What happens to football’s “nearly men”?
We’ve looked back over the recent history of the game to track what happens to those who miss out on a trophy to see how often they repeat the trick or succeed at the second attempt.
Juventus vs Ajax: Old Lady can book place in last four
Juventus and Ajax enjoyed another titanic European clash as they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Johann Cruyff Arena. Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the starting line-up to score for the Old Lady before David Neres grabbed a deserved equaliser to set up a tense Champions League second leg.
Champions League Index: Top performing players by club
We have studied the data from the history of the Champions League to determine who are the top performing players by club.
Champions League Index: The top five stars of each league
We have studied the data from the history of the Champions League to determine who are the five top-rated players in each of Europe’s big leagues.
Bayern Munich vs Liverpool: Reds still backed to advance
Liverpool failed to break down Bayern Munich at Anfield but we still fancy them to reach the next round of the Champions League. FC Hollywood put in a professional display on Merseyside but will have to open up more in Germany, which should suit a superb counter-attacking team like the Reds.
Barcelona vs Lyon: Catalan giants to be clinical at home
Barcelona were wasteful in a goalless draw at Lyon but are expected to get it right on home turf in the second leg of this Champions League tie. The Catalan giants enjoyed 63 per cent of the possession in France, firing in 25 shots, and should capitalise on a similar dominance at Camp Nou.
Man City vs Schalke: Blues to avoid any more scares
Manchester City survived a major scare when winning 3-2 at Schalke in the Champions League and will be hoping for a smoother ride on home turf. The Blues looked up against it when 2-1 behind and down to 10 men, but showed plenty of spirit to snatch victory late on at the Veltins Arena.
Porto vs Roma: Giallorossi to advance after away draw
Roma will take a slender 2-1 advantage to Porto for the second leg of their Champions League tie and can do just enough to progress. The Italian outfit secured a 1-1 stalemate at Estadio do Dragao in a qualifier two seasons ago and are fancied to finish on level terms again.
Borussia Dortmund vs Tottenham: Spurs to ease through
Tottenham took control of their Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund when winning 3-0 in London and can do enough in the return fixture to ease through. Spurs will have fond memories of their most recent trip to Signal Iduna Park, when prevailing 2-1 during last season’s group stage.
Real Madrid vs Ajax: Whites to finish off plucky Dutch outfit
Real Madrid must recover from two quick El Clasico defeats when hosting Ajax in the Champions League but do have the benefit of being 2-1 up from the first leg. The promising, young Dutch outfit did impress in Amsterdam, though, so we should be in for another cracking contest.
Robert Pires interview: Frenchman on Premier League and Europe
Robert Pires won the Premier League twice and was a Champions League runner-up during six successful seasons with Arsenal. In an exclusive interview with bwin, the 45-year-old Frenchman shares his thoughts on the Gunners’ top-flight rivals as well as topics across Europe.
Robert Pires interview: Frenchman on north London derby and Arsenal
Robert Pires was never on the losing side in 12 north London derbies during his time with Arsenal, winning six and drawing six. Ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides, bwin talk exclusively to get his thoughts on the match as well as discuss the latest from the Emirates Stadium.
Big Champions League Index: Future top players
We have studied the data from the history of the Champions League to determine who are the future top players in the competition.
Big Champions League Index: All-time top 10
We have studied the data from the history of the Champions League to determine who are the all-time top 10 players in the competition.