20 Dec 2008

English clubs face tough Champions League draw

7:14 am on 20 December 2008

England's chances of producing three semi-finalists in European football's Champions League for the third successive season have been dented by a tough-looking last 16 draw.

Holders Manchester United have been paired with Italian champions and Serie A leaders Inter Milan while Premier League leaders Liverpool take on nine-times champions Real Madrid.

Last year's runners-up Chelsea will take on Juventus, managed by former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, while Arsenal, finalists in 2006, will play AS Roma in a third Anglo-Italian clash.

The Manchester United tie will see another former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho, returning to face Premiership opposition in his new role in charge of Inter.