Time for Real to make amends, United seek revenge at Luz

LONDON, Sep 26 (Reuters) Real Madrid need to make amends for another losing start to the Champions League when they face Dynamo Kiev, while Manchester Unitedwill be out for revenge at Benfica today.

Real had gone into their Group E opener at Olympique Lyon two weeks ago determined not to repeat their 3-0 loss there at the same stage last season -- only to slump to an equally dismal 2-0 defeat at the Stade Gerland.

Now they have home advantage against modest opponents and are unbowed by their false start to the season in Europe.

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro was quoted in Spanish newspapers on Monday as saying: ''We have received criticism from some quarters but we are not worried because we have strength and quality.

''It is simply a question of time as we have so many new faces.

''We played badly in Lyon, now we have to prove that we are also capable of winning the Champions League.

''Teams from Eastern Europe are always very strong and one of their characteristics is that they cover a lot of ground.'' United have a score to settle in Group F with Benfica, having gone to the Luz Stadium in the group stage last season and lost 2-1, a defeat which cost Alex Ferguson's side a place in the knockout round.

''To go out at that stage was very disappointing....this season we are going out to rectify that,'' United's England defender Rio Ferdinand told Sky Sports News yesterday.

''We know there's not much more the manager can say to make us want to go over there and do a job. Losing to any team hurts, but we've got an opportunity to rectify that now.'' AC Milan will take on Lille in northern France, though the match is being played at RC Lens's ground, last season's finalists Arsenal host 2004 champions Porto and Lyon are away to Steaua Bucharest in other ties.

Reuters PDS RN0938