Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has urged his squad to stay grounded ahead of their Champions League opener against Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park. Despite the Spanish visitors enduring a winless domestic start and losing 4-0 in this exact fixture last term, Kovac insists the Yellow Submarine retain elite tactical and technical quality.
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?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spearheaded a new era for Deportivo La Coruna, breaking Bebeto's historic club record by scoring in his fourth consecutive debut match. The Gabonese forward grabbed a goal and two assists as the Galician side secured a statement win against Champions League opposition.
Villarreal have completed the signing of Canadian international Nathan Saliba from Anderlecht on a five-year contract. The 22-year-old midfielder arrives in a 15 million euro deal and is relishing the chance to play in the Champions League.
Villarreal defender Willy Kambwala is set to complete a season-long loan move to Serie A side Como. The French-Congolese centre-back chose a switch to Italy over a proposed move to Osasuna in search of regular first-team minutes.
Diego Simeone has staunchly defended Julian Alvarez after the Argentina international suffered a hostile reception from Atletico Madrid supporters during Sunday's 2-2 draw with Villarreal. The forward faced loud jeers at the Metropolitano following a summer-long transfer saga involving Barcelona, prompting his manager to issue a firm vow of protection.
Manchester United are set to receive a timely injection into their summer transfer budget as former defender Willy Kambwala prepares to join Italian side Como. The Red Devils will benefit financially from a valuable sell-on clause inserted into his contract when he departed Old Trafford for Villarreal, providing Michael Carrick with additional funds before the transfer window closes.
Chris Richards and Tyler Adams begin their Premier League campaigns, while Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso and Alex Freeman face intriguing tests elsewhere.
Villarreal
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