Milan and Chelsea seek respite in Champions League

Milan, Oct 3: Holders AC Milan will try to forget their domestic woes when they visit Celtic in the Champions League today with Chelsea's new coach Avram Grant also looking for an improved performance at Valencia.

Milan have struggled in Serie A so far this season and face a trip to the Parkhead cauldron for the third time in four seasons with worries over the fitness of keeper Dida and defender Kakha Kaladze definitely out.

Benfica, beaten 2-1 in Milan two weeks ago, host Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk in the other Group D match.

Grant has failed to endear himself to Chelsea fans with a league defeat at Manchester United and a goalless home draw with Fulham but inspirational captain John Terry could play in Spain with a face mask protecting his broken cheekbone.

Chelsea's frustrating fortnight began when Jose Mourinho left the club following a 1-1 home draw with Rosenborg, who host Germany's Schalke in the other Group B game.

Real Madrid visit Lazio in Group C without the injured Robinho while Werder Bremen welcome Olympiakos on the back of an 8-1 Bundesliga demolition of Arminia Bielefeld at the weekend.

Liverpool, beaten finalists last term and 2005 winners, are at home to Olympique Marseille in Group A with 2004 champions Porto playing Besiktas in Istanbul.

Reuters>