After three long weeks of World Cup qualifying, the Champions League resumes its schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday with some intriguing match-ups. Some giants of the game are in action on Tuesday, with the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Inter Milan all entertaining interesting fixtures.Wednesday's fixtures promise to be intriguing as well, in particular the fixture of the week between the nine-time winners Real Madrid against the Italian titans A.C. Milan.
It's already match-day 3, and the competition is heating up as no team can afford to drop valuable points anymore.
Here is a look at the Tuesday's fixtures:
Debreceni VSC - ACF Fiorentina
Fiorentina is coming off one of its greatest victory in the history of the club following their 2:0 victory against Liverpool on match-day 2. With the likes of Gilardino and Jovetic finally hitting their stride, the Viola will be looking for crucial three points away to the Hungarian foes. The side from Budapest is hoping for a better outcome against Fiorentina than what happened three week ago, when they lost 4:0 in the same stadium to Olympique Lyonnais.
Liverpool FC - Olympique Lyonnais
The Reds are eager to return to Anfield following their lackluster performance in Florence three weeks ago. Currently on the outside looking in, Liverpool needs a victory to keep Lyon within its reach, as the French side has won both games so far in the group stage. A positive result is needed on either side as both expect Fiorentina to beat Debreceni in the other game of group E.
FC Barcelona - FC Rubin Kazan
The current title holders are looking for three point against the rookie Russian side, although the game should be highly competitive. Rubin showed last match-day how good it can be by almost beating Inter Milan in Russia. The Russians will find it slightly harder to get a point at the Camp Nou though, as Barca will look to put away the newcomers once and for all. Messi and Ibrahimovic will be without their striking partner Henry up front, as the Frenchman is still nursing a thigh injury.
FC Internazionale Milano - FC Dynamo Kyiv
The Italian champions are desperately seeking a victory against the Ukranian foes, as Jose Mourinho is trying to end a year-long drought for the Nerazzurri in the Champions League. Dynamo put up a great fight against Barcelona in the previous match and the Italians will not take them lightly. Coming of an impressive 5:0 victory at Genoa in the Serie A over the weekend, Inter looks to be hitting its stride at just the right time.
Rangers FC - FC Unirea Urziceni
The Scottish side is in dyer need of points coming off an embarrassing performance against Sevilla, when they were swept aside 4:0 at the Ibrox. Points need to come and that fast for the Scotts as Sevilla appears to be running away with the group. In the meantime, the Rumanians are looking for more points away from home as they did last match-day when they tied Stuttgart. If Rangers are to have any shot at progressing three points are a must here.
VfB Stuttgart - Sevilla FC
Sevilla have looked impressive in their two victories and hope to continue their fine form at Stuttgart on Tuesday night. The Germans have underachieved in all competitions this year and perhaps a visit from the group leaders is what is needed to wake them up. A victory for Stuttgart would certainly tighten things in the group, while a Spanish victory might just be enough to ensure them the top spot.
AZ Alkmar - Arsenal FC
The Gunners are the clear favorites in this match-up coming of seven victories in a row in all competitions. The slick, precise Arsenal passing should present major problems for the Dutch side, who face an almost "must-win" game as they hope their crowd can lift them to great heights. Ronald Koeman's side will have to hope for huge success on the counter attacks, since they expect to be chasing the ball for the majority of the game.
Olympiacos FC - R. Standard de Liege
The Greek champions are looking for their second consecutive victory in the group and hope to stay right on Arsenal's heels. They enter the match against Standard as the favorites but can not take the Belgians lightly, who scored an equaliser in injury time against AZ last match-day. The crowd at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium should play the role of the "12th man" yet again as they have done countless times in the past.
