Aperçu Kano Pillars

Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has lavished praise on Real Betis counterpart Manuel Pellegrini ahead of their Champions League league phase opener on Tuesday. The Italian tactician highlighted the Chilean's exceptional longevity and achievements while insisting the La Liga outfit remain formidable opposition despite a 21-year absence from Europe.

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?

Newcastle United have finalised the massive deadline day signing of highly-rated Belgium international Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille. The forward joins the Premier League side in a lucrative transfer that pushes their overall summer outlay to a staggering £262 million, with the player already expressing his absolute excitement to feature at St James' Park this season.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique hailed his squad's relentless character following a dramatic 2-2 draw away at Lille on Friday night. The reigning European champions appeared destined for defeat after falling two goals behind, only for stoppage-time strikes from Vitinha and Marquinhos to salvage an unlikely point at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.