Champions League draw

A fascinating draw for the first round of the Champions League, which as usual is played out in mini-league format. Barcelona and Real Madrid avoided the really big clubs, and both should be strong enough to reach the last sixteen. The other two Spanish sides though have tough draws, in particular Betis who are paired with reigning champions Liverpool and English champions Chelsea as well as Anderlecht. Villarreal have also been matched up with an English club, Manchester United, and it will be interesting to see Diego Forlán return to Old Trafford. The first matches kick off on 13th September. (25.08.05)

UEFA Cup draw

The three Spanish sides taking part in the UEFA cup have all been given relatively difficult opponents in the first round. Sevilla have been paired against German side Mainz, Osasuna will play French club Stade Rennais, and Espanyol have been drawn against Teplice of the Czech Republic. The competition will take the same format as last year, with teams qualifying from the first round being drawn into eight groups of five. (26.08.05)