Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Champions League qualification

We now know the first teams that will be playing the Champions League for the 2005-2006 season:

  • Liverpool: Although a rather pathetic home loss to CSKA Sofia, the defending champs will be there to defend their title.
  • Betis: 2-2 against Monaco, with two goals by Ricardo Oliveira, was enough to give the Andalucians their first stint ever in the Champions League.
  • Rosenborg: A hard fought victory away against Steua Bucharest and the Norwegians are yet again in the Champions League.
  • Artmedia: Another surprise from the Slovakians, who will be interesting to see in the Champions League.
  • Thun: The Swiss surprise trashed Swedish Malmo 3-0, to get their spot in the Champions League. They will be interesting to watch!
  • Panathinaikos: The Greek side did well to get back from 1-3 down against Wisla Krakow.
  • Rapid Vienna defeated Lokomotiv Moscow 1-0, and after 1-1 in the first match, are surprisingly in the Champions League.
  • Udinese will be playing their first Champions League ever, after defeating Sporting Lisbon 3-2.

Quite a few surprises! It is good for the champions League to see so many new exciting teams. I hope to see more surprises tonight…

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