La Liga Lowdown - European D-DAY in Champions League preview

Starting with Europe’s premier club competition, the Champions League (#UCL) . . .

Tuesday’s Games

FC Barcelona v Rubin Kazan

The Blaugrana are through as Group Winners. While FCB will be taking this match easy, probably playing Krkic, Thiago and Masch, they have not beaten the Russians in three previous attempts. The outcome may influence who finishes second with Rubin needing a win to possibly overhaul København, who are playing Panathinaikos.

Valencia at Manchester United

Context: Los Che play at Old Trafford after just playing Real Madrid. Valencia are three points down and away goal down. My guess is that Emery and SAF will shake hands before the game for a 0-0 draw.

Wednesday’s Game

Real Madrid v Auxerre

Los Merengues are Group Winners and play a meaningless game against the French team Auxerre. However, the game is not meaningless for Auxerre, as they could still make the Europa League with a win and an Ajax draw or loss.

So all three Spanish teams are through. Not too much drama. Focus on Group B (Schalke, Lyon and Benfica) or Group H (Shaktar, Arsenal and Braga).