Real Madrid, the competition record holder with nine titles, qualified reasonably comfortably despite having to wait until the final matchday to secure their passage. Talisman Raúl has found his form again this season, and the likes of Pepe and Marcelo have shored up their previously leaky defence somewhat. The top of La Liga heading into the Christmas break shows a side full of confidence—and while their is little doubting their collective ability, there always seems to be infighting and too much emphasis on individualism at Real. This season under Schuster, they seem to have ironed out many of these problems, and will provide a stern test for any opponent. Expected to be one of the challengers for the title. Can play any group runner up aside from Olympiacos.
Olympiacos' consistent form has seen them through to the first knock out phase for the first time since the 1998/99' season. The Greeks generally have strong home form, and as such will be relying on that to give themselves a chance in the knock outs (although they did pick up two away wins in the group stage this time round). They will be very much unfancied if they get drawn with a big team, but their home crowd will make things uncomfortable for any opposition. Can get any group winner except Real Madrid.
Group D
AC Milan, reigning champions, had a fairly straightforward route to the knock out phase. Despite losing to Celtic, they were never seriously troubled—and the experienced campaigners will be looking to be a major force in the competition once again. Their squad list reads like a fantasy football dream team, with Pirlo, Nesta, Ronaldo, Inzaghi, and Kaká, amongst others. However they have yet to record a home win in the league this season, so there are weaknesses to be exploited. Roma and Celtic are the only runners up they cannot face.
Celtic have qualified for the knock out phase for the 2nd successive season, a first for a Scottish side in the Champions League. They will be very much an unfancied side to do long term damage, but last season they ran eventual winners AC Milan very close, so they are capable of matching the cream of Europe over two legs. Their home ground is always an intimidating place for opposition to go, and they will be another side looking to their home form to raise their chances of winning. Can play any group winners except AC Milan.
The second installment covering Groups E-H will follow later today.
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