Russia Panoramica

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.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was involved in a distressing incident on Wednesday evening, collapsing during the pre-match warm-up before his side’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille. The Russian international required immediate medical intervention after a heavy impact left him grounded on the pitch.