Champions League previews (Group C)
The group that is believed to be easiest one at the same time can be described as the most unpredictable. With the indisputable favourites being Spanish champions Real Madrid, the other three clubs are more or less equal.
The group that is believed to be easiest one at the same time can be described as the most unpredictable. With the indisputable favourites being Spanish champions Real Madrid, the other three clubs are more or less equal.
Among Panathinaikos, Sparta Prague and Porto, maybe the latter have more chances to qualify for the quarterfinals due to the fact the Portuguese have richer Champions League experience. But the Greek and Czech Republic sides will surely create various problems for Pyrenean teams as both Panathinaikos and Sparta are recognized as Champions League first phase sensations.
During the first group stages Greek club won all three home matches, so that could mean Porto is unlikely to earn three points in Athens. The Portuguese side first consideration should be a draw that is not the best option for Panathinaikos. The latter has all possible components to achieve a win, namely home ground, thousands of supporters and well-balanced squad with the one of the Golden Ball contenders Polish international Emmanuel Olisadebe in front.
The Portuguese has their own strong points, that is an ability to resist huge pressure and counter-attacking style. In this light a role of the coach seems to be vital for the final result.
Sparta and Real meet in Prague, the match being crucial for the Czechs. The Czech Republic national team elimination from the World Cup was a deep psychological blow for players with many of them performing for Sparta. So, in this context it is extremely important for them to overcome psychological problems in order to be able to play well against powerful Spanish giants.
The match is somehow believed to be D-day for hosts for they are to prove their qualification for the second phase is justified. During the first group stages Sparta have already surprised soccer world drawing against Champions League defending champions Bayern in Munich and according to the coaching staff and players they are set to develop their success.
As for Real, the Royal club are believed to rediscover their winning ways. With Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele back from Australia, Spanish giants performed well against Sevilla in their last La Liga game getting a 2-1 victory.
As to the Player of the Year Zidane he was sparkling at Bernabeu. The French international marked his performance as 'the best one since I play in Madrid'.
So, there exist a number of signs hinting Spanish capital side must earn three points in Prague.