A THRILLING Champions League group stage has reached its conclusion – and some stars have been born.
Club football is preparing to hold its breath for the Winter World Cup, leaving Europe’s finest competition to wrap up in just nine weeks.
Fans of England’s big clubs will be biting their nails ahead of Monday’s crucial Champions League Last 16 draw as they find out who their team will play.
Despite the shortened group stage schedule, there was still plenty of quality on show throughout the early rounds of this tournament.
While established stars like Lionel Messi and Mo Salah frequently grabbed headlines, lesser-known talents also emerged from the group stage.