2015/16 Champions League group stages: 5 key fixtures to watch out for
The draws for the 2015/16 Champions Leaue group stage were conducted yesterday in Monaco and have produced some really tentalizing match-ups, coupled with a few reunions.With certain new rules and regulations to be abided by, this seasons first round draw have pitted teams against the ones whom they have seldomly clashed with, or otherwise, never at all. Some teams were given a staright-forward start whereas for some, a cumbersome task of reaching the last 16 awaits.Here are some of the interesting matches from the groupround that you wouldnt want to miss.
#1 Manchester United vs Vfl Wolfsburg
Champions League nights will return to Old Trafford as Manchester United are back in the competition after a year's absence. Manager Louis van Gaal must be fortunate to be handed a kind introduction to the tournament proper as his side will take on Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, but have a stern assessment against the might of Vfl Wolfsburg.
The Wolves finished second only to Bayern Munich in the league last term, but ended their 6-year wait for a silverware with a victory over Dortmund in the DLF Pokal cup and also beat the Bavarians marginally to claim the German Supercup. Indeed, they are the ones whom the Red Devils should be most wary of.
Manchester United, who have an illustrious history in the Champions League, will not be contended with just a group stage finish. A progress to the next round is least expected and finishing the group as the leaders is vital to have a favourable draw in the next round. But standing in their way is the Lower Saxony outfit, who vaunt a squad brimmed with talent.
In Naldo and Felipe Lopes, they have an unbreachable defence. In Kevin de Bruyne, they have the most productive engine of Europe. And in Nicklas Bendtner and Bas Dost, have a really potent striker force.
In Wolfsburg, Manchester United certainly have some sturdy opposition.
Fixture schedule:
1st leg – 30th September 2015, Old Trafford, Manchester.
2nd led – 8th December 2015, Wolkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg.