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Here are five factors to consider before the Champions League matches.

Five talking themes ahead of Champions League play, including Xabi Alonso's return to Liverpool and a meeting between the competition's most successful teams.


Alonso makes his Anfield homecoming.

When Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool, Xabi Alonso was generally expected to be picked as his replacement. The Spaniard's astonishing performance in leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten German double - the club's first league title in history - made him a hot commodity, and his links to Liverpool appeared to be a perfect fit.

Alonso instead turned down offers to stay at Leverkusen, but there's unlikely to be any animosity when the Bundesliga winners visit Anfield on Tuesday. Alonso was a tremendously popular character at Liverpool and will be warmly welcomed on Merseyside, but Leverkusen should not expect the same.

Liverpool is thriving under Arne Slot, and they hope to continue their spotless Champions League record this season.

European royalty meets at the Bernabeu.

On matchday four, Real Madrid hosts AC Milan, a meeting between the competition's two most successful teams. Despite an unimpressive start under Carlo Ancelotti in 2024/25, the Spaniards won a record-extending 15th Champions League title last season and will aim to advance deep into the tournament again.


Meanwhile, Milan hopes to reclaim their previous glory. In 2022/23, the Rossoneri reached the semi-finals for the first time since capturing their seventh European title in 2007.

Milan, who has one win in three games this season, must turn things around to avoid an early European departure.

Amorim had an early date with their potential competitor.

Ruben Amorim has been named Manchester United's new manager, with the Sporting Lisbon coach expected to take over during November's international break. First, Amorim has a date with the Premier League squad he hopes to dethrone.

After two decades of Premier League domination, Manchester United has watched as Manchester City has taken the league's lead. An incredible four straight Premier League titles have been won in recent seasons, and City remain the benchmark for Amorim to aim for when he takes over across town.

Wednesday night is the 39-year-old's first chance to experience the blues.

Battle of the unbroken defenses at the San Siro.

Arsenal are struggling in the Premier League, with a defeat to Newcastle extending their winless streak to three games. Key absences have contributed to previous outcomes, and this week's fixture slate does not look good for Arsenal.


Mikel Arteta's team travels to Inter Milan on Wednesday night, hoping to extend their unbeaten streak in this season's competition. The Italian champions are also unbeaten in Europe, having drawn 0-0 at Manchester City on Matchday One before defeating Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys.

Neither team has conceded a goal in the Champions League this season, as two of Europe's top defenses clash at the San Siro.

Can PSG and Atletico rekindle their Champions League fortunes?

Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid would have gone into this season's Champions League with guarded hope.

Each has struggled to meet expectations. PSG had lost at Arsenal and been held at home by PSV Eindhoven after their fortunate victory over Girona in their first game.


Since opening with a win over RB Leipzig, Atletico has lost to Benfica and Lille in a row.

Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone have a history of disputes in Spanish football, but this will be their first encounter. Neither can afford a loss.
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