Reigning champs take on Liverpool
Paris, Oct. 21: The meeting of Liverpool and Real Madrid, who have 15 European Cups between them, is the pick of the games on Wednesday in the Champions League.
In a finely- poised Group ‘ A’, Spanish champions Atletico can ill afford a slip- up against Malmo at the Vicente Calderon. Diego Simeone’s side, runners- up last season, lost at Olympiakos in matchday one but recovered to beat Juventus at home last time out. Midfielder Tiago Mendes, who scored against Espanyol, is a doubt for the visit of Malmo, who are buoyant after securing a second straight Swedish title earlier this month
OLYMPIAKOS VS JUVENTUS
Juventus have been plagued by an inability to transfer their superb domestic form in recent times onto the European stage and a 1- 0 defeat at Atletico Madrid in their last outing means there is pressure on Massimiliano Allegri’s side before their trip to Greece.
LIVERPOOL VS REAL MADRID
Liverpool and Real Madrid, who have won a remarkable 15 European Cups between them, clash at Anfield with the Reds looking to maintain their perfect record against the Spanish giants. Liverpool beat Madrid 1- 0 in the 1981 final and then triumphed 5- 0 on aggregate in the group stage in 2008- 09.
BAYER LEVERKUSEN VS ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
Zenit head to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen in Group C looking to extend a 16- match unbeaten run in all competitions. However, the Russian Premier League leaders have drawn their last three games, including a frustrating goalless stalemate with Monaco three weeks ago and a 2- 2 draw with Krasnodar at the weekend, when they came from 2- 0 down with Brazil forward Hulk netting his 50th goal for the club.
ANDERLECHT VS ARSENAL
Arsenal make the short trip to Brussels to face Anderlecht bidding to record a morale- boosting win after seeing their stuttering recent form continue at the weekend. The Gunners required a last- minute Danny Welbeck equaliser to draw 2- 2 with Hull City on Saturday.