The seven-time French champions face this weekend's clash with last season's nemesis Lorient short of several key defensive players.

The Australian A-League season kicks off on Friday with the Central Coast Mariners facing their grand final opponents the Newcastle Jets.

Despite failing to win a point, Honduras coach Gilberto Yearwood is hoping his young footballers can build on their chastening Olympics experience.

Asia's representatives at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament have all exited at the group stage, ruing their lack of bite in front of goal.

German champions Bayern Munich will start the new season against Hamburg SV on Friday without the Bundesliga's top scorer last term.

Manchester United winger Park Ji-Sung is determined to stay injury-free this season, as he flies the flag for Premier League's Asian stars.

Bundesliga new-boys 1899 Hoffenheim will complete their fairytale flight up Germany's league structure when they play Energie Cottbus on 16 August.

All eyes will be on Munich's Allianz Arena when defending champions Bayern Munich kick off the new Bundesliga season on Friday against Hamburg.

Pep Guardiola got off to a winning start as Barcelona coach with a smooth 4-0 home win over Wisla Krakow in the UEFA Champions League.

Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane failed to spark on Wednesday as Liverpool stuttered to a goalless draw against Belgian champions Standard Liege.