Champions League preview

Group C


Lokomotiv Moscow v Real Madrid
Milan v Borussia Dortmund 

With AC Milan having already won the group, the second place in the quarter finals from Group C will go to either Real Madrid, who have a tough-looking match away in Russia, or 1997 champions Borussia Dortmund, who are playing in the San Siro.

Real's record in Russia is not all that impressive, and certainly is not one befitting the nine-times champions of Europe. On each of their last three visits to the Russian capital, Real have lost- including a 2-0 reverse just last season. And although Madrid not not have to win the match, such a result would secure their passage no matter what Dortmund achieve in Milan.

Iker Casillas, a winner of two Champions League medals already, knows how tense the evening will be: "It's all going to be decided on the turn of this card. One stupid mistake or a poor piece of play could see us knocked out."

Dortmund are just one point behind Madrid and will claim the second qualifying place only if they win and the champions lose or draw. Their manager, Matthias Sammer, knows that it his side face a difficult assignment but also have no real pressure. "We have nothing to lose. We can only give our all and show what we can do." 

Group D


Basle v Juventus
Deportivo La Coruna v Manchester United

Group D seems a little clearer. After United's stunning 3-0 win away in Turin, Sir Alex Ferguson's team will be much-changed from the kind of side we are used to, with some of Old Trafford's latest youngsters likely to be given a rare run-out.

The second place in the group should be decided easily enough. Christian Gross' Basle need to beat Juve by four goals or, should Lippi's side score, by five clear goals. The only difficulty that could arise is if Basel and Depor both win. Then they, along with Juve, would all be on seven points. In this eventuality, Juve would go through.

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