It is the kind of match-up that would be impossible in the modern Champions League -- the mighty AC Milan play their first group game away to little Dudelange, the first team from Luxembourg to compete in the Europa League group stage.

They negotiated a path here after losing in the first round of Champions League qualifying, and the achievement is remarkable for a squad containing several part-timers.

"Everyone thinks we will lose by four or five, but I don't think we will embarrass ourselves by any means," said their midfielder Clement Couturier.

Dudelange represent a town of just 21,000 souls, but the visit of Milan means a sell-out crowd of 8,000 for a match to be played at Luxembourg's national stadium.

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