Madrid, Bayern have point to prove

Bordeaux already have a stranglehold on Group A with seven points, and the Bavarian giants are third with four points. 3-time champions Bayern Munich are hoping to get their UEFA Champions League campaign back on course when Bordeaux visit the Allianz Arena.

The first leg was drama-filled - with own goals, Bayern finishing with nine men and two missed penalties. A little less drama and a win would do for Bayern, who are are unbeaten in eight home games in the UEFA club competition, although five of those matches were drawn - including their match-day 2 stalemate with Juventus. Bordeaux, on their part, will fancy their chances.

Hard work

In the other match, Juventus were made to work hard for a win against Maccabi Haifa, with Giorgio Chiellini’s 47th-minute header separating the sides. This would be Juventus’s second visit to the Ramat Gan Stadium, where they earned a 1-1 against Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions’ League group stage and after the Serie A home defeat by Napoli. Ciro Ferrara’s patience may be beginning to wear thin for his inconsistent side.

After their unexpected win at the Camp Nou, Rubin Kazan can only hope to maintain their good fortunes against reigning European champions.

Group F is fast developing into a group of death what with all teams in the group separated by a single point at the halfway stage.

Barcelona have fallen into a lull of late with a defeat and two draws and a win from their last four matches and the Catalans need no further incentive to go all out against the Russians.

Tether hooks and terrific runs

In the other group match, Inter Milan are on tether hooks as they face Dynamo in very cold Moscow and Inter had to come back from behind twice at the San Siro a fortnight ago. Interestingly, Diego Milito is back and his partnership with Samuel Eto’o should bring the goals that would save the European season. Just as with Chelsea, Jose Mourinho will be judged by his exploits in Europe rather than the Serie A where Inter currently hold a seven point lead.

AC Milan are on a terrific run presently and could compound the woes of Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean will be determined to put Real Madrid back in favour with their supporters with a good performance against AC Milan. The finals will be held at the Santiago Bernebeu and Real want to be ther,e though Italy has not been a happy hunting ground for the Spaniards.

They have since made six visits to Italy, losing on four occasions. Their only victory in the last six years was in December 2004 when they won 3-0 at AS Roma.