Borussia Dortmund excelled in Europe but struggled domestically last season and that has again been the case this campaign as they prepare for a repeat of last term’s Champions League final against Real Madrid.
Dortmund lost 2-0 to Los Blancos in June’s Wembley final but have made a strong start to the new-look competition, thrashing Club Brugge 3-0 before dismantling Celtic 7-1 to establish themselves as early leaders in the 36-team standings.
The step-up in quality will be noticeable when they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid today but Dortmund could have enough in them to salvage a draw.
Die Schwarzgelben have won three of their last four games in all competitions and can take confidence from the fact Madrid lost to Lille on matchday two.
Meanwhile, Arsenal suffered a major setback in the Premier League title race on Saturday but must turn their attention back to the Champions League with a visit from Shakhtar Donetsk today.
The Gunners lost 2-0 away to Bournemouth on S a t u r d a y, registering just one shot on target in defeat on the south coast.
But the game’s narrative was changed when William Saliba was sent off after 30 minutes and it would likely have been a different story had the Frenchman been on the pitch.
Despite losing their opening two Champions League games and sitting fifth-bottom in the 36- team table, AC Milan will come into today’s clash with Club Brugge as strong favourites.