Marek Bakoš charts FC Viktoria Plze?’s rise from a side that had won nothing in its 98-year history to one averaging a title a season and what it means to represent Czech football in Europe.
Sevilla FC are on the hunt for a sixth successive win in this season’s UEFA Europa League but SC Freiburg have a point to prove after a disappointing start in Group H.
FC Anji Makhachkala will look to get the goals flowing again as Gadzhi Gadzhiev leads his side out against free-scoring Tottenham Hotspur FC in UEFA Europa League Group K.
Tromsø IL will take FC Sheriff inside the Arctic Circle on matchday two with both sides looking to get on the scoresheet for the first time in UEFA Europa League Group K.
AZ Alkmaar made a positive start on matchday one, but need to end a poor run of home results if they are to steal a march on Dutchman Huub Stevens’ PAOK FC in UEFA Europa League Group L.
PFC Ludogorets Razgrad will have a score to settle when they entertain GNK Dinamo Zagreb in UEFA Europa League Group B after losing to the Croatian champions last season.
FC Chornomorets Odesa will look to keep the winning momentum going in UEFA Europa League Group C as PSV Eindhoven make the long journey to the shores of the Black Sea.
Real Betis Balompié team-mates Chuli and Cedric bemoaned the absence of a “bit of luck in front of goal” after a 0-0 Group I draw with Olympique Lyonnais, with the visitors happy with a point.
Gylfi Sigurdsson praised the “fantastic” Jermain Defoe for the first-half double that set Tottenham Hotspur FC on the way to victory against Tromsø IL, who pledged to improve from here.
“It is very important to start with the three points,” said Sevilla FC’s Marko Marin after his side made a winning Group H debut at Estoril Praia, who took pride in a gutsy performance.