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?
Jose Mourinho is no stranger to mind games and iconic imagery, but the Real Madrid boss was left chuckling during his latest media appearance for a very different reason. Ahead of a heavyweight Champions League clash against Inter, the Portuguese tactician was presented with a garden sprinkler in a cheeky reference to one of the most famous nights of his career.
Inter are preparing for a heavyweight Champions League clash as they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face a Real Madrid side led by a familiar face. Cristian Chivu takes his squad to the Spanish capital knowing that history is stacked against the Nerazzurri, who have failed to secure a victory at this iconic venue for six decades.
Lautaro Martinez has sent a defiant message to the rest of Europe, insisting that winning the Champions League is a concrete objective for Inter this season. Speaking ahead of a heavyweight opening clash against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, the Nerazzurri captain made it clear that the Italian giants are no longer just dreaming of continental glory.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has sent a defiant message to the rest of Europe, insisting that the Spanish giants are destined to reclaim their continental crown this season. After back-to-back disappointments in the knockout stages, the Brazilian forward is adamant that the trophy is returning to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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