Enter the Dragão
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Article summary
FC Porto get Wednesday's games under way with their first UEFA Champions League tie at the Estádio do Dragão.
Article body
Ronaldo returns
The visitors are Manchester United FC whose recent defensive wobbles - they have conceded eleven goals in their last five games - have no doubt provided manager Sir Alex Ferguson with plenty to mull over. Porto's defence of their own league title has run more smoothly but they are missing injured striker Derlei and could face in Cristiano Ronaldo a player eager to make an impression on his return to his home country.
'Teamwork v individuality'
Another English side who have struggled in recent weeks, Chelsea FC, travel to VfB Stuttgart who themselves have endured some disappointing results since the turn of the year. The Stuttgart coach, Felix Magath, has described the tie "as a clash between our teamwork and their individuality".
Revenge mission
In Spain, RC Deportivo La Coruña welcome Juventus FC aiming to avoid a repeat of their elimination at the hands of the Italian champions last season. Then, a defeat in Turin ended their hopes of progress in the second group stage. Moving east from La Coruna to San Sebastian, Real Sociedad de Fútbol entertain French champions Olympique Lyonnais at the Anoeta in the night's other tie. As ever, uefa.com will bring you all action as it happens.
