Champions League Preview

By David Hobbs
September 11 2005

Manchester United have drawn Villrreal, Lille and Benfica in the Champions League 1st Round Group Stages and ManUtdWeb looks at and assesses United's opponents.

Villarreal C.F

The Road to Europe:
Under the new boss Manuel Pellegrino, appointed last summer, Villarreal C.F have progressed into one of the most fearsome clubs in La Liga, finishing 3rd behind giants Real Madrid and eventual winners Barcelona. Villarreal proved to be the surprise package of the league but still had to qualify to enter the Group Stages. Everton, the Premiership's surprise, were their opponents but beat them in both legs under controversial circumstances.

Key Men:
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan won the Golden Shoe award for his efforts last season and finished as La Liga's top goalscorer ahead of the likes of Eto'o and Ronaldo. The Uruguay striker started 33 league games, scoring 25 goals, contrasting just the 10 goals he scored for United in over 60 appearances. However, Forlan is set for a warm reception for the United faithful as he grew to be a popular figure. Juan Roman Riquelme dominates the midfield while Juan Pablo Sorin is also on their books.

ManUtdWeb's Prediction:
I think they'll finish 2nd behind United in Group D and have a good chance of nicking points off the Red Devils.

LOSC Lille

The Road to Europe:
The French outfit finished 2nd behind Champions Lyon the the French league last term and boast a tricky side. However, they've made a odgy start to their new season and currently sit mid-table.

Key Men:
Bruno Cheyrou is the main man in the Lille side and will cause havoc this season.

ManUtdWeb's Prediction:
Lille and Benfica will battle it out for 3rd and 4th but I'm sure Benfica will finish 3rd behind Villarreal.

Benfica

The Road to Europe:
Portuguese Champions Benfica shrugged off competition from Sporting and Porto to lift the Superliga. They were seeded as 4th seeds but will prove a tough side. Prior to last season's success, Benfica last won the league in the 1993/94 season. However, they started the new season with a goalless draw with Academica.

Key Men:
Simao finished last season with 15 league goals behind Liedson of Sporting. Brazilian defender Luisao is one their books so too is Nuno Gomes, who bagged 7 goals last term. Overall, Benfica have a squad capable of winning their league again.

ManUtdWeb's Prediction:
Their games with Lille and Villarreal will decide their Champions League fate but will just finished 3rd behind Villarreal. They could sneak into the next round with some good results that they're capable of producing.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]