United, Juve looking for Euro boosts

Both Manchester United and Juventus will be looking to get some succour from Europe after disappointing results in their domestic leagues on the weekend while Welsh star Gareth Bale could make only his second start of the season for Real Madrid after a succession of niggling injuries.

Group A

Bayer Leverkusen (GER) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR): Leverkusen limbered up for this match in controversial fashion, beating Hoffenheim 2-1 courtesy of a 'phantom' goal - Stefan Kiessling heading the winner via a hole in the side netting. While the Bundesliga powers that be mull over what to do about the result Leverkusen is lying third, one point behind Bayern Munich, its best ever domestic start. Rolled over by Manchester United in its Group A opener, the German squad got its European bid up and running in the second attempt, against Real Sociedad. Shakhtar, second only on goal difference to United, is keen to dispel memories of last season's trip to Germany when the wheels came off its campaign with a 3-0 loss at Borussia Dortmund. The Ukrainian champion, appearing at the group stage for the fourth successive season, has begun brightly with a win over Real Sociedad and a draw against United.