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.
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.
Liverpool will need to identify a new No.1 in the summer of 2027, as long-serving Alisson runs his contract down towards free agency, and former Reds goalkeeper Brad Friedel has speculated with GOAL about who could register on the Anfield recruitment radar. Caoimhin Kelleher, Unai Simon and Gianluigi Donnarumma are among the names to have been mentioned.
TSV Marl-Huels
