Spurs get Inter glamour clash

Published: Mon Sep 13 2010, 3.05PM

Spurs get Inter glamour clash

Tottenham's first appearance in the Champions League looks like being a baptism of fire.

Spurs have been drawn with holders Inter Milan - managed now by Rafa Benitez - German side Werder Bremen and Dutch champions FC Twente in Group A.

But club secretary Darren Eales claimed that Tottenham's opponents could be fearful of coming to White Hart Lane, and said: "In the game against Young Boys we had a wonderful atmosphere. In night games in Europe at White Hart Lane we could be matches for anyone. We could be one of the teams people were fearful to draw."

Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to crossing swords with his former assistant Walter Smith after Manchester United were drawn in the same Champions League group as Rangers.

Ferguson said: "Walter Smith's already been on the phone, talking about tickets for Old Trafford! Like me, he's really looking forward to our games against each other. You can't complain about that, it's a good draw for us. You always look at the travelling side of it and the only one that's of any great distance is the trip to Turkey."

Spanish side Valencia and Turkish champions Bursaspor - making their bow in the tournament - make up the other two teams in a group United should win.

Chelsea's task looks more straightforward in Group F, with Marseille, Spartak Moscow and Zilina, the Slovakian champions.

Chelsea club secretary Dave Barnard said: "The guys answered all the criticism by winning the double and it looks like all those old players at the beginning of the season just got younger. Everyone talks about the Champions League being the Holy Grail, it's the one trophy that's eluded us. But I think we're geared up for it."

Arsenal are in Group H with Shakhtar Donetsk - meaning a return to the Emirates for Eduardo - Partizan Belgrade and Portuguese side Braga.

Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: "Shakhtar were UEFA Cup champions a couple of seasons ago, and are a team that has invested a lot and has made a lot of progress, including of course Eduardo which will be a great story for us."

 

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