Champions League Returns: Arsenal Hosts Lille, Barcelona Travels to Istanbul

The UEFA Champions League returns to action this week following the international break, with eight matches scheduled across the continent on Tuesday night.

Arsenal vs. Lille

Arsenal enter the match as clear favorites in what is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Mikel Arteta's side defeated Napoli on matchday one, securing their 13th consecutive victory in the Champions League league phase. The encouraging signs for the English champions do not end there: they have won 15 of their last 16 home matches at this stage, with just one draw, and arrive following a 2-1 home win over Leeds over the weekend. Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud returns to the Emirates Stadium aiming to become only the third player in history to score both for and against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Galatasaray vs. Barcelona

Barcelona arrive in Istanbul in exceptional form, having opened the season with nine consecutive victories across all competitions for the first time since the 1935/36 season. Hansi Flick's side thrashed Feyenoord 5-1 in their Champions League opener and have since added four wins in the Spanish league. Under Flick, the Blaugrana average 2.96 goals per game in the Champions League and have won three of their last six away matches in the competition, alongside two draws and a defeat. Barcelona have also won their last four matches against Turkish opponents, whereas Galatasaray has triumphed over them just once in 10 meetings back in 1994.

Viking vs. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich travel to Norway aiming to maintain their unbeaten run this season, boasting six wins and two draws across all competitions. Vincent Kompany's side opened the Champions League campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of Bodo/Glimt and will now face another Norwegian opponent after having to come from behind twice on Saturday in a 2-2 draw against Augsburg. The Bavarians have scored at least twice in nine of their last ten away matches in the Champions League, winning seven of them. Viking, on the other hand, has won its last 11 home matches across all competitions, ensuring a stern test for the German giants.

Inter Milan vs. Club Brugge

Inter are searching for their first victory of the Champions League season after falling 2-1 to Real Madrid on matchday one, extending their losing streak in the competition to three matches. Another defeat would mark their fourth consecutive loss in the European Cup or Champions League, something that has never happened in the club's history. Since the defeat in Madrid, the Nerazzurri have recovered well, scoring ten goals in three unbeaten league matches and defeating Parma 3-0 on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United

Manchester United arrive in Madrid following their worst league start in 40 years, with pressure mounting heavily on Michael Carrick. The Red Devils drew 1-1 with Tottenham on Saturday with ten men despite taking the lead, drawing jeers from their supporters. In the Champions League, however, they opened with a 4-0 win over Sabah. Atletico arrive after four consecutive wins in the Spanish league but are still seeking their first points in the Champions League following a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.