The draw for the group stages of the UEFA Champions league was held yesterday and Milan found themselves in a not too shabby group.Of course,the joy of drawing minnows BATE Borisov and Viktoria Pizen was tempered by the inclusion of Barcelona in the group,but all things being equal,Milan and Barca should qualify at the end of December.
The juiciest tie of the group stages no doubt would be the Barcelona-Milan game.These two clubs have 11 European titles between them and are currently champions of their respective leagues.Below I preview all four clubs and what their chances in the group might be.
BARCELONA:Barcelona are the best club in the world,period.If anyone needed reminding,their hard fought two-legged supercoppa victory over Madrid certainly did that.Barca are odds-on favourites to retain their crown,and this draw is unlikely to faze them.If any side were untroubled about the possibility of drawing Milan,the strongest side in pot 2,it was certainly Barcelona.They would certainly believe 1st place easily within their grasp;but with a trip to San Siro,where their last visit in 2009 didn't end so well,they would certainly tread carefully.On current form though,its difficult making an argument against Barcelona and they should easily win this group.
A.C Milan:The seven time European champions are embarking on a journey which they hope would end at the Allianz Arena in May 2012.Since winning the title in 2007,Milan has plummeted to new lows.The team is just getting their groove back now and after regaining the Scuddeto last season,all talk at Milanello is about this prestigious trophy.Milan should also make it through easily,considering the strength of the other two sides,but 1st place might be something of a problem.As last year showed however,2nd place is always that bad:as Milan drew Tottenham who were a weaker side despite their victory over two legs.Milan should qualify in 2nd place,though Barcelona would underrate the rossoneri at their own peril.
BATE Borisov and Viktoria Plzen:The Belarussian and Czech champions complete this group made up entirely of winners of their respective leagues.BATE already have a short spell in 2009 in this competition to fall back on,whilst Plzen are making their bow on the big stage.It is difficult to see either side making a big claim for qualification and the only competition would be for the third place Europa League spot.I fancy BATE for that if nothing for their previous experience in this competition.
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