8 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT STAGES

Xabi Alonso will have to wait until next season for a crack at Europe’s premier club competition before then, though, the bunfight to lift Ol’ Big Ears enters its business end once more

- Ed McCambridge, Chris Flanagan

1 ARSENAL’S LAST 16 CURSE

The Gunners are back in the knockout phase of the Champions League for the first time in ages (2016-17 to be precise), which usually means one thing: humiliation over two legs.

In their most recent showing seven years ago, Arsene Wenger’s men were blitzed 10-2 on aggregate by Bayern Munich – the latest in a run of seven straight last 16 eliminations to Bayern, Barcelona, Milan and even Monaco in 2014-15, with the Bavarians responsible for three separate strudelings. Grim stat: the Gunners lost those seven ties at a combined scoreline of 32-16.

But there’s hope: unlike five of those seven campaigns, Mikel Arteta’s side won their group this season to set up a meeting with (the slightly less scary) Porto. Moreover, unlike the late-era Wenger outfits, this crop doesn’t wilt like a biscuit in hot tea at the slightest sign of danger. They’re the bookmakers’ fourth favourites to lift the trophy for the very first time – breaking their last 16 hoodoo could be the catalyst for glory at Wembley.

2 BELLINGHAM AND KANE'S QUEST TO RULE EUROPE

Brits abroad haven't historically done the national reputation many favours, so it's just as well that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane - arguably England's two standout players are doing their best to reverse old prejudices. For Real Madrid and Bayern respectively, the duo have been the driving forces behind their teams' trophy ambitions, injecting goals and leadership into squads already jam-packed with international superstars.