And we’re back.
From the depths of mid-December comes the return of the Champions League, with the last – 25 kicking off on Tuesday night when holders Liverpool go to Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund host Paris Saint-Germain.
This week and next will see Europe’s best and brightest back in action at the continent’s top table, and there are sure to be plenty of drama and incidents to pore over ahead of match-ups including Real Madrid vs Manchester City and Chelsea vs Bayern Munich.
But what are the key issues ahead of the matches?
We’ve gone ab it (Cent and asked) questions.
1. Will we see THE Liverpool team?
and Tottenham – have felt his wrath, but he failed to net against Liverpool at this stage of the competition last season.
Is this Chelsea’s turn?
25. Will Davies’ rise continue?
Canadian star Davies has had a breakthrough season at Bayern (Image: Bongarts / Getty Images)
If you haven’t seen Alphonso Davies ‘going all Jake Peralta on tiktok, then head to social media to see his rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I want it that way’.
But the Canadian international has made his strongest impression on the field this season, and is making the left-back spot his own in Bavaria, amid an injury crisis that has seen David Alaba pushed inside.
Davies, who boasts 31 caps and five goals for Canada at the age of , is a coming force in European football. Chelsea will need to watch his raids forward, otherwise he’ll do damage.
Canadian star Davies has had a breakthrough season at Bayern (Image: Bongarts / Getty Images)
If you haven’t seen Alphonso Davies ‘going all Jake Peralta on tiktok, then head to social media to see his rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I want it that way’.
But the Canadian international has made his strongest impression on the field this season, and is making the left-back spot his own in Bavaria, amid an injury crisis that has seen David Alaba pushed inside.
Davies, who boasts 31 caps and five goals for Canada at the age of , is a coming force in European football. Chelsea will need to watch his raids forward, otherwise he’ll do damage.
Canadian star Davies has had a breakthrough season at Bayern (Image: Bongarts / Getty Images)
If you haven’t seen Alphonso Davies ‘going all Jake Peralta on tiktok, then head to social media to see his rendition of the Backstreet Boys’ ‘I want it that way’.
But the Canadian international has made his strongest impression on the field this season, and is making the left-back spot his own in Bavaria, amid an injury crisis that has seen David Alaba pushed inside.
Davies, who boasts 31 caps and five goals for Canada at the age of , is a coming force in European football. Chelsea will need to watch his raids forward, otherwise he’ll do damage.
. Will Ronaldo be angered again?
Ronaldo’s Juventus lost to Ajax last season (Image: AFP / Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who feels at home in the latter stages of the Champions League, so much so that he doesn’t like it when he isn’t there.
In fact the Portuguese had a face like thunder when Juventus were knocked out by Ajax in the last – last season, ensuring that he did not reach at least the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Lyon are the opposition this time, and Ronaldo will be demandi ng focus from his teammates.
. Can Dembele earn his move?
Dembele has been linked with a return to the UK (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon aren’t a club you tend to stay at for very long, and that time seems to be running out for Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a forward who is made to thrive in the Premier League, and contributing to a shock elimination of Juventus would see his reputation rocket.
. Who wins the Zidane vs Guardiola battle?
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
Ronaldo’s Juventus lost to Ajax last season (Image: AFP / Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who feels at home in the latter stages of the Champions League, so much so that he doesn’t like it when he isn’t there.
In fact the Portuguese had a face like thunder when Juventus were knocked out by Ajax in the last – last season, ensuring that he did not reach at least the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Lyon are the opposition this time, and Ronaldo will be demandi ng focus from his teammates.
. Can Dembele earn his move?
Dembele has been linked with a return to the UK (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon aren’t a club you tend to stay at for very long, and that time seems to be running out for Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a forward who is made to thrive in the Premier League, and contributing to a shock elimination of Juventus would see his reputation rocket.
. Who wins the Zidane vs Guardiola battle?
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
Ronaldo’s Juventus lost to Ajax last season (Image: AFP / Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo is a man who feels at home in the latter stages of the Champions League, so much so that he doesn’t like it when he isn’t there.
In fact the Portuguese had a face like thunder when Juventus were knocked out by Ajax in the last – last season, ensuring that he did not reach at least the semi-finals for the first time since 2019.
Lyon are the opposition this time, and Ronaldo will be demandi ng focus from his teammates.
. Can Dembele earn his move?
Dembele has been linked with a return to the UK (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon aren’t a club you tend to stay at for very long, and that time seems to be running out for Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a forward who is made to thrive in the Premier League, and contributing to a shock elimination of Juventus would see his reputation rocket.
. Who wins the Zidane vs Guardiola battle?
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
Dembele has been linked with a return to the UK (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon aren’t a club you tend to stay at for very long, and that time seems to be running out for Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a forward who is made to thrive in the Premier League, and contributing to a shock elimination of Juventus would see his reputation rocket.
. Who wins the Zidane vs Guardiola battle?
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
Dembele has been linked with a return to the UK (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Lyon aren’t a club you tend to stay at for very long, and that time seems to be running out for Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with a forward who is made to thrive in the Premier League, and contributing to a shock elimination of Juventus would see his reputation rocket.
. Who wins the Zidane vs Guardiola battle?
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
The pair will go head-to-head in a competitive match for the first time (Image: GETTY)
This will be the first time that Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola face off against each other in a competitive environment, and it comes at a fascinating time for both.
After a settling-in period following his second coming, Zidane has taken Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, a point ahead of Barcelona, at a time when things can scarcely be any different for Guardiola’s Manchester City domestically.
Their European outlook is pretty bleak too.
. Will Hazard show England what they’ve been missing?
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
() Hazard has had an injury-hit season (Image: SIPA USA / PA Images)
Eden Hazard has only managed 21 games for Real Madrid since his summer move from Chelsea, scoring one goal in that time as injury problems have persisted.
The Belgian returned from three months out in the weekend’s draw with Celta Vigo, and the sight of a Premier League Defense might just be the thing he needs to get going again. (Read More)
Mirror Football’s Top Stories
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
. What will Manchester City supporters do?
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
Read More
City fans are sure to voice their displeasure at UEFA (Image: PA)
The second leg against Real Madrid back at the Etihad Stadium is sure to have the eyes of everyone at UEFA on it, as City’s impending European ban will be the topic of the day.
City’s fans have long decided to boo the traditional Champions League anthem, but you sense their action here could be even greater.
UEFA will hope that anger doesn’t spill over into anything more, and the officials on the evening are sure to be in for a tough night.
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