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BBC Sport Online: BBC Sport Online: Football: Champions League


Friday, 2 November, 2001, 16:39 GMT

Hansen's Euro verdict


BBC Sport's Alan Hansen reflects on the prospects of the British clubs left in the Champions League and Uefa Cup.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW

GROUP A - Bayern Munich, Boavista, Manchester United, Nantes

I don't think United will have any problems qualifying from this group.

It's not easy but if they play anywhere near their best they should go through.

United and Bayern Munich are the two teams that stand out and I expect them to make the quarter-finals.

Bayern beat United emphatically last season but you would think Alex Ferguson's team will get something from the two games between the sides.

Even a point off Bayern might be enough as I think they will be too strong for Boavista and Nantes.


GROUP B - Barcelona, Galatasaray, Liverpool, Roma

Liverpool have been unlucky when you consider they qualified as group winners.

Manchester United have come out much better despite finishing second in their group.


Liverpool have a tough draw in the Champions League

But even though it is a tough draw Liverpool fans should not be too pessimistic.

If you want to do well in the Champions League you have got to meet the best sides.

The fact Liverpool beat Barcelona and Roma over two legs in last season's Uefa Cup should give the team some confidence.

You've got to remember the other three sides will also be intimidated by the thought of going to Anfield.


GROUP C - Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, Porto, Sparta Prague

Real Madrid should sail through this group without any problems.

It looks wide open between the other three teams. Any of them could qualify.


GROUP D - Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Deportivo La Coruna, Juventus

To me this looks like the hardest group of them all.

Bayer Leverkusen are playing well, Deportivo showed at Manchester United what a good side they are, and then there is Juventus.


Deportivo La Coruna will make life hard for Arsenal

It's going to be very difficult for Arsenal and it goes without saying their away form will have to improve for them to have any chance.

I really like the look of Deportivo.

The Spanish sides have taken over from Italian clubs in getting teams through to the latter stages in Europe and they are very strong.


UEFA CUP DRAW

Grasshoppers v Leeds
Ipswich v Inter Milan
Paris St Germain v Rangers
Valencia v Celtic

Ipswich have shown plenty of strength in adversity away from home in Europe this season but you wouldn't expect them to win in Italy.

Inter are a far stronger side that the teams they have met so far and much will depend on whether they can get a result at Portman Road.

It's a dream tie for Celtic and I expect Parkhead to be bursting at the seams for the home leg.


Leeds have a good draw in the Uefa Cup

Celtic have got a chance. Valencia have been outstanding in the Champions League over the last two seasons but their form has dipped a bit this season.

Rangers are good enough to reach the fourth round. Their performance against Dynamo Moscow over two legs will have given them a lot of confidence.

If they can produce a similar performance against Paris St Germain then they should go through.

Leeds have got the best draw of all. They had a scare against Troyes but have yet to come up against a top-quality side.

You would expect them to beat Grasshoppers.


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