Man U faces stiff challenge, must outshine Zalaegerszeg

Today, Ferguson’s stars have to overturn a 1-0 deficit to modest Hungarian champion Zalaegerszeg or suffer a humiliating exit in the qualifying round.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, is waiting to see whether Brazilian World Cup star Ronaldo is in shape physically and mentally to take on Sporting Lisbon in another qualifying round second leg game.

The two teams are tied 0-0 after the game in Lisbon. Ronaldo appeared on the way to Spanish soccer giant Real Madrid but the move broke down. He reportedly said he had become tired of playing in Italy but, on his return, said he would play one more season for Inter. Scorer of Brazil’s two goals in the World Cup final victory over Germany, he said on his website that he was anxious to get back in action and play in his first official match of the new season, and that would mean against Sporting today.

The games tomorrow and on Wednesday are crucial because they mean advancing to the lucrative, round-robin group stages or losing out on the millions of dollars gained in TV and sponsorship revenue. For Manchester United, failing to beat a team which is making its European debut would also mean wasting an opportunity of playing the final in its famous 68,000-seat stadium. United isn’t the only powerhouse club in danger of going out before the competition reaches the group stage. AC Milan goes to Slovan Liberec on Wednesday holding just a 1-0 lead and, despite the arrival of Brazilian star Rivaldo, needs to hold on to it to make sure that its season doesn’t have a disastrous start before the Serie A campaign begins next month.