Madrid celebration attracts elite

With 22 European Champion Clubs' Cup wins between them, four of the most successful clubs in the history of European football will meet this weekend in a tournament to celebrate Real Madrid CF's centenary. Liverpool FC, Milan AC and FC Bayern München will join the hosts to give eager supporters an idea of what to expect in the UEFA Champions League.

Madrid cuts 
European champions Madrid have kept faith in their 2001/02 side as sporting director Jorge Valdano aims to cut down on their significant wage bill. The departure of Aitor Karanka to Athletic Club Bilbao and Geremi's loan move to Middlesbrough FC prompted many supporters to demand further signings, but former Liverpool midfield player Steve McManaman is happy with the situation. "We are the best team in Europe and we don't need to sign new players," McManaman said. "We already have a lot of very good players, most of who are internationals."

Liverpool invest 
The same is certainly true of his former club, but that has not stopped Liverpool from investing in new talent. Both Salif Diao and El Hadji Diouf moved to Anfield after superb performances in Senegal's 2002 FIFA World Cup campaign, while another import from French football, defender Bruno Cheyrou, was voted man of the match as Liverpool lost a friendly game against S.S. Lazio 1-0 this week.

Stars return
However, perhaps the most eagerly awaited players will be two familiar names returning from injuries. Midfield player Steven Gerrard returns after injury ruled him out of England's World Cup campaign in Korea/Japan, while Markus Babbel is keen to prove his worth after recovering from serious illness. "I am determined to repay the club and the manager," said the former Bayern player. "The best way to do that is to play to the best of my ability and help them win trophies."

Brand new Bayern
Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will be expecting a similar level of commitment from his side after last season's disappointments, but having signed Michael Ballack and Zé Roberto from Bayer 04 Leverkusen over the summer, along with Sebastian Deisler from Hertha BSC Berlin, Bayern look very strong.

'Best Bayern squad ever'
"We will play more attractive attacking football," promised club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. "This season, we will attack with all our power to win the German title. It is a must, no doubt. We have got the best Bayern squad ever, results must follow now."

Financial crisis
A financial crisis has overshadowed Italian football this summer, but that has not stopped Milan making some canny signings of their own. Much will be expected of Jon Dahl Tommasson after a fine World Cup with Denmark, and it is unlikely that the former Feyenoord player could have hoped for a better striking partner than the club's other new recruit, Rivaldo. Milan have also done some good business by swapping Clarence Seedorf for Francesco Coco with city rivals Internazionale FC.

Showcase final
Madrid kick off against Liverpool tonight, with Milan and Bayern playing on Saturday. The two losers then meet on Sunday followed by the showcase final between the two winners from Friday and Saturday.