The UEFA Champions League 2005-06 kicks off on Tuesday. Here are the three key matches:Real Betis vs LiverpoolThe holders begin the real business of defending their crown after coming through the ignominy of three qualifying rounds. Inspired by captain Steven Gerrard, who scored seven goals in their six qualifiers, Liverpool reached the group phase with a 3-2 aggregate win over CSKA Sofia.Attempts to end the goal drought in Tuesday’s Group G game will not helped by the absence of injured Spain striker Fernando Morientes. Rafael Benitez will also know that, though Betis are newcomers to the Champions League, they are no novices when it comes to high-pressure games. Left-back Luis Fernandez is out with a leg muscle injury, influential Brazilian forward Edu is sidelined with a twisted knee and Joaquin may also miss out due to a knee problem.Chelsea vs AnderlechtChelsea, beaten by Liverpool in last season’s semi-finals, are at home to Anderlecht in the other Group G game. New signing Michael Essien will probably take Makelele’s role with William Gallas moving across from central defence to cover at full back.Anderlecht coach Frank Vercauteren said: ‘‘When you play, you always play to win, but when you play Chelsea, not losing is important. This game.is also a mental challenge for us, and everyone wants to play.Lyon vs Real MadridLyon believe they can exploit a weakened Real Madrid side in their Champions League opener. ‘‘The players and myself will not be satisfied just with playing a great team like Real’’, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas said. ‘‘Everybody wants to play against Real but we want to beat them.’’The feat might be made easier as Real will be fielding a below-par line-up with Ronaldo and Zidane both missing.
