By European Football
September 13 2005

After the qualifying rounds, the group phase of the Champions League kicks off today. With the main matches being Lyon – Real Madrid, Betis – Liverpool, Chelsea – Anderlecht, Milan – Fenerbahce and Artmedia – Inter, it will be a good chance to spot the challengers and start feeling the CL. Real Madrid will be tested as they visit Lyon, and their true strengths and weaknesses will come to the surface as they face a very good team that is not only leading in the French League, but also has been good for the last three seasons.

With Zidane injured, Ronaldo suspended and Beckham still doubtful, Luxemburgo may put defensive midfielders Thomas Gravesen and Pablo García together for the first time. Also, Baptista will start as a midfielder, leaving Raúl and Ronaldo up front, and Guti will also play.

Houllier has only one problem remaining before the match, which is defender Cacapa’s condition, and a possible option could be to start Tiago in the middle, who had a good game against Monaco, instead of Pedretti, who replaces Essien.

Sergio Ramos will be the starting center back together with Helguera, and they will have to be more than cautious to cope with Lyon’s forwards Carew and Fred. Woodgate might go to the bench.

Betis is ready to make their dream of playing the Champions League come true, but they will do so against the current holders, Liverpool, in which Peter Crouch will come in instead of Morientes, who came back injured from the match against Serbia.

The Spanish side can not count on injured Edu and Luis Fernández and suspended midfielder Rivera. But the star, Joaquín, who was hurt last match, is no longer a doubt, since he recovered well and will play. Serra Ferrer is still unsure of who to play for the unavailable: Varela or Melli for full back and Arzo or Miguel Angel in the middle.

Inter will face Slovakian newcomers Artmedia, and they will not underestimate them. Figo and Samuel will be in the lineup, as well as Adriano. Mancini has not spoken of a definitive lineup, but is very aware of how strong and tight Artmedia is.

Chelsea will start their tournament against Anderlecht, with problems on the left back. Asier Del Horno is out due to injury and Bridge is not yet fit enough, so probably Ferreira will go left and Geremi will start as right full back. Drogba will be the starting striker, so Crespo will have to wait in the bench.

In Milan, Ancelotti is lucky to have his team in perfect conditions, and will make full use of its power when receiving Fenerbahce, who will have Appiah in their lines.

Finally, other matches are Glasgow Rangers – Oporto, Olympiakos – Ronsenborg and PSV – Schalke 04.