The road to Madrid has begun with the league phase having reached its midway point - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak expressed frustration after scoring his first Champions League goal for the club in a 3-2 defeat at Fenerbahce. The Swedish international admitted the Reds were "sloppy" after surrendering the lead twice in Istanbul to suffer their first European loss of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent shockwaves through the football world by officially announcing his retirement from international duty with Portugal. After a legendary career spanning more than two decades, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed he will no longer represent the Selecao just a day before the latest squad announcement.
Ezri Konsa was forced off with a knee injury during Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague. The summer signing has been an ever-present figure for Mikel Arteta's side, raising defensive concerns ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Scott Parker is a “really sensible appointment” for West Ham, ex-Hammers star Matt Jarvis has told GOAL, but questions will inevitably be asked of whether a Championship promotion specialist can ultimately crack the Premier League while operating in the East End. Another managerial change has been made at the London Stadium, with Nuno Espirito Santo being relieved of his duties.
Corinthians head coach Clarence Seedorf has urged supporters to remain patient with compatriot Memphis Depay after the striker returned from injury in Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Sao Paulo. Entering as a second-half substitute at Vila Belmiro, the Dutch forward made his first appearance since suffering a hamstring issue in October.
Borussia Dortmund youngster Konstantinos Karetsas enjoyed a night to remember in the Champions League, but his match-winning contribution almost never happened. The teenage playmaker was nowhere to be found when he was called upon to replace the injured Serhou Guirassy in the first half.
Fenerbahce interim head coach Dirk Kuyt hailed his side's belief after guiding the Turkish club to a dramatic 3-2 victory over his former side Liverpool. The Yellow Canaries twice came from behind in Istanbul to secure their first Champions League proper win since 2008.
A Brazilian under-20 state championship match descended into complete chaos, resulting in an incredible 53 red cards following a massive brawl. The extraordinary scenes unfolded between Uberlandia and Mamore after a late stoppage-time goal sparked a furious reaction that forced the referee to abandon the game.
William Saliba is widely considered to be one of the best centre-halves on the planet, but should he walk back into the Arsenal team ahead of Ezri Konsa? The France international has recovered from an unfortunate injury picked up on World Cup duty, but sees a £55 million ($74m) summer signing blocking his path when it comes to earning an immediate recall.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has suggested that pressures from beyond the dressing room have played a significant role in the club's disastrous start to the current campaign. Despite a morale-boosting victory in Europe, the Portuguese midfielder admitted that the environment surrounding Old Trafford has made life difficult for the players on the pitch.
Jose Mourinho has openly bemoaned his side's demanding fixture schedule following a narrow Champions League victory over AEK Athens. The Portuguese manager revealed he will be forced into making sweeping changes once again ahead of a crucial domestic clash this weekend.
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres expressed his delight after delivering a goal and an assist in the Gunners' 2-1 Champions League win at Slavia Prague. The Swedish international took his tally to 16 goal involvements in 25 competition appearances.
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is weighing up a winter swoop for Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho after tracking his progress for more than 12 months. However, the Premier League outfit must act swiftly to bring the 24-year-old Malian to Elland Road ahead of rival European suitors in the New Year.
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