In the round 2 of Champions League group stage there are several interesting clashes fans are anticipating
1. Hoffenhaim entertain Man City - Will Guardiola handle Nagelsmann?
After sensational losing to Lyon in the first UCL round, Man City have recorded three consecutive wins in Premier League and EFL Cup. While the most in media says that it can be another season of Pep's disappointment in Champions League, Citizens are working consistently and have an efficient attack.
Furthermore, looks like Kevin de Bruyne is back in training for Manchester City and close to the starting XI.
On the other hand, Hoffenheim lost their points in 2-2 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk, so any next defeat for Nagelsmann may cost his team a place in the knock out stage. We can only wait to see whose motivation will be stronger.
2. Can Valencia compound Mourinho and Man United woes?
Conflict with Pogba, ineffective performance of strikers, injuries of defense line - there are long list of troubles for Mourinho with his squad, that can have its effect in Champions League too.
But no matter how bad things are now for Red Devils, they still have the class to smash teams like Valencia, even on a bad day.
Seems like Valencia don't have much abilities for wins (especially after 0-2 lose at Mestalia against 10-man Juventus) in their group, but if Man United will have another bad day everything can be turned upside down.
3. Is there any chance for CSKA in Moscow with defense-less Galacticos?
Without having Bale, Isco, Ramos and Marcelo we have some doubts about Lopetegui's comfort win in the second round of UCL group stage. It is a very good opportunity for CSKA to show their character and grab some points in the tackle with Los Blancos.
Besides, there are zero pressure for the Moscow side and high expectations from Real Madrid (as always). If the fatigue and tension will play their part for the rest of starting squad of guests we may see a surprising result in Russia.
4. Will Barcelona crush Tottenham or does Poch has a plan yet?
The beginning with confident victory over PSV (4-0) in Champions League can be promising for Barcelona, but let's not forget that it was Tottenham who beat Real Madrid at Wembley during last season.
Despite all the problems, Pochettino is not hopeless in big matches and will try to earn first points in the group stage for Spurs.
Barcelona now have such a powerful team that if they are lucky, can smash Tottenham even if rival will play good. This match is definitely a must-watch, but as for the result there is still some place for surprises.
5. Can Ancelotti beat Liverpool after seeing what Sarri just did?
In the last few days Chelsea knocked out Liverpool from the EFL Cup at Anfield and then earned a draw with them at Stamford Bridge on Premier League weekend. Seems like the aura of Klopp's invincible team is not working any more, and Napoli may have some chance against the Merseyside team now.
Of course it's hard to imagine that Liverpool will give up before the starting whistle - their team is still a favorite in the Champions League. But Ancelotti has no choice but to take risks since Napoli has just 1 point in their active and the game with PSG will be next.
6. How strong will Borussia Dortmund be against Monaco?
In a match with Bayer 04 on Saturday trailing 0-2, Dortmund side showed their fighting spirit and won 4-2. For the first time we can dream about real fight for the championship in Germany, but match with Monaco in UCL may show other weaknesses of the Black and Yellows.
Good defense backed by strong motivation can help Monaco get the points. Borussia does not play perfectly now, so if rival will seek for opportunities well it can be very interesting in the end.
7. Will Inter prove their ambitions in Eindhoven?
Looks like 2-1 win against Tottenham helped Inter to find their game. After failure at the start of the season Spalletti now has four wins in a row with a very good abilities to win in Eindhoven too.
It remains only to make sure that it's all not the coincidence of emotional ups and weaknesses of opponents. Because if it is, PSV may prove themselves in the home game and then make the situation in group B really difficult for all participants.
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