Inter and Barca yet to hit domestic strides

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MADRID - Holders Inter Milan and favourites Barcelona begin their latest quest for Champions League glory on Tuesday having yet to hit their stride in their domestic leagues.

A lethargic-looking Barca crashed to a shock 2-0 defeat at home to promoted Hercules on Saturday, while Inter, who eliminated the La Liga giants in a dramatic semi-final last season, struggled to beat Udinese 2-1.

Barca host Panathinaikos in their Group D opener at the Nou Camp, while Inter start their title defence with a Group A trip to Dutch champions Twente Enschede.

Rio Ferdinand will return from injury to shore up United's defence, while striker Wayne Rooney will attempt to put aside recent turmoil in his private life.

Rooney last week appealed for privacy after days of media speculation about his marriage and was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to his former club Everton.

Gregg Davies
Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.