Champions League returns to show its worth

By Mark Meadows

MILAN (Reuters) - English Premier League clubs will enjoy the international exposure they crave this week when the Champions League returns with a bang thanks to several mouthwatering clashes.

Europe's premier club competition is out to prove its worth after the Premier League unveiled plans for world domination by introducing an overseas round of matches.

The idea has been widely condemned by fans and football authorities, leaving the Champions League to lighten the mood and show that nothing else can quite compete.

Holders AC Milan travelling to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday is just one of the delights on offer in the last 16, first-leg matches. The Gunners are reeling from Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Manchester United.

"Now we will try to recover and prepare properly for our next game -- we know we need a top-class performance against Milan to have a chance," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said.

English champions United visit French counterparts Lyon on Wednesday with 2006 European champions Barcelona facing a tough trip to the Parkhead cauldron to play Celtic. Outside bets Sevilla travel to Fenerbahce in the night's other contest.

Tuesday's menu is equally delicious with Serie A champions Inter Milan, 11 clear at the top this season, visiting 2005 winners Liverpool, who lost 2-1 to second tier Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Free-flowing AS Roma at home to Spanish champions Real Madrid promises to be a footballing work of art while Chelsea's more direct approach takes them to Olympiakos Piraeus. 2004 champions Porto visit Schalke 04, Germany's last remaining hope.