There are some interesting new trends being seen in the Champions League over the last few seasons, especially when teams are playing away from home. Teams are defending deeper and substitutes are not always used. In fact, most of the substitutions in the first round matches came in the last 15 minutes, which seems to show the mindset of the modern coach. The ‘Gaffers’, as we call them in England, will be under enormous pressure to at least progress past the group stages and then to also ensure qualification into the Champions League the following year! Nothing like a bit of pressure at the sharp end!

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