Big Guns Look To Cash In

Former champions Liverpool, Milan, and Benfica look to lock up places in the UEFA Champions League group stage tomorrow. Financial reward is only ninety minutes away for these big clubs, who rely on European tournament television money to balance out their books. Liverpool take a 2-1 lead to Kiev against Maccabi Haifa, Milan take a slim 1-0 first-leg win to Begrade against Red Star, and Benfica host Austria Wien after drawing 1-1 two weeks ago.

On Wednesday, big names Ajax and Arsenal take the field looking to build on their first-leg leads. Thursday will bring the group stage draw, the official kick-off to the Champions League season. The draw will take place in Monaco, with Matchday One of the group stage being played on September 12th and 13th.

UEFA Champions League Third Round Qualifying [ESPN Soccernet]

-ac