Talking points ahead of the Champions League action

Chelsea meet Barcelona in one of the biggest fixtures of matchday five. It’s a fixture full of sub-plots, including Marc Cucurella coming up against the side where he progressed through the ranks.

The left-back made just one senior appearance for Barcelona , but has since forged a career overseas and helped Spain to European Championship success in 2024. Enzo Maresca has praised Cucurella ahead of the clash, in which the defender with duel with national teammate Lamine Yamal . It’s a direct battle that could shape the contest.

– Tuesday, 25 November 2025

“He has been phenomenal,” said Maresca this week.

“Since I came to the club, his level has been high, not only his defending but also as part of our play with the ball. Cucu always gives us an advantage, and we are delighted with him.”

Pep Guardiola celebrates a milestone this week as he prepares for his 100th Champions League game in charge of Manchester City .

His 183 in total places Guardiola third on the all-time list, while his century for City mean he’s just the third coach to reach 100 Champions League games in charge of an English team.

Only Alex Ferguson (190 with Manchester United) and Arsène Wenger (177 with Arsenal) have previously achieved the feat.

Thomas Frank needs a response from his side after Tottenham’s terrible derby defeat at Arsenal , with the North Londoners well beaten at the home of their fierce rivals.

The fixture list has not been kind. Spurs make the trip to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening, to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain. It’s a formidable test for an unconvincing Tottenham team, though hope can be taken from their most recent meeting.

The game is a repeat of this year’s UEFA Super Cup , which the Ligue 1 giants narrowly won on penalties. Spurs stunned PSG to race into a two-goal lead, as efforts from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero put the Europa League winners ahead.

A late fightback from PSG , who equalised through Lee Kang-In and Goncalo Ramos, eventually forced a successful shootout. Spurs , however, troubled the Parisians and Frank could follow a similar blueprint.

Atletico Madrid have found form in La Liga to charge back into the title picture. Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten since the opening weekend and have strung together five consecutive wins.

In Europe, their form has been less consistent. After four games, Atletico have six points, winning both at home and losing to Liverpool and Arsenal on the road.

Simeone’s side return to home comforts this week but face a real test as Inter Milan visit the Metropolitano. Inter have maximum points after four games, though Atletico’s home form is formidable. The Spanish side have won 10 of their last 11 European games on home soil.

Arsenal have the look of Premier League champions this season. Six points clear at the summit, the Gunners extended their lead with an emphatic derby win over Tottenham. Arsenal have lost just once in 18 games this season and swatted Spurs aside despite big-name absentees.

This week, Arsenal face a true test of their European credentials. Bayern Munich are the visitors to the Emirates, an opponent that has haunted the Gunners in past meetings.

– Tuesday, 25 November 2025

Arsenal have not beaten Bayern in a decade, while the last five encounters have included four defeats and 18 goals conceded.

This season, Bayern are in red-hot form, winning 17 of their 18 games in all competitions. A win for Arsenal would suggest Arteta’s side are the real deal.

Read – Five classic games between Chelsea and Barcelona

See more – Six infamous bust-ups between teammates

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