European football is back: the second round of the Champions League group stage features a series of thrilling clashes, followed by matches in the Europa League and Conference League. The coming days promise plenty of intrigue on both domestic and international fronts.
Key matches and stories of the week
Manchester City vs PSG: The standout fixture of this Champions League week pits two giants against each other, both thriving under similar financial models. Enzo Maresca's side is in fine form, having comfortably dispatched Liverpool 3-0, while PSG kicked off their title defence with an emphatic 6-1 victory over Slovan.
Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United: Under pressure, Michael Carrick takes his squad to the Wanda Metropolitano. Following a draw with Spurs, the Red Devils face a tough test against a resurgent Diego Simeone's team, where debutant Carlos Baleba could make his first start.
LASK vs Liverpool: After suffering their first defeat under Andoni Iraola against City, the Merseysiders travel to Austria. With several key players absent, including Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Dominik Szoboszlai, the manager will have to manage his squad judiciously before facing Brentford at the weekend.
Lyon vs Crystal Palace: In the Europa League, the Eagles meet the French outfit amid John Textor's ownership saga. Both teams enjoyed winning starts to their European campaigns.
Germany and the Championship: Harry Kane, now with Bayern Munich, is eager to dazzle fans with goals against Viking, while in the English Championship, Stoke City is set for a fierce battle with Middlesbrough for the second spot on the table.
