The identity of all 32 clubs in the group stage of the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League is now known, and no fewer than 16 associations will be represented in Thursday's draw.

Qualifying concluded
The conclusion of the third qualifying round on Wednesday night saw a further eight sides book places in the main section of European football's most prestigious club competition, with the same number having confirmed their progress on Tuesday evening. Villarreal CF, Real Betis Balompié, Udinese Calcio, FC Thun and FC Artmedia Bratislava are all in the group stage for the first time, with the opening games on 13/14 September.

Famous names
The five most successful clubs in European Champion Clubs' Cup history are involved, with Real Madrid CF on nine victories leading the way from AC Milan on six. Liverpool FC moved into third place on five successes in Istanbul in May, a triumph which enabled them to keep the trophy and step clear of four-times winners FC Bayern München and AFC Ajax in the pecking order. There are seven other former European champions among the 32 teams, while Arsenal FC are the only top-seeded side never to have lifted club football's greatest prize.

Eagerly-awaited draw
In Monaco, the 32 teams will go into the draw taking place in the Salle des Princes at the Grimaldi Forum at 16.00CET. For the purposes of the draw, the clubs will be placed into four pots according to their coefficients (see below). No side can draw opponents from their own nation, other than holders Liverpool, who are without country protection after UEFA granted them special dispensation to defend the trophy. This means they could be pitted in the same section as English champions Chelsea FC, who they beat in the 2004/05 semi-finals.

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