Inter Milan vs Real Madrid: Visitors to edge thriller
Inter Milan and Real Madrid are familiar foes after being placed in the same Champions League group for the second successive season. Inter claimed the Serie A title last term but it was a very different story in Europe as they finished bottom of Group B with just one win.
Sporting vs Ajax: Defences to dominate close contest
Ajax failed to get out of their Champions League group last season so will be keen to make a fast start when they head to Portugal. They have been priced up as the slight favourites but this looks a tough one to call in an open group which also contains Borussia Dortmund and Besiktas.
Chelsea vs Zenit: Holders to enjoy smooth success
Chelsea begin the defence of their Champions League title with what looks a straightforward test when entertaining Zenit. The Russian side have every incentive to do well, as they will host the final in St Petersburg, but look up against it on all known form.
Young Boys vs Man Utd: Red Devils backed for Berne success
Man Utd paid the price for two away defeats when failing to qualify from last season’s Champions League pool so will be fully focused for this trip. The good news is that the Red Devils enjoyed a 3-0 win over Young Boys in Berne three years ago, when Paul Pogba hit a double.
PSV vs Benfica: Dutch giants appeal on home turf
PSV have work to do after losing 2-1 away to Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier but did impress in Lisbon. Roger Schmidt’s side showed great resolve to recover from a shaky start and could easily have returned to Holland on level terms.
What does it take to manage a top football club?
We’ve assessed the top football managers to see what it takes to be successful at one of Europe’s major clubs. Our great infographic looks at age, experience, past playing ability and local knowledge of major leagues and their current employers.
Midtjylland vs PSV: Visitors look in superb form
PSV continued their impressive start to the new season when crushing Midtjylland 3-0 in Holland in the first leg of this Champions League qualifier. Roger Schmidt’s side are playing with great confidence, so they look worth sticking with in the return fixture in Denmark.
Rangers vs Malmo: Big Ibrox crowd to inspire Gers
Rangers have given themselves work to do when entertaining Malmo in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier after losing 2-1 in Sweden. However, they have a formidable home record in Europe since Steven Gerrard took charge.
Midtjylland vs Celtic: Hoops facing Champions League KO
Celtic face a tough trip to Denmark as they look to progress to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The Hoops were held to a 1-1 draw by Midtjylland in the first leg at Parkhead last Tuesday night and were thrashed 6-2 by West Ham in Saturday’s friendly.
Galatasaray vs PSV: Dutch delight again in Istanbul
PSV were totally dominant when thrashing Galatasaray 5-1 in Eindhoven and can confirm that superiority in the second leg in Istanbul. A date with Celtic or Midtjylland looks assured for the Dutch outfit, who appear to be back on an upward curve under Roger Schmidt.
European Super League: Breakaway tournament collapses
The football world was briefly in turmoil following a European Super League announcement which threatened to shake up the very foundations of the sport, but those plans have collapsed. It was proposed that the new competition would be a rival to the Champions League, with organisers claiming it would generate increased and guaranteed income for the clubs involved.
Chelsea vs Porto: Blues to confirm superiority in Seville
Chelsea return to Sevilla for the second leg of their Champions League clash with Porto in a commanding position after winning the first encounter 2-0. The Blues dominated possession and were rarely threatened at the back, so it is hard to see them not booking a spot in the semi-finals on that evidence.
Treble bet: Man City 9/2 to emulate neighbours United
Man Utd remain the only English team to have claimed Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies in the same season, but Man City are 9/2 to land the same Treble bet. The Blues won all three major domestic competitions two years ago and will now try to also conquer Europe for the first time.
Champions League history: Which countries have had the most success?
As this season’s tournament reaches its final stages, we have looked back over Champions League history to see which nations have dominated it in various ways.