While the Champions’ League of the past few years all but confirms what seems to be a three-league hegemony over European football, they are by no means guaranteed an easy ride in the earlier stages of the competition.
Club sides from Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Romania among other countries have the capabilities to mix it with Europe’s big guns. Their high standard of passing, a high level of tactical awareness and organisation allows them to provide a stern test to the continent’s finest.
Arsenal and Chelsea have found, and may well continue to find, life difficult against such opponents, particularly away from home where an intimidating atmosphere makes it difficult for even the most formidable opponents to cope.
The possibility of a humiliating defeat is never far away.
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