With the second to last round of group fixtures complete, we have just about sewn up most of the major qualifications in the Champions League, and many of the big sides have secured their progress to the next stages. Although there is one round remaining to fully cement the big unknowns, this round of fixtures gave us a real insight to the quality of some sides in the competition, and some major talking points along with that.

This seasons’ edition is possibly the most intriguing for some time, as superstar players have made shocking transfer moves, while it truly could be anyone trophy this year, with some major players at a crossroads, while others are steamrolling domestically and are a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.

After Gameweek 5 of the group stages, we have a real insight into the tournament, and what is to come in the coming weeks and months. In this post, we have picked out a few headline talking points from the second to last round of group games to digest and take forward. We will be producing these posts every Champions League week, so if something catches your eye, let us know about it on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and we might just include it.

Enjoy.

Give him the contract…

Michael Carrick suited and booted himself as he took full charge of the Champions League clash with Villarreal in place of previous manager Ole. Although much of the side remained the same, and at times it felt like Ole was still standing in the dugout, the result showed otherwise, as United brushed past the Spanish side 2-0. By no means was this plain sailing, as De Gea was called upon several times and it was late goals for United that got them over the line. Of course Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, and more importantly for the Manchester side, Sancho netted his first goal for his new club, after stuttering to get started at his new side.

Surely they won’t…

In contrast to the managerial changes, over in Barcelona, new man and club legend Xavi took charge of his first Champions League game, and in a rainy and stormy Nou Camp, were held to a 0-0. It was by no means a drab 0-0 however, with drama at both ends of the pitch, and both Barcelona and Benfica could argue they should have taken all 3 points. However, with Bayern cruising in first place, second spot is up for grabs for either of Barcelona or Benfica. With the 3rd placed side dropping into the Europa League, we might just be seeing Barcelona and their new man Xavi fighting it out in Europe’s B-list competition.

Wow…

Wrapping things up then, we must mention Chelsea’s dominance over Juventus as they simply battered the Italian side 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. Juventus had set their stall out to frustrate the London side, however in the 25th minute that all fell to pieces as Chalobah netted Chelsea’s first before running riot in the second half. Of course the reigning champions have high expectations, but in one of their toughest fixtures, they showed some serious dominance.