With international football taking a back seat until March, it is business time across Europe as the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League take centre stage. Matchday four of the league phases sees no shortage of excitement with blockbuster clashes everywhere you look.
With that in mind, here are the Champions League and Europa League matches you won't want to miss this week.
Tuesday, November 25th
Chelsea vs Barcelona - 21:00 CET
We are being treated to a box office clash to start the week of European football. To say Chelsea and Barcelona have history in this competition would be an understatement and tomorrow evening's clash at Stamford Bridge promises to be the latest chapter in their storied rivalry.
Champions League classics in the 2008/09 and 2011/12 Champions League semi-finals instantly come to mind when thinking about this fixture. However, Fernando Torres' famous last-gasp winning goal at the Camp Nou in 2012 was over 13 years ago and having only met in one 2018 last-16 tie since, it feels fitting these European giants can finally renew their rivalry.
Hansi Flick's side go into the clash as the favourites, as the LaLiga champions and last season's Champions League semi-finalists. Barcelona have had issues with their high line domestically and in Europe this season but they looked far more like the Barcelona of last campaign when they thrashed Athletic Club at the weekend. Joan Garcia back between the sticks and talisman Raphinha also returning makes them almost full strength again and Lamine Yamal looks to be finding his groove after a mixed start to the season.
Chelsea will take confidence in also being in good form having won their last four games domestically, a run that has seen them rise to second in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca's men have been less convincing in Europe but remain in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
A win on Tuesday would not only boost those chances but also be a statement of intent against one of the competition's favourites. With Barcelona back to something close to full strength, though, it is going to be a mammoth job to get a result in front of their home fans. Can they upset the odds?
Wednesday, November 26th
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich - 21:00 CET
From one London club up against European royalty to another, as Premier League leaders Arsenal take on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. This heavyweight clash has generated considerable hype for good reason. Whilst Bayern are scoring for fun, remain unbeaten after 11 games and in truth are making the Bundesliga look easy, Arsenal are also flying.
The Gunners' only defeat this campaign came against Premier League holders Liverpool, and in recent weeks they have been in imperious form. It wouldn't be a stretch to say these are the two best teams in Europe right now, a statement supported by the fact that they occupy first and second in the league phase standings.
Bayern's thrilling forward line has been unstoppable at times this season. Going up against the front three of Luis Diaz, Harry Kane and Michael Olise is the most nightmare of any defence. If any side would be up for the challenge, it would be Mikel Arteta's side.
Arsenal have incredibly conceded just six goals in the Premier League this season and have kept 13 clean sheets in all competitions. They have also yet to concede in Europe after three matchdays. Arsenal showed on Sunday in North London how dangerous they can be in forward areas, too.
With home advantage, this feels like the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to make a serious statement.
Still, Vincent Kompany's men will surely provide the toughest test of their season so far.
Atletico Madrid vs Inter - 21:00 CET
In what promises to be a captivating couple of nights of Champions League football, the third heavyweight clash of matchday four sees struggling Atletico Madrid host third-place Inter. Diego Simeone's side have been struggling to find their top form domestically and in Europe for some time and this season has been no different.
With two wins and two defeats from their first four games, the pressure is on Atletico to find a result at home, but it is a big ask. What will give them some belief is the fact that they have won their last five games in all competitions since a humbling defeat to Arsenal in matchday two. Talisman Antoine Griezmann is also back amongst the goals, which is a timely boost ahead of another big test in Europe.
Inter, meanwhile, are four wins from four in the league phase, having scored eleven and conceded just once. A shock Milan derby defeat at the weekend will have dented their confidence heading into this clash, providing Atletico further hope of pulling off an upset.
Inter remain favourites after their perfect start in Europe, but Simeone is a master of getting results in Europe when he needs them the most.
Thursday, November 24th
AS Roma vs Midtjylland - 18:45 CET
Focus shifts to the Europa League and Conference League on Thursday evening as another Serie A giant, AS Roma, is in action.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side take on Denmark's flying Midtjylland in a fascinating European clash. To the surprise of many, Midtjylland are top of the Europa League standings, having won all four of their opening games.
Midtjylland have been less dominant domestically after drawing five and losing twice in the league after 16 games, which, although far from disastrous, is clearly less convincing than their form in Europe. The opposite is true for the hosts.
Roma have been flying in Serie A under new coach Gasperini as they sit at the top of the league after 12 games.
However, they have had less success in Europe, winning two and losing two of their opening four games, including a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Viktoria Plzen in matchday two.
All of that context makes Thursday's early kick-off in Italy's capital hard to predict, but that makes it all the more worth watching!
Strasbourg vs Crystal Palace - 21:00 CET
Strasbourg's encounter against Crystal Palace on Thursday night promises to be an entertaining one between two sides far from accustomed to European football in recent years. Strasbourg's last appearance in Europe came in the 2005/06 season, whilst Palace are making their European debut after a sensational FA Cup triumph at the end of last season.
Strasbourg enter the clash as slight favourites as the Ligue 1 side are one point ahead of Palace in the league phase standings and have home advantage. The youthful side remain unbeaten, having won two and drawn one of their opening three games, whilst Palace have won two and lost once.
What will give Oliver Glasner hope of getting a positive result is the fact that Palace are in good form in the Premier League, a run that has seen them move into the top five. Additionally, after a fast start to the season, Strasbourg have stuttered lately, losing three of their last six games.
In the first-ever competitive meeting between these sides, there is more than enough reason to believe it will be a memorable maiden encounter.
