For the first time in 11 years, German aristocrats Bayern Munich are not playing in the UEFA Champions League. Last season they finished outside the top three in the German Bundesliga and this season the German powerhouse have been confined to the UEFA Cup, Europe’s second-tier club competition. The Bavarians have started the season in rampant form both in Germany and in Europe and have sent a clear message to all UEFA Cup contenders that they intend to win the competition.
Taking on Bayern Munich anytime is always a daunting proposition but Bolton Wanderers appear to go against this notion. The draw for the group stage was conducted on Tuesday and Bolton Wanders and Bayern Munich were potted in the same group. The English Premiership side are struggling to find their footing this season after the departure of Sam Allardyce in the summer but are in no fear of taking on one of Europe’s elite.
Bolton and Bayern have been drawn in Group F along with Braga, Aris Salonika and former European Cup winners Red Star Belgrade. Bolton’s striker Nicolas Anelka, once at Arsenal and Real Madrid and now reinventing himself at modest Bolton, is confident that his team can win at the famous Allianz Arena in Munich against Bayern. He has no fear of the pedigree or quality that the German side possesses and this positive attitude could just help Bolton’s cause to stay long in the UEFA Cup.
40 clubs qualified for the group stage and have been divided into 8 groups of 5 teams each The first three from each group would qualify for the net round where they will be joined by the teams finishing third in the UEFA Championship League groups.
Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are the other English teams in the group stage of the UEFA Cup and have relatively easier opponents. Bolton too don’t face much opposition in their group but it is the trip to Munch that appears to inspire the players.
Image Source: Habervakti
Source: CNN
