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The situation looked bleak for the German sides in the Champions League. Unlike their UEFA Cup counterparts like Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FC Nurmberg, SV Hamburg & FC Bayern Munich, the sides of VFB Stuggart, SV Werder Bremen & Schlake 04 were struggling amongst the European elite squads. It's a reflection of the Bundesliga's standard of players. For example, nearly all of the German Internationals during the 2006 World Cup came from the Bundesliga, but mostly from Bayern Munich with a few from Werder Bremen, Schlake 04 & VFB Stuggart. The individual squads however, are just too weak compared to Chelsea or Liverpool. Liverpool were despaired by their 3-1 defeat to Reading & the Madjeski Stadium. But Dirk Kuyt, Gerard & Torres fired them to a 4-0 win over French Giants Olympqie Marseilies. At least Liverpool never lost their spirit. A lacklustre performance however in the match between Chelsea & Valencia. Dominated by Lampard & David Villa, neither side could pull off the important win.
"We thrive in the face of pressure"Kevin Kuranyi
VFB Stuggart was destined for disaster after being drawn with Barcelona, Lyon & Rangers. Werder Bremen had little chance either with Real Madrid, Lazio & Olympiakos in the same group. Schlake 04 was set to be murdered by Chelsea's "super-squad" & Valencia's power. But Kuranyi & co. rallied on to be the lone surviving German side in the Champions League.