New look and new name as Europa League kicks off

Donetsk beat Germany's Werder Bremen to claim the last UEFA Cup title in May, and are now back in what is called the Europa League.

 A total 24 matches in 12 groups are set for Thursday, with big names such as former European champions Ajax Amsterdam, SV Hamburg, PSV Eindhoven and Steaua Bucharest joined by newcomers including Moldova's Sheriff Tiraspol, Latvia's Ventspils and Belarus side BATA Borisov.

 The ruling UEFA decided on the latest makeover to enhance the image and profile of the competition which stands in the shadow of the Champions League, the real place to be in continental football.

 But Donetsk gratefully accepted the smaller prize in May as they became the first Ukrainian club to lift a European trophy.

 However, forward Oleksandr Gladkyy is well aware that beating the holders will be an extra motivation for Brugge and the other Group J teams Toulouse and Partizan Belgrade.

 "The opponent has also changed its attitude towards us. They had serious preparations against us before, but now it is even twice more," Gladkyy told the Shakhtar website.

 Others like Tottenham and Aston Villa paid little attention to the tournament last season, fielding reserve teams and rather concentrating on the Premier League.

 Now Fulham and Everton are the English clubs and Fulham winger Damian Duff said his club will take the event serious.

 "We're not planning on letting Europe become a major negative factor," said winger Damian Duff. 

   "Obviously the travelling can be hard at times but the group we've been drawn in gives us some nice games, which will give the whole place a lift. Hopefully we can carry that into our league programme. I think it's exciting and when you're excited you're not thinking about burning out."

   Fulham beat Everton on the weekend to draw confidence for their first game in group E at CSKA Sofia for which goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is an injury doubt.

 Everton, for their part, have captain Phil neville out with a knee injury for the group I home game with AEK Athens.

 The biggest incentive to do well is probably with Hamburg. 

   The northern Germans not only want to make up for their exit against rivals Bremen in the UEFA Cup (and German cup) semi-finals last season, they also have the once-in-a-lifetime to play the final in their home stadium next May.

 Hamburg are the Bundesliga leaders and hope to carry the form into their opener at Austria's Rapid Vienna in group C which also features Hapoel Tel Aviv and Celtic who meet in Israel.

 "A good start is very important. You can take a big step towards the next round with a victory and another win in the next game at home," said defender Joris Mathijsen.

 Germany has a trio in the competition and so have other nations including Spain and Italy, who meet directly in two groups.

 The 2004 UEFA Cup champions Valencia are together with Italy's oldest club Genoa in group B, with Valencia astarting with a visit at French side Lille and Geno hosting Slavia Prague.

 In group G, Lazio and Villarreal are first at home, against Austria's Salzburg and Levski Sofia, respectively.

 "This is a new tournament," said Villarreal president Fernando Roig on Tuesday, "and we are pleased to be taking part in it."

   The third Spanish side Athletik Bilbao enjoy a rare European appearance, opening against Austria Vienna after getting through the qualifying rounds and determined "to try to enjoy the experience," according to coach Joaquin Caparros. 

DPA