ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - Feyenoord, fresh from winning a first Dutch title in almost two decades in May, are now raring to rekindle former European glories when they compete in the Champions League group stages for the first time in 15 years on Wednesday. Yet the Rotterdam side, European champions back in 1970, are re-entering a very much more challenging continental arena than when they found themselves in the last 32 of Europe's premier club tournament back in the 2002-03 season. "It's a big challenge for Dutch clubs to be competitive against so many strong teams," said coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst as Feyenoord prepared for a fierce new examination at home to English powerhouses Manchester City. Their last Champions League home match was in November 2002, when Craig Bellamy scored a stoppage time winner to give Newcastle United a 3-2 triumph. "They can often carry the team, like a 12th player," Van Bronckhorst said.

Source: The Star September 10, 2017 17:15 UTC