Champions League guide to Group E: Chelsea, Schalke, FC Basel, Steaua Bucharest

Following the draw in Monaco, we guide you through the sides that make up Group E

Jose Mourinho applauds the Chelsea supporters (AP)

Team-by-team guide to the sides that make up Group E in this season's Champions League...

CHELSEA

In 2012, Chelsea became the first London club to win the Champions League. The following year they won The Europa League and became the first team in history to hold both of UEFA’s stellar cup competitions simultaneously. Chelsea would have gained automatic entry into The Europa League as champions but after achieving third place in last year’s Premier League, Chelsea automatically gained entry into the Champions’ League group stage. Chelsea would make history this season if they were to win three UEFA controlled cup competitions in a row.

Key player – Juan Mata (Spain): Mata is a dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal who can also provide defence splitting passes when necessary. Although he is yet to feature this season, Juan Mata was undoubtedly Chelsea’s best player in 2012/2013. Mata achieved 20 goals and 35 assists in all competitions.

Manager – Jose Mourinho (Portugal): Jose Mourinho is a two-time Champions League winner with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. He has won The Portuguese league twice, Premier League twice, Seria A twice and LA Liga once. Mourinho will be looking to go one step further with Chelsea in his second spell in charge.

Champions League best finish: Champions; 2012.

Did you know?: Between 2002 and 2011, Mourinho went 151 home league matches as a manager unbeaten. This involved matches for four different clubs; Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan & Real Madrid.

SCHALKE 04

Schalke were beaten semi-finalists in 2011 as they lost 6-1 on aggregate to Manchester United and qualify for this years competition after beating PAOK 4-3 over two-legs in the play offs. Schalke boast an impressive attacking force including Dutch goal-poacher Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Peruvian Jefferson Farfan. The German side lost-out to Galatasaray in the round of 16 in last seasons competition.

Key Player – Julain Draxler: Much sought-after 19-year old attacker with outstanding technical ability, pace and a powerful shot.

Manager – Jens Keller: Formerly Schalke’s Under 17s coach, the German has recently signed a two-year contract extension.

Champions League best finish: Semi-Final 2011

BASEL

The Swiss Super League champions are a team with an impressive recent Champions League history, famously beating Manchester United in the 2011/12 season and advancing to the round of 16 at the expense of the English side.

Key Player – Marco Streller: Capped 37 times by Switzerland, the powerful forward is strong in the air.

Manager – Murat Yakin: The former Swiss international finished his playing career for Basel where he played in their Champions League campaigns.

Champions League best finish: Quarter-Final 1973/4

STEAUA BUCHAREST

Romanian Champions Steaua Bucharest are the most successful Romanian team in European competitions and made it to the group stages after qualifying wins against FK Vardar and Dinamo Tbilisi before overcoming Legia Warsaw on away goals after drawing 3-3 on aggregate over two legs. After winning the European Cup in 1986, Bucharest’s most recent European success came in the UEFA cup, reaching the semi-final in 2006.

Key Player – Federico Piovaccari: With three goals in his side’s Champions League campaign so far, the Italian forward could be a surprise package in the group stage.

Manager – Laurențiu Reghecampf: The 37-year old was capped once by Romania as a player and began his managerial career in 2010.

Champions League best finish: Winners 1986

Did you know? Steaua Bucharest have only played in the top division in Romania, totalling 62 seasons of top-flight football.