The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is facing a significant selection headache as his side prepares for a vital Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Premier League outfit must navigate this European hurdle without the services of Leon Goretzka, whose ongoing injury struggles have dealt a major blow to the club's midfield options.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has left new £25 million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of his 25-man Champions League squad. The 24-year-old defender, who is the son-in-law of Manchester United legend Roy Keane, joined from Southampton on deadline day but faces a waiting game for top-tier European action despite expressing his eagerness to perform on the continent's biggest stage.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window once again proved to be exceptionally busy, with some huge names making big-money moves all the way up to Deadline Day on September 1.
Crystal Palace have launched a dramatic late move to hijack Aston Villa's pursuit of Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez. The Eagles are looking to bolster their backline following a series of departures and injuries that have left Pierre Sage short of options in the heart of his defence.
Christos Tzolis has made a blistering start to life at Arsenal, but the Greek winger took time out of his weekend to return to familiar surroundings. The 24-year-old was paraded on the pitch at Club Brugge ahead of their derby victory over Cercle Brugge, soaking in the adulation from his former supporters.
Ranheim
