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?
Stamford Bridge is set to host Champions League football once again this season, but in a surprising twist, it will not be Chelsea taking to the pitch for Europe's elite competition. The Premier League giants have reached an agreement to host Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk for their continental home fixtures.
Stamford Bridge is prepared to welcome back the Champions League anthem this season, but in a surreal twist, it will not be for Chelsea. Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk are in advanced negotiations to use the iconic West London venue as their temporary home for Europe’s premier club competition.
Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk could play their home Champions League fixtures in England next season after launching exploratory talks with a Premier League club. The ongoing conflict in their homeland has forced the displaced side to evaluate alternative European venues, with London emerging as a strong potential destination.
Senegal international Ismaila Sarr has written his name into the history books by scoring the fastest Conference League goal ever. The Crystal Palace forward needed mere seconds to break the deadlock during his side's semi-final first-leg encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk.