1) FC Salzburg, having drawn, Maccabi Haifa, look set to finally qualify for the lucrative group stage of the Champions League. The club was purchased by RedBull founder Dietrich Mateschitz with the intent to make it a player internationally, but it has failed in its attempts since the takeover to qualify for the competition proper.

The last qualifying round of the Champions League is the playoff round with the winners advancing to the group stage. On Friday the draw was released with the most intriguing matchup of English club Arsenal against Scottish side Celtic. The matches will begin with the first legs on August 18/19, and finish with the second legs on August 25/26.

The UEFA Europa League had another full set of group stage matches on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. A few of the favorites had road wins including Ajax Amsterdam, Benfica, Everton, and Villarreal. Overall, most of the home teams won and some of the spots for the knockout stage were decided. The teams that have clinched a spot are Ajax Amsterdam, Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Everton, Benfica, Fenerbahce, Shakhtar Donetsk, Werder Bremen, Hamburg, Red Bull Salzburg, Galatasaray, and Villarreal.

The UEFA Europa League wrapped up its third set of group stage matches on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Overall, there were not too many upsets as many of the favorites in each group leading. Here's a recap, video highlights, and the latest group standings for the Europa League for the matches on Thursday.

The UEFA Europa League has its fifth set of group stage matches on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3, 2009. With the knockout stage around the corner and the group stage nearing an end, these matches are very crucial. So, who will win the matches and where can you watch the matches? Here's a full list of previews and USA/UK TV listings.