Contenders step up preparations

Europe's top clubs have stepped up their preparations for the start of another UEFA Champions League campaign, with a number taking part in pre-season friendlies around the world.

Impressive Inter
At the Amsterdam tournament, Internazionale FC, semi-finalists in the Champions League in 2002/03, were quickly in to their stride, defeating Galatasary SK 3-0.

Early promise
The Turkish Super League side, who will play in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, began brightly, with former Inter striker Hakan Sukur going close with a spectacular overhead effort in the ninth minute.

Well-worked opener
Inter responded as Luciano worked himself a shooting chance by dribbling into space only to send his effort wide, before the opening goal arrived seven minutes before half-time. Javier Zanetti combined with Luciano down the right and crossed for Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins to head into the net.

Martins on target again
Martins doubled the lead midway though the second half, picking up a long ball from Daniele Adani to score, and Rebecchi added a third in the 66th minute, capitalising on a loose ball inside the Galatasaray penalty area. The Turkish side had Hasan Sas dismissed ten minutes from time. 

Absorbing contest
In Friday evening's other fixture in the Amsterdam event, AFC Ajax drew 0-0 with Liverpool FC. In an absorbing contest, Rafael van der Vaart came closest to breaking the deadlock but his powerful strike was superbly saved by goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, while Liverpool captain Sami Hyypiä was fortunate not to score an own goal as his attempted clearance rebounded off a post.

United in form
Two more Champions League contenders met in New Jersey, with Manchester United FC comfortably defeating last season's beaten finalists Juventus FC 4-1. Ryan Giggs gave the Premiership side the lead midway through the first half, curling a free-kick into the net from 25 metres.

Spectacular strike
Paul Scholes doubled the advantage 12 minutes after half-time, finishing off a move involving Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Juan Sebastián Veron. Veron then created a third goal for Ruud van Nistelrooij, as the Dutch striker controlled the midfield player's pass on his chest before turning in one movement and striking a powerful volley past Juventus goalkeeper Antonio Chimenti.

Late fourth
Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved reduced the deficit with a well-struck effort from 20 metres, before Solskjaer scored a late fourth for United from Diego Forlán's cross.

Beckham takes his bow
England captain David Beckham make his debut for Real Madrid CF as the Spanish side defeated a Chinese Dragons Select XI 4-0 in Beijing. Beckham came close to a debut goal, forcing a spectacular save from goalkeeper Sun with a trademark free-kick, as Fernando Morientes scored twice and Luis Figo and Javier Portillo once each for Madrid.

Click herefor further information on the Amsterdam Tournament.