The biggest club competition in the world is back. The group stage draw concluded yesterday in the iconic city of Monaco. The qualifying clubs have kept their schedule tight. History will be created. Players will be immortalized.
GROUP C
Italian giants AC Milan will be tested to the limit by Zenit St. Petersburg and Malaga in this group. Anderlecht can spring a surprise but two of Milan, Zenit and Malaga should make it to the knock out stages. AC Milan have lost a lot of important squad members and this side will have a new look. Zenit St. Petersburg and Malaga might not have the squad as their Italian opponent but certainly have a strong first eleven to give a tough fight. The second and third place fight could be nail biting towards the latter stages.
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1) AC Milan ( Italy)
The seven time champions are slight favourites to win this group mainly because of the mass exodus of important members. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta, Antonio Cassano, Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso were clearly the backbone of Milan’s foundation. Milan have signed Nigel De Jong and Riccardo Montolivo to cover in at midfield, while Bojan Krkic and Giampaolo Pazzini will have to replicate Ibrahimovic. Milan had a rattling and rude awakening after losing against Sampdoria and they will have to be careful while defending against the likes of Zenit and Malaga.
KEY PLAYER : Kevin Prince Boateng
Other key players : Ricardo Montolivo, Nigel De Jong and Alexandre Pato
2) Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
Zenit St. Petersburg have dominated Russian football despite the threats of oil rich clubs in their league. They are extremely strong at home and will provide a stiff competition to AC Milan. It will be a homecoming for Domenico Criscito, who was linked to AC Milan before moving to Zenit. Their defence is a solid unit led by Bruno Alves, who has experience of quality football under his belt. Danny will provide the creative spark and top scorer Aleksandr Kerzhakov will want to forget his Euro 2012 campaign.
KEY PLAYER: Danny
Danny must be at his best if Zenit are to progress
Other key players: Roman Shirokov, Bruno Alves and Domenico Criscito
3) RSC Anderlecht ( Belgium)
The Belgian champions will compete along with Europe’s elite after a long time. Anderlecht’s faith in youth has paid off finally as they look to proclaim themselves at the big stage. They will be underdogs in this group but have a lot of flair in their arsenal. Matias Suarez has been phenomenal for Anderlecht and they will be happy to keep him despite his injury problems. Lucas Biglia, too, will stay, leaving Anderlecht with a similar unit. Can they survive in the big boys’ club?
KEY PLAYER: Matias Suarez
Matias Suarez will showcase his talent at the big stage
Other key players: Lucas Biglia, Guillaume Gillet and Marcin Wasilewski
4) Malaga FC(Spain)
It has been an incredible story for Malaga. Seen as prime relegation candidates before the change in ownership, Malaga survived dramatically. They qualified for the Champions League in the next season, thanks to great work from their new signings. Due to financial constraints, Malaga are now without Santi Cazorla and Salomon Rondon, who were clearly the main reason for Champions League qualification. Malaga, still have a strong eleven including exciting talent Isco and experienced trio Joaquin Sanchez, Jeremy Toulalan and Martin Demichelis.
KEY PLAYER: Isco
20 year old Isco is a bright prospect for Spanish football
Other key players : Martin Demichelis, Joaquin Sanchez and Jeremy Toulalan
