the eleventh hour to bring him back to Unirea. Varga now locks horns with some of European football's biggest names.

Wounded pride
The confident forward even predicted that Unirea – second in Group G behind Sevilla FC – would beat Rangers FC in Glasgow on Matchday 3. While the resulting 4-1 triumph could provoke a Rangers reaction in Wednesday's rematch on Romanian soil, he is again backing his side to meet the challenge. "It will be a much more difficult match than in Glasgow," he said. "I would say it will be a do-or-die game because their pride was deeply hurt when we beat them. They will give everything to succeed in Bucharest."

Passion
Unirea, though, have similar reserves of passion and desire according to Varga. "I want everybody to know we will give our lives on the pitch. To win, we will have to give everything because in the domestic championship we have not played as our coach wants and expects." Seventh in Liga 1, Unirea ended a three-match winless run on Saturday, overcoming FC Universitatea Craiova 3-2, and Varga promises another improved showing against Rangers at the Steaua Stadium. "It is important for us to have a full stadium," he said. "This would be a huge help and we will not disappoint anybody."

Red-hot Suárez proving his worth

When Luis Suárez scored AFC Ajax's fifth goal in the 5-1 victory against Feyenoord on Sunday, the penalty was the forward's 16th league goal of what is shaping up to be a potentially record-breaking season for the Uruguayan international.

Ajax move
What is all the more impressive is the time it has taken Suárez to reach the total – 12 matches. If he were to continue scoring at such a rate he would end up with 45 goals for the UEFA Europa League contenders and eclipse the long-standing Eredivisie record of Coen Dillen, who struck 43 times for PSV Eindhoven in 1956/57. After a season with FC Groningen in 2006/07, he joined Ajax for an estimated €8m that summer − filling the void created by the departure of Ryan Babel to Liverpool FC − and in his first two campaigns struck 39 times in 64 appearances.

Different roles
Goals, however, are not the only thing Suárez contributes as the South American's Eredivisie-leading seven assists also show. At the heart of much of Ajax's attacking play, El Pistolero started the season in a central role until the arrival of Marko Pantelić resulted in him playing wide in a 4-3-3 or as a second striker in a traditional 4-4-2.

Capitano
His coach, Martin Jol, recognised the importance of Suárez earlier this season by making him captain and has been delighted with how the No16 has handled the responsibility such a role entails. "He's been fantastic this year," said Jol, whose side visit NK Dinamo Zagreb in Group A on Thursday. "Last year he was already fantastic, but now he has taken on additional responsibility before matches, making speeches to the squad. He is a real capitano."

Modesty
His performances have reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe's top clubs but, for now, Suárez is more than happy in the Dutch capital. "Ajax are more than Luis Suárez alone," said the forward, whose goals have brought Ajax to within three points of the Eredivisie summit. "I think my team-mates are often sold short. In a team everyone makes their contribution and my job is to score goals and make assists. When people say that a transfer may happen during the winter or an injury will mean an end to our championship aspirations, I think that is disrespectful.

'Happy'
"I have said many times already that I will certainly finish this season at Ajax and that I am open to talks about a contract extension," continued Suárez, who is under contract until 2012. "I am happy in Amsterdam, feel at home with Ajax and want to be important for the club."

Can Lyon complete French sweep?

Following terrific wins for FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday, Olympique Lyonnais will look to make it a clean sweep for French clubs in the UEFA Champions League when they host Liverpool FC tonight.

French first
Claude Puel's side pulled off one of the results of the season so far with their victory at Anfield on Matchday 3 and will join Bordeaux in the knockout phase should they draw tonight at the Stade de Gerland. Bordeaux, who beat FC Bayern München 2-0, and Lyon lead Group A and Group E respectivley and Marseille, 6-1 winners over FC Zürich, have dragged themselves back into contention as well. Granted OM have difficult games against AC Milan and Real Madrid CF to come in Group C, but as things stand all three French sides are well placed to reach the knockout phase for the first time.

Lyon test
French sides have the best winning percentage – nearly 73 per cent – of any nation in the UEFA Champions League this season, and should all three go through this could be France's best year in the competition since AS Monaco FC reached the final in 2004. Do you expect Lyon to make it three wins in three games for French clubs on Matchday 3 against Liverpool tonight? Will all three qualify for the knockout phase and if so, just how far can they go? Click below to have your say.

Wenger keen to get the job done

Arsène Wenger's "first objective" may be for Arsenal FC to qualify for the knockout rounds, but the Frenchman's long-term target is to finally get his hands on the European Champion Clubs' Cup. "We have been in the final, the semi-final, and I think we will eventually win it," said Wenger ahead of Wednesday's Group H visit of an AZ Alkmaar side whose coach has fond memories of north London.

Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
We want to finish first in the group, but to be qualified in early November would be good, and that is our first objective. Although we have not won the Champions League, I consider us as an élite club because we are in the eight top-seeded teams in Europe. We have been in the final, the semi-final, and I think we will eventually win it. It does not concern me that I have never beaten Ronald Koeman. I see it as Arsenal against Alkmaar. He organises his teams well, they fight well, but I've never been obsessed with these things. I'm confident we can do it, but we have to show that we can focus and play for each other every three days and prepare for all the games with the same attitude.

Ronald Koeman, AZ coach
It is a nice feeling to be back at this fantastic stadium. I remember one moment very fondly, my success with PSV when we got a 1-1 draw that was enough to knock Arsenal out. Now we face the most difficult of the six matches in the group. We got a good result at home, so we are confident. We know our qualities but we respect Arsenal. They will put us under a lot of pressure, but the important thing is how we deal with that pressure. Individually the players will have to be at their best and we have to take the opportunity to rest when we can because Arsenal cannot keep up the pressure for the whole game.

Weekend results
31/10/09 Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur FC
(Van Persie 42 60, Fàbregas 43)

• Arsenal are yet to score in the first 15 minutes of any game this season.

• The win means Wenger has collected 1,000 league points as Arsenal manager.

31/10/09 FC Groningen 0-1 AZ
(Lens 85)

• Jeremain Lens marked his 50th appearance for AZ in style, coming off the bench to head the only goal of the game within five minutes of his introduction.

• It was only AZ's second win in eleven matches in all competitions over 90 minutes; they have lost six in that sequence.

Team news
Arsenal
Out: Gaël Clichy (back) Johan Djourou (knee), Denilson (back), Tomáš Rosický (knee), Theo Walcott (knee), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Carlos Vela (knee), Łukasz Fabiański (thigh), Nicklas Bendtner (groin)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Gaël Clichy, Robin van Persie

• Clichy was unexpectedly ruled out on Tuesday morning. "We fear a stress fracture of the back," said Wenger.

• Bendtner limped off shortly before half-time against Tottenham with a groin injury.

AZ
Out: Mounir El Hamdaoui (muscle)
Doubtful:
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Background
• The north London club looked set to take a firm grip on Group H in the reverse fixture on Matchday 3 when Cesc Fàbregas gave them a 36th-minute lead, only for David Mendes da Silva to volley an equaliser in the third minute of added time. The draw leaves Arsenal on seven points, one clear of Olympiacos FC and five above third-placed AZ.

• In seven competitive home games against Dutch opposition, Arsenal have only posted two victories. Four of the fixtures finished all-square with their only defeat coming in the first meeting – a European Champion Clubs' Cup quarter-final in 1971/72 when AFC Ajax won 1-0 at Highbury to complete a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

• AZ have lost all four previous games in England, conceding 12 goals. The most recent reverse was a 4-2 loss at Newcastle United FC in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup round of 16.

• AZ's Koeman is unbeaten as a coach against Arsenal, guiding Ajax to 1-1 home and 0-0 away draws against them in the second group stage in February 2003. Then, as PSV Eindhoven coach, Koeman's side eliminated the Gunners in the 2006/07 first knockout round with a 1-0 home win followed by a 1-1 draw in London.

Did you know?
The 1-1 draw at the DS-Stadium on Matchday 3 was the teams' first-ever meeting.

Petrescu warning of Rangers response

Dan Petrescu expects Rangers FC to be on a revenge mission when his FC Unirea Urziceni team host the Scottish outfit two weeks after inflicting a 4-1 defeat on them on UEFA Champions League Matchday 3. With his side second in Group G, Petrescu wants another victory against Walter Smith's men in what he called "the most important match of my coaching career". His opposite number – who can call on fit-again Lee McCulloch – may be satisfied with a point to remain in contention.

Dan Petrescu, Unirea coach
It will be a totally different match from Glasgow, because Rangers will not underestimate us again. They are coming to Bucharest to beat us and to avenge that defeat. They will give everything in attack and any result is possible. I have challenged my players to become the first Romanian team to win successive Champions League games. I can't remember another Romanian team doing this. But I worry about the mentality of Romanian players and it would be a miracle to qualify for the knockout stage. I try to motivate my players, but the secret is with them – they will decide their fate, not me. Anyhow, it is the most important match of my coaching career.

Walter Smith, Rangers manager
The 4-1 home defeat was the poorest display in our European history. That's why I hope we recover and return to our normal level because Rangers are used to performing well in Europe. From what is a very difficult match, we need at least a point to maintain our hopes of qualification. It's a necessity that we improve and I will try to adopt a more attacking and aggressive style of play. I will change the system and play with more attacking players because I also want to change the result and win, even though that it's going to be very difficult. I am happy McCulloch will be able to play because the injury problems we faced last time had a negative effect. I don't know how many spectators will be in the stands, but I remember the last time I was here there was a full stadium and a fantastic atmosphere.

Weekend results
31/10/09 Unirea 3-2 FC Universitatea Craiova
(Frunză 27 62, Bilasco 90+2; Costea 54, Wobay 71)

• Petrescu's team ended a three-match winless run in Liga 1 – their most barren spell since the middle of last term when they drew three and lost one either side of the winter break.

• It was only the third time in 12 top-flight outings this season the Romanian champions have scored more than once.

1/11/09 Dundee United FC v Rangers (match abandoned at half-time due to heavy rain)

• Rangers were leading through Steven Davis's 29th-minute goal at Tannadice when the game was abandoned at half-time because of a waterlogged pitch, cutting short Danny Wilson's league debut at centre-back.

• The 4-1 home defeats by Sevilla FC and Unirea are Rangers' only reverses since Celtic FC's extra-time victory in last season's Scottish League Cup final on 15 March.

Team news
Unirea
Out: Raul Rusescu (knee), Bruno Fernandes (thigh)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Vasile Maftei

• Bruno Fernandes limped off early in the second half against Craiova having damaged his right thigh.

Rangers
Out: Andrew Little (hamstring), Madjid Bougherra (knee), Pedro Mendes (thigh)
Doubtful: Maurice Edu (knee), Kirk Broadfoot (foot)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Steven Naismith

• Broadfoot and Edu have resumed training with the rest of the squad.

Background
• Those back-to-back home defeats have left the Scottish champions bottom of the group, while the Romanian titleholders have climbed to second spot thanks to their first win in UEFA competition on Matchday 3.

• Unirea had made the worst possible start in Glasgow, Ricardo Vilana's own goal giving Rangers a second-minute lead. Marius Bilasco equalised, however, and after Daniel Tudor saved Steven Davis's penalty the second period began with Rangers substitute Kyle Lafferty and team-mate McCulloch both netting own goals. Pablo Brandán added a fourth, keeping Rangers on one point only.

• Before that Ibrox encounter, Rangers had had six competitive meetings with Romanian opponents, all against FC Steaua Bucureşti. They failed to score in any of their three away games. Unirea had never faced a Scottish team in a UEFA fixture before Matchday 3.

Did you know?
Unirea are fighting their second campaign in UEFA competition and are still to win at home. They lost 2-0 to Hamburger SV in last season's UEFA Cup first round before contesting a 1-1 draw with VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 2. Overall, they had drawn two and lost two of four European games prior to visiting Glasgow.

Inter visit raises stakes for Dynamo

After a week in which FC Dynamo Kyiv were beaten 2-0 by FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Cup and held at home by FC Karpaty Lviv in the league, coach Valeri Gazzaev says they have "tremendous motivation" for the visit of FC Internazionale Milano. Dynamo are just a point ahead of Inter in a tight UEFA Champions League Group F, but José Mourinho does not see the game as decisive.

Valeri Gazzaev, Dynamo coach
Last week wasn't too successful for us but we have quickly forgotten recent failures. The team had a day off after the last league fixture. Now we are fully concentrated on the upcoming match and have tremendous motivation for it. The situation in our group impels us to play only for a win, since all four clubs still have almost equal chances to go through. I realise that our group is the toughest in the tournament but our aim remains the same: a berth in the knockout stage. Inter have much more experience than our young team does, however we proved our ability in the previous three matchdays. We don't have any mental barriers before games against big clubs like Inter. All teams have their weaknesses, and I hope we will find them in Inter's performance.

José Mourinho, Inter coach
This is not a decisive match because we still have to play against Barcelona and Kazan. However, it is very important for us. My plan for the game? Just to score one goal more than Dynamo. I don't analyse the possible permutations in our group. Now I am just thinking about how to beat Dynamo because [until after the game] they are our main rivals in the Champions League.

Weekend results
31/10/09 Dynamo 1-1 FC Karpaty Lviv
(Ninković 60; Zenjov 6)

• The draw ended Dynamo's six-match winning run in the Premier League though they are unbeaten in 21 games at home since losing 2-1 to FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on 5 November 2008.

• Dynamo have scored in each of their last 27 league fixtures, since a 1-0 loss at FC Shakhtar Donetsk on 16 November 2008.

01/11/09 AS Livorno Calcio 0-2 Inter
(Milito 49, Maicon 80)

• With Juventus and UC Sampdoria both failing to win, Inter extended their lead at the Serie A summit to seven points – a record after eleven games since the division switched to three points for a win in 1994/95.

• Diego Milito's strike was his seventh in nine league appearances for Inter, and his 31st in 40 Serie A matches for the Nerazzurri and Genoa CFC.

Team news
Dynamo
Out: Badr El Kaddouri (ankle), Olexandr Shovkovskiy (stomach), Pape Diakhate (knee)
Doubtful: Andriy Nesmachniy (knee)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Leandro Almeida, Gérson Magrão, Artem Milevskiy

• Ayila Yussuf has recovered from a thigh injury and trained normally on Tuesday.

Inter
Out: none
Doubtful: Thiago Motta (thigh), Wesley Sneijder (thigh), Sulley Muntari (heel), Cristian Chivu (thigh), Mario Balotelli (illness)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Cristian Chivu, Maicon

• Milito and Motta returned as second-half substitutes against Palermo yet while Milito subsequently started at Livorno, Motta is still struggling for fitness.

Background
• Dynamo will hope to produce another impressive home performance to match the 3-1 victory against Rubin Kazan in September. The Ukrainian side drew 2-2 at Inter on Matchday 3 and now lie second in the section, one point and two places above the Italian champions.

• Dynamo's most recent visit from Italian opposition brought a 4-1 home defeat by AS Roma in the 2007/08 group stage. Their solitary win in eight previous attempts was a 2-0 success against Roma in the 2004/05 group stage.

• Besides drawing 1-1 draw with Dynamo during the 2003/04 group stage, Inter have visited Ukraine on only one other occasion – for a 2-0 victory at FC Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2005/06 third qualifying round. Obafemi Martins and Adriano hit the second-half goals that set Inter on their way to a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

• Inter have won just one of their last six UEFA Champions League away matches and have not won in the competition since beating Anorthosis Famagusta FC 1-0 on 22 October 2008, a run of eight matches.

Did you know?
Andriy Shevchenko scored 14 times against Inter while at AC Milan including the goal in the abandoned 2004/05 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Bold Bölöni urging Standard on

László Bölöni has vowed R. Standard de Liège will take the game to Olympiacos FC from the outset with his side bottom of UEFA Champions League Group H and trailing their second-placed opponents by five points. With victory essential if his team are to stand any chance of reaching the last 16, Bölöni will ask his players to create a "spectacle" for the passionate home support but is wary of being caught on the break by rivals who can "wait patiently to see how the game unfolds".

László Bölöni, Standard coach
There are two or three players doubtful [because of illness] and they will undergo late tests. I have watched our match in Greece where we played very well, made good chances and caused a lot of difficulties for the Greek champions. Unfortunately, [the 2-1 defeat on 20 October] did not bring us any points so Arsenal and Olympiacos lead the group and we have to do something to change that. We are going to create a spectacle and I hope I can be satisfied when it's over. Because Olympiacos won the home match, they can approach this one like they are sitting in a comfortable chair. They can wait patiently to see how the game unfolds and then adjust their tactics accordingly.

Zico, Olympiacos coach
This is a huge match for us because we can qualify for the knockout rounds with a good result. It is also a vital game for Standard. For them the result is probably even more important because they almost certainly need a win to stay in contention. Obviously I would prefer to win, but a draw would also do for me as we would then have seven points. I expect Standard to attack from the start, yet we are prepared for that. As a player, I never played against Belgium or a Belgian team, but I do know Jean-Marie Pfaff, who was a fantastic keeper, and as a coach I also knocked out Anderlecht in the Champions League qualifying round with Fenerbahçe.

Weekend results
30/10/09 R. Excelsior Mouscron 0-0 Standard

• Axel Witsel's return after an eight-match ban, following his red card against RSC Anderlecht on 30 August, failed to inspire Standard who have not won over 90 minutes in five outings.

• It was Standard's seventh draw in 13 Belgian top-flight games, and only the second time they have been shut out in any competition this term.

31/10/09 Atromitos FC 0-1 Olympiacos
(Óscar 80)

• Olympiacos's seventh successive league victory was also their eighth in as many away matches in Greece's Super League.

• Antonis Nikopolidis and Olof Mellberg have not missed a minute of Olympiacos's league campaign.

Team news
Standard
Out: Steven Defour (foot), Cédric Collet (broken toe), Wilfried Dalmat (shin), Gohi Bi Cyriac (thigh), Moussa Traore (thigh)
Doubtful: Victor Ramos (hamstring), Sinan Bolat (finger), Benjamin Nicaise (illness), Landry Mulemo (illness)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Igor De Camago is fit after a broken toe

Olympiacos
Out: Matt Derbyshire (groin), Leonardo (knee), Diogo (ankle), Jaouad Zairi (groin), Vassilis Torosidis (knee), Leonidas Panagopoulos (back), Andreas Vasilogiannis (cruciate ligaments)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Background
• Standard lost 2-1 in Piraeus on Matchday 3 when Kostas Mitroglou (43) and Ieroklis Stoltidis (90+3) responded to De Camargo's 37th-minute opener to give Olympiacos victory. It was the teams' first official meeting and just the second time either had been involved in a competitive tie against a club from their rivals' country.

• In Standard's first game in the group, they raced into a 2-0 lead inside five minutes at home to Arsenal FC before subsiding to a 3-2 defeat. Olympiacos, meanwhile, went down 2-0 at Arsenal in their only away fixture so far, although home successes against AZ Alkmaar and Standard have taken Zico's team second in the standings, one point behind the English side.

Did you know?
Olympiacos have to go back 35 years for their only previous competitive visit to Belgium and it is not an occasion they will recall with satisfaction. They crashed 5-1 at Anderlecht in the European Champion Clubs' Cup second round and, despite winning the home leg 3-0, were duly eliminated.

Babbel keen to banish scoring blues

Markus Babbel is seeking an immediate improvement on VfB Stuttgart's form in front of goal when they visit UEFA Champions League Group G leaders Sevilla FC. The Bundesliga outfit − third in the section − have registered just twice in their previous six matches in all competitions, the last of which came in the Matchday 3 defeat by the Liga highfliers, prompting Babbel to urge the rest of his squad to make a contribution while the forwards are struggling.

Manuel Jiménez, Sevilla coach
The faster we achieve our goal of finishing first in the group the better it is. Everybody thinks finishing first is better but it depends on the teams that finish in second position. Really it is a question of luck. We are not sure yet if Kanouté is 100 per cent so we don't know if he will play. Palop can but I have to check if he is 100 per cent. Javi Varas is doing very well [in his place] and is an excellent goalkeeper. I'm not thinking about the match against Villarreal next Saturday, just about Stuttgart. I will put out my best team. I have my starting XI in mind, but I don't know if those eleven players can play because of injuries.

Markus Babbel, Stuttgart coach
We deserved to win our last Bundesliga match against Bayern but we didn't due to lapses in concentration. We know that Sevilla are a good team and dangerous from free-kicks and corners, so we have to concentrate. There is less pressure on Sevilla than on us but there are times that when you play without pressure you play better. They will want to be at their best and we can't wait for a present from them. Sevilla and Barcelona play the best football in Spain so if Sevilla can maintain this level then they have a realistic chance of achieving great things in the competition. We defended pretty well against Bayern but we didn't create scoring chances so we have to improve upon this. Goals shouldn't always be scored by forwards – midfielders and defenders have to score too.

Weekend results
31/10/09 Xerez CD 0-2 Sevilla
(Negredo 42, Luis Fabiano 89)

• The Andalusian club have won ten of their last 12 matches in all competitions, losing once, and are unbeaten at home since losing 4-2 to Real Madrid CF on 26 April.

• Luis Fabiano has scored ten goals in 13 games this term for club and country, but only three have come in the Liga.

31/10/09 Stuttgart 0-0 FC Bayern München

• Stuttgart are seven games without a win in all competitions, losing five in a row prior to the Bayern draw.

• Babbel's side have not scored in their last three matches and are without a goal in the 286 minutes since Élson's consolation against Sevilla.

Team news
Sevilla
Out: Tom De Mul (adductor), Federico Fazio (ankle), Lautaro Acosta (ankle), Adriano (thigh tear)
Doubtful: Frédéric Kanouté (calf/hypoglycemia), Andrés Palop (calf)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: Fernando Navarro

• Acosta returned to full training on 14 October but has suffered a relapse and will undergo further tests this week.

Stuttgart
Out: Martin Lanig (cruciate ligament), Cacau (hip), Sami Khedira (foot), Ricardo Osorio (torn thigh muscle), Christian Träsch (groin strain), Ciprian Marica (groin)
Doubtful: Georg Niedermeier (foot)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Osorio will be out for around three weeks, while the man who filled in for him at right-back against Bayern, Träsch, will miss the trip to Sevilla after he too failed to finish the game.

Background
• Sevilla were 3-1 winners at Stuttgart on Matchday 3 and are already five points clear in the Group G having also beaten FC Unirea Urziceni (2-0) and Rangers FC (4-1). Despite that setback, Stuttgart are still third after 1-1 draws against Rangers and Unirea in their first two games.

• Sevilla have won all their six previous home games in the UEFA Champions League. During their successive UEFA Cup triumphs in 2006 and 2007, the Spanish side lost just one of their 14 home games, winning eleven.

• The teams played 12 months ago in Spain during the UEFA Cup group stage, Sevilla winning 2-0. It was their first competitive meeting.

• In five home games against German visitors, Sevilla have won four and are still to concede a goal. Their only blip came in the 2005/06 UEFA Cup when they drew 0-0 with 1. FSV Mainz 05.

Did you know?
Stuttgart have made five visits to Spain and are yet to win, losing on four occasions.

Lehmann's lessons of a lifetime

Turning 40 is a time for taking stock, and with Jens Lehmann beginning his fifth decade on 10 November, he is no exception, though he is not regarding the date with dread. "Perhaps my wife has prepared a big surprise for me," he told uefa.com. "I enjoy celebrating my birthday. I usually have a nice cake and get presents."

Reflection
The VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper won the 1997 UEFA Cup with FC Schalke 04, and since then has claimed league titles at AC Milan, BV Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal FC. He has continued to perform at the highest level, becoming Germany's No1 before the 2006 FIFA World Cup and helping them to third place there, and to the final of UEFA EURO 2008™. "Obviously on a personal level I am on a different stage in my career as a footballer than what I was five or ten years ago," said Lehmann. "Leaving Milan early [after not being first-choice keeper] is one decision I regret making but it probably gave me a wider range of experience. Also, I probably wouldn't have made the move to Arsenal then and that is another period in my life where I learnt a lot about myself.

Foreign experience
"For me, to play in a foreign country was a great experience. I think to play in a foreign league makes you more admired in your own home country. I don't think I would have become the No1 national-team keeper if I had stayed in Germany. I don't think I would have learned as much by staying here. In Milan, we did a lot of tactical work and I also had to learn the Italian pace of the game. And obviously with Arsène Wenger in England I had to learn the overall pace of that game. That was very important for me, the fact that I learnt these different systems of play, even if at first these new systems seemed a little foreign to me."

Criticism
Lehmann is famously outspoken, and with regard to Stuttgart's current struggles – they are 14th in the Bundesliga and go to Sevilla FC on Wednesday two points behind second-placed FC Unirea Urziceni in UEFA Champions League Group G – he takes fans' criticism seriously. "I would not accept this," he said. "You cannot always be blamed for every mistake you make ... but sometimes big mistakes happen. Sometimes there is no interaction between players or players try to win the match all by themselves. These factors can affect the unity of the team."

Future
Thinking to the future, Lehmann is to appear as a talent scout in a film prior to the World Cup finals but when he retires from playing in the summer, acting will not be his chosen profession. "I will try out a lot of things," he said. "I am planning to start my education to become a coach, then I want to finish my academic business studies which I had had to adjourn in recent years. In the long term I am considering a number of possibilities to continue my career in football in some way."

Milito underlines Inter ambitions

Even if his remarkable tally of 24 league goals in 31 matches for Genoa CFC last season bred high expectations, the impact Diego Milito has made since moving to FC Internazionale Milano has been impressive.

Talismanic scorer
The 30-year-old has already struck seven times in nine Serie A outings this term for the Nerazzurri, who have won every game in which Milito has scored – notably the league leaders' 4-0 crushing of AC Milan. However, a thigh injury cost the Argentinian nearly the entire month of October and, prior to Wednesday's Matchday 4 trip to FC Dynamo Kyiv, the striker had accumulated only 85 minutes of UEFA Champions League football and no goals.

'Special hunger'
Perhaps there is a direct correlation between Milito's absence and the surprising fact that Inter sit bottom of Group F – an uncomfortable position for a club seeking a first triumph at this level since 1965. "You could say that there is a special hunger for this tournament at Inter," Milito told uefa.com. "This is one of the great clubs and it needs to be champion of Europe after not having been for many years. The demand from people around the club to win the Champions League has been rising in recent years. Obviously it's not an easy task but we are going to try to achieve it."

Dynamic duo
The premium which Inter placed on reaching the Santíago Bernabéu final next May is evidenced by them having spent a reported €40m on Milito and his Genoa team-mate Thiago Motta, plus being prepared to exchange Zlatan Ibrahimović for Samuel Eto'o, a proven scorer in the UEFA Champions League, and a significant fee. The Milito-Eto'o partnership exploded into life before spluttering a little with the Cameroonian missing matches through injury, and while neither has scored in Europe this season, Milito knows the duo can forge a special bond.

'Born winner'
"What you see is what you get with Samuel – Samuel is a born winner and very ambitious. He never gives up and he's always looking to improve himself. What's special about him is that he transmits all of this to those around him. I knew of him in Spain when I played against him [for Real Zaragoza] but now that he's my team-mate I must say that everything you see from the outside is what you get when you play with him."

Bad omen
If the glamour tie for Milito, and the emotional return 'home' for former Barça players Eto'o and Motta, comes when Inter play the European champions at the Camp Nou on Matchday 5 the bread and butter of fighting their way up Group F starts rather sooner. The last time the Nerazzurri travelled to Kyiv, in December 2003, a draw saw both them and Dynamo eliminated from the competition.

Stern challenge
Milito knows his team face another a stern challenge if they are to avoid a similar fate six years on under José Mourinho. "We are going to have to give our all to win our remaining matches in Kyiv, Barcelona and [at home to FC Rubin Kazan] but that's not simple," he continued. "The group is tough and has become more difficult but that's what this competition is like; there are no easy teams. Winning in both Kiev and against Rubin is not going to be easy but we might need to do that to get to the next round."

Semak wills second lightning strike

Having proved that "miracles happen" with a 2-1 win at FC Barcelona on Matchday 3, FC Rubin Kazan captain Sergei Semak hopes an open game at home can secure the Russian champions another famous result.

Russian celebration
Goals from Aleksandr Ryazantsev and Gökdeniz Karadeniz on Matchday 3 saw Rubin secure their first UEFA Champions League group stage victory in dazzling style, with the 33-year-old Semak recalling with pride: "It was a victory for Russia because it made fans happy all over the country, even the ones who didn't watch the game because there was so much talk about in the media the next day. It was also a big achievement for us. We are new to the tournament and you don't often see teams win at Barcelona. It is an honour, though luck was on our side with the way the game went on the night. It proves again that miracles happen."

World's best
Further demonstration of that fact in Kazan on Wednesday would be more than welcome, but while Barça have drawn two of their last three Liga games, Semak does not think the European and Spanish champions are going through a difficult period. "They are still the best team in the world and favourites to win our group; no doubt about that," said the 62-times capped midfielder, who has been struggling with injury since the win in Spain. "At home, we should be able to play a different game to the one in Barcelona and open things up. They will be under some pressure because a second loss in a row would make their lives more difficult, but it is in their hands and I do not doubt they will qualify."

'A big test'
Whether Rubin are the Group F side that will join Josep Guardiola's side in the first knockout round is a more contentious issue. Level on four points with Barcelona and FC Dynamo Kyiv, and one ahead of FC Internazionale Milano, Kurban Berdyev's side are in with more of a chance than expected. "Most thought the top two places were already booked, but the group turned out to be very interesting and every team has a chance of going through," said the former PFC CSKA Moskva idol. "If we have luck on our side, we can make it. This is a big test for us, but the way to develop is to be able to play at this level every year."

Frenzied month
Rubin are a point clear at the top of the Russian table with three games to go, and while they enjoyed their moment of victory at Camp Nou, Semak is well aware they have no time to rest on their laurels in the coming month or so. "There was no time to celebrate with the Russian league reaching its climax, the next Champions League fixtures and Russia matches," he explained, with a nod to Russia's upcoming FIFA World Cup play-off against Slovenia. "We will celebrate everything we have done and achieved when we have a break after 9 December."

Källström keeps sentiment in check

Liverpool FC stir some evocative memories for Kim Källström, yet the Olympique Lyonnais midfielder is fully focused on helping his side into the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, even if that means eliminating his boyhood heroes in the process.

'Liverpool made me dream'
Victory at Anfield a fortnight ago has left Lyon on nine points in Group E, three clear of ACF Fiorentina and six above their visitors to the Stade de Gerland, who have lost their last two matches in the competition, part of a run of six defeats in seven games. A point is all that is required to assure the French side of progress, but Källström does not believe in a cautious approach, saying: "We'll go on to the pitch to win – that's the only thing we'll consider. When I was a child, Liverpool made me dream. The red shirt, Anfield, it's magnificent, but you can't think about that when you play at the top level."

Pressure on
Liverpool may have struggled of late but can perhaps take heart from Lyon's record against English visitors, with just one win in five home matches and none in the last four. "[Liverpool] can handle the pressure – they're a great team with great players and are used to these kind of games," added Källström, who returned to action in Saturday's 1-0 derby win at AS Saint-Etienne after ten days out with a groin strain. As for the prospect of finishing first in the section, the Swedish international said simply: "We'll see. It's too early to talk about that."

Injuries mounting
Defeat would leave Liverpool on the brink of elimination and to make matters worse inspirational captain Steven Gerrard is still missing with a groin injury while Fábio Aurélio (calf), Martin Škrtel (muscle), Glen Johnson (calf) and Martin Kelly (ankle) have also not travelled. Fernando Torres should start despite a hernia problem, however, and though Alberto Aquilani (virus), Daniel Agger (back) and David Ngog (ankle) are also doubtful, Källström prefers to concentrate on Lyon. "It's not our problem," he said. "It changes nothing for us. We want to win at home."

Promising omens
Liverpool have been here before. In 2007/08 Rafael Benítez's team took just one point from their first three group games, but won the next three to progress. "Two years ago, we were in the same situation and had a good reaction," said Dirk Kuyt, whose team have travelled back to Merseyside with a win from their last four trips across the Channel to France. "This period strengthened us. We can do it again. We were disappointed with the last defeat against Lyon at home but we still have a very good team. We are strong enough to beat Lyon. I'm confident."

De Camargo sets Standard sights high

Igor De Camargo says R. Standard de Liège have a mountain to climb when they take on Olympiacos FC in Group H of the UEFA Champions League, but the Brazilian-born striker believes that his side's motivation is just as big.

Staying upbeat
De Camargo and his team-mates are having a tough time at the moment, occupying last place in the section with one point from three games, coming off a disappointing 0-0 draw with R. Excelsior Mouscron at the weekend and having a number of injury worries to boot. However, the 26-year-old forward, who has taken Belgian nationality, is not bowed by the prospect of facing a visiting side who are second in the group and just a point behind leaders Arsenal FC.

Matching motivation
"Olympiacos will start the match with an advantage because they already have six points," De Camargo said. "But we'll just have to try and climb what is a high mountain and take the points if we want to have a chance of reaching the next stage. There is no doubt about our motivation. This is a Champions League game and for these kinds of matches the motivation is always huge." Standard will go into the game a point behind AZ Alkmaar, who face the Gunners in north London, and can take at least a degree of confidence from their performance in Greece two weeks ago.

Lessons learned
De Camargo gave his side a first-half lead and, although Olympiacos levelled soon afterwards through Kostas Mitroglou, the Belgian champions looked good for a draw until Ieroklis Stoltidis struck a winner in the third minute of added time. "We know that we can play very well, we've already proved that in Greece. This time we have to play to win, believe we can do it and go for victory," De Camargo said. Along with the belief, he knows his side will also have to keep their concentration for the full duration. "We'll have to put an end to these little mistakes we've been making," he added. "We have been taught so many lessons already this season; tomorrow I hope we can prove that we have learned something."

Slowly but surely for Jovetić

ACF Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetić has the hair of Brian May, celebrates a goal by pointing to the sky like Kaká and has been compared to Montenegrin legend Dejan Savićević, but when he joined the Viola in the summer of 2008 he knew whose steps he wanted to follow in. "When I got here, I downloaded a five minute sequence of Gabriel Batistuta's goals on my phone," he said. "They were all beautiful."

Comparisons
As team captain during the 1990s, Batistuta was a crowd favourite in Florence and his legacy remains unsurpassed. "I didn't know him, but I think he was a really great player," said Jovetić, who has also been compared to Johan Cruyff, Lionel Messi and Roberto Baggio. "Of course I like to hear that, because they're all such great players, but I don't know. I'm Stevan Jovetić. I still need to improve, I still need to do a lot to be as good as them."

'Greatest night'
Jovetić's finest hour came on Matchday 2 when he scored a double during the Viola's 2-0 home victory against five-time European champions Liverpool FC. On that September night Jovetić asserted himself as one of the most promising talents in Europe. "That was the greatest night of my life. I will always remember it," said the striker, who turned 20 on Monday. "First because it was the Champions League and secondly because the opponents were Liverpool. Thirdly because we won, and then also because I scored two goals."

'Big club'
His first steps in Serie A were not easy, though, scoring just twice in 29 league appearances in 2008/09. "Last year I played, but it didn't go too well because the first year is always the toughest," he explained. "I had to settle in and study the language, but that year has passed and it's going really well at the moment. I'm satisfied, I'm playing." Despite the initial difficulties, he does not regret moving to the peninsula. "I always used to watch Italian football," he continued. "When I was little I dreamt of playing in a league like the Italian one. That's why I decided to come here. I knew Fiorentina were a big club, one of the biggest in Italy."

'Favourites'
Fiorentina are second in Group E, three points behind Olympique Lyonnais, and host Debreceni VSC on Wednesday hoping to take another step towards qualification. "To be honest we did think Lyon and Liverpool were the favourites, but everything's opened up now after our win against Liverpool," Jovetić continued. With Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino also competing for a starting berth, coach Cesare Prandelli is blessed with attacking options. "I love playing with them, they're very strong," said the Montenegrin international. "We've only played one game with all three of us together, because it makes it difficult for the midfielders and defenders. There's room for everyone."

Liverpool present high hurdle for Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais need just a draw against Liverpool FC to book their UEFA Champions League knockout place from Group E but coach Claude Puel knows the Reds can make life very tough for the hosts. Rafael Benítez's team could fall six points behind second-placed ACF Fiorentina if results go against them on Wednesday although the manager, who hopes to have Fernando Torres fit, has overseen group-stage recoveries before.

Claude Puel, Lyon coach
Liverpool are always able to produce a big performance. They have a great manager and great players. There were brilliant against Manchester United ten days ago and, even though they lost at Fulham at the weekend, they played well with a lot of spirit. As far as we are concerned, we always focus on the next game, we always put out our best team. It doesn't matter if we take one point or three. We are playing at home and will do our best to win. We won't play for a draw – we don't know how. Even with nine points in the bag, nothing is certain because it's a tough group. Three teams can still go through, it's that open. Liverpool play the way they always used to play. It means they are always efficient when they play well. Even if they slow down the pace, they are able to score a quick goal.

Rafael Benítez, Liverpool manager
Fernando Torres is improving every day. He feels less and less pain. So we can't talk about a possible operation. He's not 100 per cent, but against Manchester United he was 80 per cent and scored the winning goal. I would have put him on the pitch even if the game had been less important. We have experience and have to believe in ourselves, that we can win against Lyon, even though they are a good team. In the past, we had the same difficulties and managed to go through. We have to be confident, show character. If you are nervous, you make mistakes. We are in a difficult period, but football changes every week. Every game is important. Despite the lack of four or five important players, we still have a very good team. We'll see an open game. Lyon won't play for the draw.

Weekend results
31/10/09 AS Saint-Etienne 0-1 Lyon
(Gomis 83)

• Bafétimbi Gomis struck on his return to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard where he spent six seasons with St-Etienne before a summer switch to Lyon.

• Jérémy Toulalan made his 200th Ligue 1 appearance in the St-Etienne game – 106 with Lyon, 94 for FC Nantes.

31/10/09 Fulham FC 3-1 Liverpool
(Zamora 24, Nevland 73, Dempsey 87; Torres 42)

• Liverpool have lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions after slipping to a fifth Premier League defeat of the campaign at Craven Cottage. They finished with nine men after Philipp Degen (79) and Jamie Carragher (82) were shown straight red cards.

• The Merseysiders have been defeated in their last five away fixtures in all competitions.

• Torres has scored seven goals in his last five Premier League outings.

Team news
Lyon
Out: Anderson (knee, calf, shoulder), Jean-Alain Boumsong (groin), Mathieu Bodmer (groin), François Clerc (knee)
Doubtful: Anthony Réveillère (groin)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

• Kim Källström returned from a groin injury as a substitute against St-Etienne.

• Réveillère did not play on Saturday after being afflicted by a similar problem.

Liverpool
Out: Steven Gerrard (groin), Albert Riera (hamstring), Martin Kelly (ankle), Martin Škrtel (muscle), Glen Johnson (calf), Fábio Aurélio (calf)
Doubtful: Fernando Torres (groin), Alberto Aquilani (virus), Daniel Agger (back), David Ngog (ankle)
Suspended: none
Misses next match if booked: none

Background
• Late goals from substitutes Maxime Gonalons and César Delgado gave Lyon a 2-1 triumph at Anfield on Matchday 3, only their second victory in England in seven attempts. It sent the French side three points clear in the section, six above their Premier League rivals.

• Lyon won their first-ever home fixture against English opposition – 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur FC in the 1967/68 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup second round – but failed to overcome visitors from across the Channel in five subsequent matches, drawing four and losing one.

• Although Liverpool have never played at the Gerland before, they boast an impressive recent record in France having prevailed on their last four trips. Skipper Steven Gerrard hit three goals in successive wins at Olympique de Marseille in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons.

Did you know?
Liverpool won the 1981 European Champion Clubs' Cup on French soil, beating Real Madrid CF 1-0 in the Parc des Princes final.

Evans knows United rode their luck

Manchester United FC may have qualified for the last 16 with two games to spare but there were mixed feelings in the home camp after a 3-3 draw with PFC CSKA Moskva that exposed defensive weaknesses as much as that characteristic refusal to accept defeat.

Vulnerable
"We didn't defend particularly well as a team," admitted centre-half Jonny Evans after United conceded three goals at home in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2001. The English titleholders looked vulnerable as they went 3-1 behind inside 47 minutes – not least when Alan Dzagoev ran away from Evans before scoring CSKA's opening goal.

'A bit exposed'
Evans, who partnered Wes Brown in central defence, with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić both absent, added that Sir Alex Ferguson had issued half-time instructions to his players to keep their shape. "We were trying to push on a bit too much and left ourselves a bit exposed," said Evans. At that stage they trailed 2-1, Miloš Krasić having restored CSKA's lead after Michael Owen's equaliser, yet United then conceded a third soon after the restart when the unmarked Vasili Berezutski headed in a far-post free-kick.

Neville warning
Gary Neville admitted they were poor goals to concede. "They got the goals and made it difficult for us and we did well at the end to get away with the draw. It shocked us but we recovered and showed the fighting spirit and kept going until the end but obviously we wouldn't want to be conceding goals like that every week." Midfielder Darren Fletcher echoed those words, saying: "Going forward we created enough chances; defensively the goals were disappointing. They threw men forward, defended doggedly and their forward players are a real threat and they showed that tonight. We are disappointed with the way we lost the goals but the fact we came back is important."

Rooney praised
Fletcher paid credit to Wayne Rooney who galvanised United after taking the field as a 58th-minute substitute. While Dimitar Berbatov was injured, Rooney started on the bench, having become a father for the first time the previous day. He almost celebrated with a goal but was twice denied by Igor Akinfeev, CSKA's outstanding goalkeeper, who performed heroics as United peppered the visitors' goal in the closing stages – they had 13 shots on target in the second half compared with four before the break.

Comeback kings
"It lifted the fans, it lifted the place, he is a top-class player and an introduction like that is going to help any team in the world," Fletcher said of the England striker. "He had a big impact". After coming from behind to beat VfL Wolfsburg in their previous Group B home match, the comeback kings did it again, Paul Scholes and Antonio Valencia scoring in the last six minutes to preserve their four-year unbeaten home record in Europe. Fletcher added: "We don't know when we're beaten and it's something that is great to have. Even with six minutes to go we get that one goal and come back and equalise and then push on to find a winner."

Belletti applauds dashing Drogba

Chelsea FC's Juliano Belletti heaped praise upon team-mate Didier Drogba after the Ivorian made a successful return from suspension to earn his side a 2-2 draw at Club Atlético de Madrid and with it a place in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.

Tireless worker
Sergio Agüero's stunning 66th-minute volley set the home side on course for an overdue opening victory in this season's group stage. However, in his first UEFA Champions League appearance this term Drogba struck twice in the final ten minutes to put Chelsea in front before Agüero levelled in added time. "Drogba is the number one player in his position as he's always likely to create danger and he is an incredibly hard worker," Belletti told uefa.com. "He scored his goals tonight but he also fought so much; he always makes the difference and what's more he helps out in defence."

Top spot sought
Former FC Barcelona player Belletti – who scored the Blaugrana's winner against Arsenal FC in the 2006 final – also had words of encouragement for an Atlético side he believes are turning a corner under new coach Quique Sánchez Flores. "Our opponents tonight obviously should be further up their domestic league table than they are. They were much better on this showing than we saw when they came to London," the Brazilian said before insisting Chelsea would not be taking it easy now that qualification had been achieved. "We're going to fight [with fellow qualifiers FC Porto] to be first because finishing top of the group holds its own advantages," the 33-year-old concluded.

Revised target
Atlético's Juanito, meanwhile, remained philosophical despite his team seeing their chances of advancing to the next round disappear late in the game. "We almost had it won; we weren't even struggling at the back until the last ten minutes," the defender told uefa.com. "Obviously we can't reach our objective of qualifying for the next round of the Champions League now so we need to forget that and to focus on finishing third in the group [in order to qualify for the UEFA Europa League]," he said. "Even though this was just our third match under our new trainer we feel we're growing and we're playing a lot better."

OM revel in 'festival of goals'

Talent combined with self-sacrifice – that was the recipe behind Olympique de Marseille's crucial 6-1 victory over FC Zürich in UEFA Champions League Group C, according to the French club's influential set-piece provocateur Fabrice Abriel.

Early strikes
Didier Deschamps's side clawed their way back to within a point of section frontrunners AC Milan and Real Madrid CF with their second win over their Swiss rivals in two weeks. It was Abriel who began the festivities with two devilish free-kicks in the first eleven minutes, provoking a Silvan Aegerter own goal to make it 1-0 before scoring himself with an inswinging delivery that evaded everyone. Zürich gave themselves a lifeline when French forward Alexandre Alphonse scored on his return to his homeland, but Mamadou Niang settled OM nerves shortly after the break and his colleagues Hilton, Benoît Cheyrou and Brandão made it a night to remember for the Stade Vélodrome faithful in the final ten minutes.

'Festival of goals'
"We wanted to put lots of pressure on them right from the start to show our fans that we were getting into the game quickly and that we wanted the three points," said Abriel, who owed his starting berth to the ankle injury suffered by club record signing Lucho in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Toulouse FC. "We put maximum pressure on them from set-pieces and through balls, which lifted the whole team and gave us more confidence as well. After that, it was a festival of goals. On a personal level, it was nice to start the festival off and set the tone."

Quality present
Goals have not always been easy to come by of late, with Marseille missing a host of chances at the weekend despite Toulouse being reduced to ten men after just eight minutes. "We knew there were certain things we hadn't done in previous matches and that we needed to work on," explained the 30-year-old. "Most importantly, we had to give more of ourselves individually, make a lot more runs and show plenty of desire. We already have sufficient quality in this side, we just needed to really go for it and free ourselves. That's what was required and we managed it tonight."

Club benchmark
The triumph came close to matching OM's record win in the competition, a 6-0 success against PFC CSKA Moskva on the Mediterranean outfit's route to clinching the first title of the UEFA Champions League era in 1992/93. They beat Milan 1-0 in the final that season and a similar result at San Siro on 25 November would launch them into the top half of the group. "We've put ourselves in a good position and we're going to look for a bonus at Milan with a positive result, be it a draw or a victory," said Abriel, who joined from FC Lorient in the summer. "Both would be good and after that we absolutely have to beat Madrid at home. The fans are with us and we'll need the same atmosphere we had tonight to help swing the match against Madrid."

Bordeaux learn from past mistakes

Yoann Gourcuff told uefa.com the painfully steep learning curve FC Girondins de Bordeaux endured in the UEFA Champions League last season has played a key role in their success this time around.

Meteoric rise
Gourcuff was part of the Bordeaux side that slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea FC in their opening game of the 2008/09 group stage, going on to finish third in their section, but just over a year later, the French international midfielder's own rise has mirrored that of his club. Gourcuff headed Les Girondins' first goal in their 2-0 win against FC Bayern München on Tuesday to propel the French champions into the first knockout round with two games to spare.

'More experience'
"Last season's experience taught us that we had the quality to match the best teams in Europe," said the 23-year-old, who has developed into an indispensable fixture for club and country since arriving at Bordeaux, initially on loan, from AC Milan in summer 2008. "Last year, we were left with some regrets over missed opportunities. I think we deserved to win some matches, but they were decided by experience and a little bit of naivety on our part. But we have learned from that. We've now got more experience, more maturity, and I think the fact we won the French title last season gave the players, the staff and the club confidence."

Successful blend
Following Gourcuff's 37th-minute opener from a Wendel free-kick, Marouane Chamakh profited from a breakdown in communication in the Bayern defence to add a second in the closing stages, Bordeaux's first goal from open play in the group stage this season. Gourcuff acknowledged his team's win in Bavaria was built on a blend of coach Laurent Blanc's tactical nous and his team-mates' discipline and industry, as well as that all-important intangible, luck.

'Spot on'
"We knew we were up against a good Bayern team, even though they've got a few problems at the moment and are lacking in confidence," he said. "Tactically we were spot on, and we were efficient when we had the ball. The first objective was to defend well as a team – everyone putting in the effort together – as we knew Bayern would put us in danger. We exploited our counterattacks well and also put them under pressure. We played really well, though we did enjoy the rub of the green at times."

Milan hit right note for Pirlo

It may not have been a vintage performance, but Andrea Pirlo was delighted at the attitude shown by AC Milan after they dug deep to secure a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid CF in UEFA Champions League Group C. "Even though we went a goal down, we kept our heads up and never lost belief," he said.

Real pressure
Following the 3-2 defeat of their Spanish opponents a fortnight ago, Milan were determined to hold on to their lead at the top of the section, but in order to do so Leonardo's side had to withstand a sustained Madrid onslaught, which produced an opening goal for Karim Benzema on 29 minutes. The floodgates threatened to open, but instead of capitulating, the hosts hit back thanks to a Ronaldinho penalty and some determined defending from Pirlo and his team-mates.

'Exciting match'
"It was an exciting match which was enjoyable to play in with chances for both sides," said Pirlo. "We both wanted to win but in the end we were forced to settle for a point. The result was important but so was playing well in front of our home fans and we're satisfied we did that. The best thing about tonight's match was the spirit we showed. Even though we went a goal down, we kept our heads up, never lost belief and showed the desire to get back in the game. In the second half we created a few chances to win the match too."

Marseille prospect
The result leaves Milan level on seven points with Madrid at the top of the section and just a point ahead of Olympique de Marseille, following the French club's 6-1 rout of FC Zürich. "The group is still tight but we have a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stage because our next match is against Marseille at home," added Pirlo, a seasoned campaigner with 97 UEFA club matches to his name. "It will be a tricky encounter but playing them in front of our own fans will help."

Defensive duties
Although best known for his playmaking skills Pirlo was called upon to help shield the back four – a mission he accomplished to good effect alongside Massimo Ambrosini. "It was important for Ambrosini and I to stop any balls coming through and we did that well, but the whole side ran themselves ragged to hassle and harry," said the 30-year-old. "Pato and Ronaldinho on the flanks gave us a huge hand and if we keep going like this we'll be fine."

Kaká return
Milan's achievement was all the more impressive for the fact they had to contain 2007 Ballon d'Or winner, Kaká. The Brazilian did get away from his former team-mates once, though, to set up Benzema's strike on what was a largely happy homecoming for the ex-Rossoneri playmaker. "Coming back here felt great," he said, fresh from embracing a long line of old friends outside the changing rooms at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, his home for six seasons. "It was another incredible San Siro experience. The fans gave me a fantastic welcome. It was the first time back, so it was strange seeing all my old team-mates, so many friends. But it was a nice experience; two very special days in Milan."

Falcao shares plaudits as Porto advance

Striker Falcao praised his team-mates' work-rate after his late goal against Cypriot champions APOEL FC fired FC Porto into the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.

Late winner
The visitors had been the more threatening of the two sides in Nicosia, but were denied on several occasions by APOEL goalkeeper Dionisios Chiotis until Falcao popped up with the winner with six minutes remaining. The 23-year-old striker has taken Portugal by storm since signing from CA River Plate in the summer. He has already scored seven times in the Liga and his second UEFA Champions League strike, after hitting Porto's first in their 2-0 win over Club Atlético de Madrid on Matchday 2, again proved pivotal. The Colombian, though, refused to take sole credit for the Portuguese titleholders' 1-0 victory.

'Great job'
"The team in general did a great job," he told uefa.com. "The team worked for the victory and that made it possible for me to play well. I feel composed and have a lot of confidence in my game and in the end the reward for our effort was the goal. It made me personally very happy and it secured my team's passage into the next round." Defender Rolando added that Porto knew they were in for a tough evening in the Cypriot capital, but that belief in their abilities saw them through. "It was a difficult match," he said. "We knew what the atmosphere would be like. We knew the quality of the opposition, but taking into consideration our own capabilities we were prepared and were able to fight for the win. We secured a difficult victory but a vital one. We made it into the next round and that was always our aim."

Deserved victory
APOEL's defeat, coupled with Atlético's 2-2 draw with Chelsea FC in the night's other Group D match, saw Ivan Jovanović's side slip into last place in the section and defender Marios Elia conceded APOEL were second best at the GSP Stadium. "We are a bit disappointed because Porto scored in the last few minutes, but to be fair, Porto had all the chances to score much earlier. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to make it because of the pressure Porto put us under and as a result they scored and we lost." APOEL next host Atlético in a game which looks set to decide third place in the group and a place in the UEFA Europa League. "Our aim is now to win the next home match against Atlético," the Cypriot international defender said. "They managed to get another point which makes things more difficult for us."

Džeko sets sights on CSKA showdown

Striker Edin Džeko believes a similar performance to their 3-0 win at Beşiktaş JK on Matchday 5 will put VfL Wolfsburg in the last 16, saying: "If we play like we did tonight in Moscow it won't be a problem."

Repeat performance
The Bosnia-Herzegovina striker sprung the offside trap to score the final goal of the night in Istanbul and leave the German champions second in UEFA Champions League Group B. Now Wolfsburg need just a point at PFC CSKA Moskva on 25 November to secure a place in the first knockout round in their maiden campaign. "We played better over the 90 minutes and deserved the win," the 23-year-old said. "The game against CSKA in Moscow will be difficult because if they win they can take second place, but we have a very good team. If we play like we did tonight in Moscow, it won't be a problem."

Exciting atmosphere
Beşiktaş supporters applauded the German side after the final whistle, a gesture which impressed Džeko enormously. "They were amazing," said the striker who scored nine times for his country in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Christian Gentner, who scored Wolfsburg's second of the night – Zvezdjan Misimović having registered the first – concurred, telling uefa.com: "It was really exciting to play here. The atmosphere was something new for us. We played very well for the whole 90 minutes. We prevailed in most of the one-on-one situations."

Last straw
With goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, İbrahim Toraman, Fabian Ernst and Nihat Kahveci all ruled out through injury since the Black Eagles' league win against MKE Ankaragücü on Saturday, Beşiktaş always had a mountain to climb, but central defender Tomáš Sivok made no excuses for a result which closed the door to the knockout phase. "We played very badly in the first half so we didn't have any chance," the Czech told uefa.com. "3-0 is 3-0. The UEFA Champions League is over for us. We can play for a UEFA Europa League place. We will have to get points at Manchester United and then have a life-or-death home match against CSKA, who showed they are a strong team by drawing at Old Trafford. That's the only chance we have left."

Futsal referees put fitness first

The fourth edition of the UEFA Course for European International Futsal Referees has been taking place in Coverciano (Florence) - the technical centre of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Fitness test
After the opening ceremony on Monday, match officials took the FIFA fitness test and attended theory sessions on Tuesday. Forty referees have been representing 36 European national associations in Coverciano, and 16 of them will be officiating at the UEFA European Futsal Championship in Budapest and Debrecen, Hungary, from 19-30 January next year.

'Improve every day'
On Monday, in the presence of FIGC president Giancarlo Abete and Italian Futsal Federation president Fabrizio Tonelli, UEFA Referees Committee chairman Angel María Villar Llona officially inaugurated the course. He thanked presidents Abete and Tonelli for their hospitality. "We are here to instruct you on the rules and for you to take the fitness tests," he concluded in his address to the referees. "We want you to improve every day."

Speed and agility
On Tuesday morning, the referees took the FIFA test - a speed test, agility test and 1,000-metre run. "The most important thing is that we had no injuries, we could do the tests in good conditions and the referees performed very well," said UEFA referee fitness expert Werner Helsen. "The other positive thing is that we can also identify some points for improvement that mainly had to do with coordination and agility, which are very relevant in a Futsal match. The speed of the game has increased significantly over the years and, therefore, speed and agility have also become more important for match officials."

Theoretical work
Match officials have not only been busy only on the pitch. In the Aula Magna of Coverciano, with the support of DVDs, important theoretical work was undertaken. Dealing with red and yellow cards, reading the game and positioning and movement were the topics which the referees studied together with UEFA observers and instructors Andrea Lastrucci (Italy) and Pedro Galan Nieto (Spain).

More match officials
From the next edition of the European Championship, the number of match officials will be increased to 16 as, for the first time, 12 national teams, instead of the current eight, will take part in the tournament. At the course, in addition to the 40 referees from UEFA associations, two referees from Kyrgyzstan and Australia were present as guests together with Asian Football Confederation instructor Yasuhiro Matzusaki (Japan), while four Italian match officials were also invited to attend.

Mission accomplished for Diego

Juventus playmaker Diego stressed the importance of leaving Israel with all three points after the Italian side defeated Maccabi Haifa FC 1-0 for the second time in a fortnight to strengthen their hold on second spot in UEFA Champions League Group A.

'Respect'
Juventus suffered a shock 3-2 defeat by Napoli SSC in Serie A on Saturday but put that behind them with an efficient display at the Ramat Gan Stadium as Mauro Camoranesi's added-time goal at the end of the first half proved the difference. "It was important to get the three points," said Diego. "The Champions League is always hard; it is difficult to play anywhere. We know that and because of that we show teams respect. Maybe it was because of that that we won." Victory leaves Juve four points clear of third-placed FC Bayern München and they would be assured of a place in the knockout phase should they win at leaders FC Girondins de Bordeaux, who have already qualified, in their next match. Diego is looking forward to the challenge. "When you play for a club like Juve you always have to win. We must now concentrate on the next game."

'Hard work'
It was another disappointing night for Haifa coach Elisha Levi and the majority of the 39,120 fans at the Ramat Gan. Haifa are yet to score a goal in the competition and the best they can now hope for is catching Bayern, who they trail by four points, in third place. "The first half was our weakest performance so far in this competition," Levi said. "The players cannot be faulted for a lack of effort or commitment because they did their best, but it wasn't enough." Haifa striker Shlomi Arbeitman has scored 13 goals this season, but like all his team-mates, once again drew a blank in Group A. "It wasn't easy and we conceded a goal out of nowehere," he told uefa.com. "After that it was difficult to get back into it and we struggled. It's a shame but we have to look forward. We tried, we worked hard, but the ball just refused to go in."

'Brave'
Arbeitman, though, remains optimistic as he looked ahead to the Matchday 5 meeting with Bayern. "We will try and salvage something from this group against Bayern. Two good results starting with a victory in Munich could help our chances of finishing third, but is a very hard task." At 24, Arbeitman is already one of the more experienced members of the Haifa side, and the squad's youthfulness should hold them in good stead regardless of the results in the next two matches in the section. "We have a very young side with 18 and 19-year-old players which makes us very dynamic," he said. "To their and our credit, no one felt inferior and we stood our ground bravely."

Perpetuating the pioneers' spirit

The editoral column by UEFA President Michel Platini in the latest edition of the official UEFA publication uefadirect.

Caring about the future does not mean forgetting about the past. On the contrary, looking back can be a good way of making sure that the path mapped out at the beginning has not been strayed from too much, and of re-establishing priorities if necessary.

Legitimate wish
It is therefore worth remembering that the European club competitions were born out of the enthusiasm of a small group of football lovers who were motivated by a legitimate wish to know which was the best club in Europe at a time when comparisons could only be based on friendly matches.

Social phenomenon
We all know how these competitions developed and how their interests became entwined with those of television in order to create events that extended far beyond the realms of sport, becoming a social phenomenon increasingly shaped by one of the key factors of modern society: money.

Making football more durable
I am not going to complain here about this influx of money which, in itself, is to be welcomed, since it should enable us to support professional footballers, enhance infrastructures and playing standards, and make our sport more durable.

Sporting events
Unfortunately, the financial aspect has made some people forget that these competitions should, above all, be sporting events. It is intolerable that, for some clubs, participating in the European competitions has become an obligation that is indispensable for balancing their books and that, consequently, they are not afraid to borrow money to achieve their objective, leading them into a spiral of debt that can ultimately ruin them.

Common will
It is even harder to accept that certain clubs, with more modest ambitions, should try to profit from their participation in European competitions by making money from illegal betting and match-fixing. No, the financial excesses of sport cannot be tolerated, a fact that has not escaped any of the stakeholders represented in the Professional Football Strategy Council, who have expressed support for the principles of financial fair play put before them. A common will has been established; now it is a question of finalising ways not of returning to the era of the pioneers of the European club competitions, but of at least ensuring that their spirit lives on.