The UEFA Champions League's trilingual anthem, which was recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1992, is set to make its return to Signal Iduna Park after a 559-day absence. There's a great deal of discussion these days about a competition which, despite dragging on a bit in the group stages, "represents the biggest challenge in European football", according to Thomas Tuchel.

On the pitch, there are three absolute highlights on Matchday 2. Borussia Mönchengladbach are excitedly anticipating their home clash with FC Barcelona and the Estadio Vicente Caldéron will play host to a repeat of last year's semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, while Borussia Dortmund will square off against title-holders and record champions Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park.

"As a kid you dream about playing in games like these," said Julian Weigl, who made his Champions League bow a fortnight ago when BVB travelled to Warsaw. "It was a special feeling for me when the anthem was played before the match. You dream about that as a little boy. A wonderful feeling. I couldn't have imagined a better start," he said.

The Black and Yellows are hoping to extend an impressive five-match home unbeaten run against "the greatest club in the world". Indeed, BVB have won each of the last three clashes at the Strobelallee with an 8-2 goal difference! And, if the run continues on Tuesday, there is a good chance that the fans at the Strobelallee will hear the Champions League anthem more than three times this season: Ce sont les meilleurs, sie sind die Besten, these are the champions – die Meister, die Besten, les grandes équipes, the champions!
Boris Rupert