2. PREVIEW: Werder Bremen has no fear of Barca

• by Soccer America , Dec 4, 2006

German leader Werder Bremen will look to pull one of the biggest upsets in the history of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday when it plays at defending champion Barcelona. A Werder win or tie will send it through to the round of 16 and eliminate La Liga leader.

Werder isn't about to abandon its attacking style, even though it's been defense that has gotten the German club to within a point of knocking off the defending champions. Werder has won its last three games, all but one a shutout.

"Both sides are renowned for going forward so I can't see it being goalless," said Werder midfielder Torsten Frings. "We will be going for it knowing that Barcelona are always likely to score a goal. We have no fear of them, only respect. We will try and play well and win as we know that a place in the last 16 is at stake."

Werder coach Thomas Schaaf said, "Not to go through with 10 points would be a bit hard to take, but if Barcelona go out that would be a surprise too. When the groups were drawn everyone had Barcelona and Chelsea down as the favorites. If we go through it will be sensational."

The only other spot up for grabs on Tuesday is the second spot in Group B behind leader Valencia. Roma needs only a draw against Valencia on Tuesday to advance to the last 16, but it will be playing without captain Francesco Totti, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.

Roma has a two-point lead over third-place Shakhtar Donetsk and a point would be enough for it edge the Ukrainian club on head-to-head even if Shakhtar wins at Olympiakos.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TV
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Group A
ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes BARCELONA-WERDER BREMEN (live), 2:30 pm.
ESPN Deportes & Setanta Sports USA CHELSEA-LEVSKI SOFIA (delay), midnight.
Group B
ESPN Deportes BAYERN MUNICH-INTER MILAN (live), 2:30 pm.
Close Circuit/PPV SPORTING LISBON-SPORTING MOSCOW (Setanta, live), 2:30 pm.
Group C
Setanta Sports USA GALATASARAY-LIVERPOOL (live), 2:30 pm.
Group D
ESPN Classic & ESPN Deportes ROMA-VALENCIA (delay), 5 pm.
Setanta Sports USA OLYMPIAKOS-SHAKHTAR DONETSK (delay), 6:45 pm.