As the expanded UEFA Champions League gets underway this week, four new names are ready to make waves into the prestigious competition.
Aston Villa return to Europe’s elite tournament for the first time in 41 years as they last won the European Cup back in 1982. Following a number of years of thrashing about, Villa have been rejuvenated under Unai Emery this season, finishing fourth in the Premier League last season. The tactical acumen of the Spaniard, allied to some smart recruitment has helped them pip the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United for their place.
Girona, bankrolled by the City Football Group, face a daunting start with a trip to Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalan club will also host Liverpool and Arsenal in their upgraded Montilivi stadium, though UEFA regulations mean reduced capacity due to limitations on temporary seating.
Bologna enter the Champions League in uncertain form under new coach Vincenzo Italiano. A poor start to the Serie A season without some influential players like Joshua Zirkzee and Riccardo Calafiori has made Bologna get vulnerable. The Italian side, whose last major trophy came through the Coppa Italia in 1974, go into their first appearance in the modern competition with an uphill battle.
Brest, meanwhile, were the other fairy tale debutant, finishing third in Ligue 1 against all expectations. The Brittany club have landed a group containing Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen, although with a few of the influential players now moved on and a temporary home at Guingamp due to UEFA requirements, Brest’s Champions League odyssey will be a steep learning curve.
