Match Preview: Tuesday 12/09/2006 20:45 (GMT +2): Champions League, Group A, Match Day 1
FC BARCELONA - LEVSKI SOFIA

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Capacity: 99.000
Referee:


Probable Line-Up:

FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés - Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Gio - Edmilson (Iniesta), Xavi, Deco - Messi, Eto´o, Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Preview:
The Champions League starts again tonight! Champions and favourites FC Barcelona start their defence of the trophy they won in such style last season against Levski Sofia at Camp Nou tonight. We all still remember the fantastic 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Paris that brought the European Cup for the second time to Camp Nou. We also still have the secound round encounters against Chelsea, Benfica and AC Milan on our minds.


Like every year, 32 of Europe’s best clubs will once again be aiming to reach the final in Athens next May, and Barca are named favourite to win the trophy again, alongside the usual suspects Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter, Bayern Munich etc. To defend the title will not be easy going, as it has been 17 years since the last Club AC Milan managed to win back-to-back titles (1988/89 and 1989/90).


Together with English Champions Chelsea and Germany´s runners-up Werder Bremen in Group A, Levski Sofia can be named, wthout disrespect, the underdog of the group. Levski Sofia is Bulgaria's first ever club to take part in the Champions League Group stages.


FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will field the best attacking line up in the world: Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.


In midfield we will probably see Edmilson, Deco and Xavi, but may be the more offensive Iniesta will get a run out for Edmilson.


With Sylvinho and Marquez rested, Gio will play left full, thuram and Puyol in the centre, while Zambrotta will start as right full back.


Levski has travelled without Valeri Domovchiyski to Barcelona due to a knee complaint and defender Zhivko Milanov is set for a late fitness test. Lucio Wagner is suspended.


Prediction:

The Barca fans will look for a goal glut. The star studded team should not have too many problems with the Bulgarians but Barca have to pay attention and have been focused. the Bulgarina´s are technical skilled and will hope for their chances through counter attacks.
In my point of view, if Barca play their usual controlling game, are patient and do not underestimate Levski, there should be no problem at all. The Bulgarians are the underdogs and have nothing to lose.

Due to the fact, that Barca is in great form, I expect the team to dominate Leski and hope that Samuel Eto'o repeats his fantastic performance from last Saturday. I am convinced he will be fired up!
FC Barcelona - Levski Sofia 4:0 and at least 2 goals from Sammy.



Visca el Barca!