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Riddell: On the road to Gelsenkirchen
By Don Riddell, CNN World Sport
"The road to Gelsenkirchen" doesn't have much of a ring to it, sounding like the working title of a low budget war film. But the adventure to be had en route to this season's European Cup final is guaranteed to serve up plenty of drama and excitement. Allow me to explain. Gelsenkirchen is the German town UEFA have chosen to host the final of this year's premier European competition. It's not far from Dusseldorf, and has been selected due to the fact that it boasts one of the world's best stadiums. The Arena AufSchalke is home to the Bundesliga side Schalke 04, and the final on May 26th will mark the first time the European Cup final has been played indoors. The other major difference this year will be a reduction in the number of matches. Most analysts have praised the decision to dispose of the second group stage, and proceed instead to a straight knockout format. They believe that less is more -- more quality that is. The reaction from club chairmen however, has ranged from mild disgruntlement to outright fury. For them, less matches means less money. Some things never change. And expect the runners and riders in this season's competition to have a familiar look about them. AC Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United will all be involved in the latter stages. The biggest disappointment last time was Bayern Munich. They had their excuses, but should be far better prepared this season. And there's the arrival of Roy Makaay to consider too -- the European Golden Boot winner will give Bayern plenty of firepower up front. David Beckham will be hoping to win the trophy for a second time -- in his first season with Real Madrid. The Merengues are looking for a 10th win in the competition, and while they'll undoubtedly swagger through the early stages, their defense will surely be tested again. Many see the departure of French midfielder Claude Makelele as a serious weakening in that department. Then there's Makelele's new team -- Chelsea. On paper the Blues are potential championship material with the likes of Makelele, Hernan Crespo, Juan Sebastian Veron at coach Claudio Ranieri's disposal. Serious repercussionsBut it's asking an awful lot for them all to gel so quickly. Watch out for the home tie against Besiktas by the way -- any trouble there could have serious repercussions for the Euro 2004 qualifier between Turkey and England the following week. When you're talking tough draws, Arsenal and Inter Milan must feel pretty hard done by. For big teams to get handed two trips to Eastern Europe (Kiev and Moscow) in the middle of winter is unfortunate. Arsenal have seen previous campaigns falter in similar landscapes, and they know the non-flying Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp will once again be twiddling his thumbs. At this stage, the clash of the opening round will concern Manchester United and Glasgow Rangers -- a so-called 'battle of Britain'. Sir Alex Ferguson will be pitted against Alex McLeish -- a player under him during their days at Aberdeen. United are again a safe bet -- for their experience alone in this competition -- and for the fact that Ruud van Nistelrooy should guarantee a dozen or so goals. But I expect the Italian sides to do well again. It might not be pretty when it comes to the crunch games, but Juve showed they had the class to go all the way last season. And not many can find a way past Gianluigi Buffon. Milan have strengthened their defense too with the arrival of Cafu, and will be in no hurry to surrender their crown. Don Riddell presents World Sport on CNN International at 0930 GMT, 1130 GMT and 1430 GMT daily and writes weekly for CNN.com.
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