Four things to look out for in tonight’s Champions League action | OneFootball

Four things to look out for in tonight’s Champions League action, featuring returning former heroes and Celtic’s bid to slay a European giants.

De Ketelaere back to Brugge with stock on the rise

Club Brugge have raked in some big transfer fees from European clubs in recent windows, having unearthed and nurtured some top talent. Perhaps none departed the Belgian capital with as high hopes as Charles De Ketelaere, who was twice named as the Best Youngster of the Belgian Pro League during his time in Brugge.

He moved to Milan in a €35m record sale for Brugge but endured a tough time at the San Siro, failing to score in 40 appearances. An initial loan to Atalanta helped reignite his fortunes before a permanent transfer to Bergamo. After helping Atalanta to Europa League success last season, he was named winner of the Golden Shoe as the best Belgian playing abroad.

This season, he’s taken his game up another level. He has 22 goal involvements in 35 appearances, including nine in the Champions League. Brugge will be delighted to see their former starlet thriving – though will hope for an off-night this evening.

Can Celtic slay a European giant?

Celtic are into the Champions League’s knockout stages for the first time since 2012/13. The Scottish champions impressed in the league phase and remain unbeaten in Glasgow during the competition to date.

That record will be tested when Bayern Munich arrive at Parkhead tonight. Though the German giants have travelled poorly in Europe this season, the six-time winners remain formidable opposition.

Undeniably dominant in Scotland, can Celtic challenge one of the Champions League’s heavy hitters? There have been some famous European nights at Celtic Park and a win this evening would rank among the very best.

Will Monaco end their Portuguese problems?

AS Monaco stumbled after a strong start to drop into the play-off positions and the French side now face a two-legged tie to reach the last 16. Benfica are the opposition, in a match-up that might just instil dread at The Stade Louis II.

Monaco have a poor record when it comes to facing Portuguese opposition in Europe. The Ligue 1 side have won just one of their last eight games against Portuguese teams – against Sporting Lisbon back in 1997. Their results since then have included a painful 3-0 loss to Porto in the 2004 Champions League final and a 3-2 defeat to Benfica in this season’s league phase. The visitors will be hoping for a repeat tonight.

Gimenez’s instant De Kuip return

Santiago Gimenez makes an instant return to Feyenoord this evening, just over a week since his departure for AC Milan. The sides meet in the play-off round tonight, with Milan having significantly weakened their opponents by capturing their leading scorer in the winter window.

Gimenez scored 65 goals in 105 games for Feyenoord, including five in this season’s Champions League. He’s made a strong start to his time in Milan, with an assist on debut in the Coppa Italia and a maiden Milan goal on his first Serie A appearance.

The Mexican makes his European debut for the Rossoneri tonight and a goal against his old employers will strengthen the argument that it was €32m well spent by the board.

Read – Five of the most improved players in Europe this season

See more – Five uncapped players Thomas Tuchel will be watching closely

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