Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi says that his most pressing concern ahead of their Champions League match away to Young Boys is the artificial surface at the Wankdorf Stadium.

The Scudetto holders face the Swiss champions having already beaten Red Star Belgrade and drawn away to Manchester City.

But with so little time to get used to the different pitch material, Inzaghi preached cautiousness in his pre-match press conference.

"I will have to make careful evaluations, the synthetic changes things, it is not the same and that's why we will train here today, changing our habits," he said.

"We will have to get used to it in a short time, in the hour we will have on the pitch we will have to pay close attention."

Inzaghi would not be drawn on the poor form of their hosts, who are currently 10th in the Swiss Super League with just two victories from their opening 10 matches and two defeats in the Champions League.

Joel Magnin took temporary charge of Young Boys following Patrick Rahmen's dismissal earlier in the month, though the interim boss was in the same position last season when the club won the league title.

"They won the league last year and have had some initial problems. It is a physical team, which has played in the cups for many years," said Inzaghi.

"They are a structured team with a new coach who knows the environment. On Saturday against Luzern they played a good game, we will have to pay attention."

The Inter head coach has issues of his own, with midfielder Kristjan Asllani having missed Sunday's victory over Roma.

Hakan Calhanoglu also went off injured in that match, but Piotr Zielinski is expected to be available again.

"Zielinski did a good part of training yesterday and the feelings are positive, I will have to evaluate," said Inzaghi.

"I was happy with what [Nicolo] Barella did in front of the defence on Sunday, tomorrow one of him and Zielinski will play there.

"Barella, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan and [Davide] Frattesi have spent a lot [of energy]. Frattesi will certainly play, then of the other three, two will start from the start and one will probably come on."

Victor Boniface will miss Wednesday's Champions League game at Brest, with the Bayer Leverkusen striker still processing the shock of a car crash he was involved in on Sunday.

Xabi Alonso confirmed Boniface's absence on Tuesday, just two days after the forward was a passenger in a car involved in a crash.

Boniface had scored the winner in Saturday's 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt but sustained minor injuries to his hand and foot in the incident.

Alonso said the Nigeria international still needed some time to recover from the shock in the aftermath.

"He is not in the squad. After what happened, it's also a precautionary measure," Alonso told a press conference.

"He's missing for health reasons. He has a small wound on his hand, a small cut on his right foot. But the shock is bigger.

"Physically he is better but it is also an emotional issue. He feels good but he is not ready for tomorrow," Alonso said.

Boniface has scored seven goals across all competitions, including one in the Champions League.

Thankfully for Leverkusen, Alonso said he did not expect Boniface to be sidelined for too long before what could be an entertaining European clash.

Brest and Leverkusen have both won their opening two matches in the league phase of the competition.

Leverkusen are aiming for three straight Champions League wins for the fifth time, while this could be the second time they have done so in their opening three games of a campaign since 2001-02, going on to reach that season's final.

Tijjani Reijnders scored twice as Milan secured their first points in the Champions League this season with a 3-1 win over 10-man Club Brugge. 

Against the run of play, Christian Pulisic put the hosts ahead in the 34th minute, scoring an audacious effort directly from a corner kick. 

Brugge were then reduced to 10 men shortly after, when midfielder Raphael Onyedika was sent off for a foul on Reijnders following a lengthy VAR check.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Brugge pulled level after the break, with Kyriana Sabbe picking out the bottom corner with a low strike. 

However, Reijnders restored Milan's lead in the 61st minute with a simple first-time finish from around the penalty spot, before sealing the win with a similar effort 10 minutes later.

Francesco Camarda thought he had added some gloss to the scoreline late on, but his looping header over Simon Mignolet was scored from an offside position, and it was chalked off following a VAR review.

Milan are up to 18th with that win, while Club Brugge drop to 24th, though both are still in the play-off places.

Data Debrief: A slice of history

With the points already wrapped up for Milan, Camarda entered the fray. Aged 16 years and 226 days, he is the youngest debutant for Milan in the Champions League, and the youngest Italian player to feature in the competition, overtaking Moise Kean (16y 268d).

He thought he had written his name into the history books in the dying minutes too, and if his goal had stood, he would have become the youngest-ever scorer in the competition.

Instead, it was Reijnders' day. He is just the third Dutchman to score 2+ goals in a single Champions League match for Milan, after Marco van Basten in 1992 (four against IFK Goteborg) and Clarence Seedorf in 2007 (two versus Shakhtar Donetsk).

Alessia Russo has been named England's Women's Player of the Year for 2023-24.

The Arsenal forward played a key role for the Lionesses during their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign to help them book a spot in the tournament.

She scored three goals in six starts, a team-high, and had the joint-most shots on target with Beth Mead (five), having 14 attempts overall.

Overall, she played 11 times in the 2023-24 season, with her six-goal haul also earning her the team's top goalscorer award.

Russo is the fourth Arsenal player to win the award in the past decade, following in Mead's footsteps after she won it in 2021-22. 

The 25-year-old was voted the stand-out player for England, ahead of Lauren James and Lucy Bronze, who finished second and third respectively.

England face Germany at Wembley in their next game on Friday, in their first meeting since the Lionesses beat them in the Euro 2022 final.

Anthony Gordon has signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle United.

The winger, who was linked with a move away from St. James' Park to Liverpool in the last transfer window, has committed his future to the club.

He has made 74 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions since joining from Everton in January 2023 and was awarded the club's Player of the Season award after impressing last term.

Gordon has scored 15 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions. Since his debut, only Kieran Trippier (119) and Bruno Guimaraes (92) have created more chances for the Magpies than the 23-year-old.

The season, he has netted twice in the Premier League, with only Harvey Barnes (three) scoring more.

"I just think the club's in a great place. Since the takeover, it's just been up and up. Me and the gaffer are a perfect match in terms of style of play. I love it here," he told the club's website.

"I'm very happy here, I like living here, the team is very suited to me - and I'm here to win a trophy. The short story is, we need to win a trophy.

"Winning a trophy here would be unbelievable because the fans have waited so long. To be part of that team who finally does it is a massive goal of mine."

In just five weeks, there have already been unexpected major twists and turns in the Women's Super League.

Arsenal, tipped to be title contenders, are in search of a new manager following Jonas Eidevall's departure and sit in fifth, while Chelsea are breathing down Manchester City's neck at the top.

Manchester United and, perhaps unexpectedly, Brighton are pushing them, while it is also tight at the bottom, with three sides yet to earn their first win.

But what, or who, have been the biggest stories so far? We take a look at the Opta data to find out.

The surprise package

Before the season began, Brighton, under new manager Dario Vidosic, were the favourites to be relegated, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 26.4% chance of finishing bottom of the table.

Instead, the Seagulls have blown away the competition, occupying fourth spot heading into the international break. They are unbeaten in three, with Nikita Parris haunting her old club to earn a 1-1 draw with Man United before the break.

Brighton have scored the second-most goals in the WSL (10, level with Tottenham), but from the fifth-fewest shots (48), proving just how clinical they have been by outperforming their 8.48 expected goals (xG).

Only Manchester City (3,273) and Arsenal (2,792) have completed more passes in the WSL this season than Brighton’s total of 2,467. This average of 493 passes completed per game is comfortably their most in a single campaign (their previous best was 296 per game last season).

Unsurprisingly, their chances of being relegated have now dropped to just 0.7%, and Vidosic will be eager to kick on.

Revitalised United not missing Earps

Lots of talk in pre-season centred around United's high-profile departures, including club captain Katie Zelem, Lucia Garcia, Parris and, perhaps most importantly, goalkeeper Mary Earps.

After a disappointing 2023-24, in which they finished fifth and conceded 20 goals more than in the season prior, it looked like the Red Devils might endure another campaign without a title fight.

However, those worries may have been for nought, with United making an unbeaten start and only dropping their first points in last weekend's draw with Brighton.

Parris' goal was the first they had conceded this season, as Phallon Tullis-Joyce has seamlessly filled Earps’ place between the sticks. She has faced 15 shots on target and has prevented 2.7 goals, according to Opta's expected goals on target model (xGoT).

With Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner forming a strong partnership in front of her, they have conceded the second-fewest shots in the WSL (41) and with Grace Clinton firing up top, Marc Skinner looks to have found a solid balance in his team.

Rytting Kaneryd propels Chelsea forward

Sonia Bompastor has picked up where Emma Hayes left off with Chelsea, but she already knows she is in a title battle, even after Arsenal's surprisingly slow start.

With the likes of Khadija Shaw and Vivianne Miedema in strong form, City currently have the advantage, sitting top of the pile, though they have played a game more.

But the Blues have a driving force of their own in Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – she scored the first goal of the Bompastor era and was also the star of the show in their 5-2 win over Tottenham last time out. 

She has already racked up a league-high five goal contributions, half of what she managed across the whole of last season. Her six chances created are the second-most in the Chelsea team, making 1.7 per 90 minutes, and she will be key to their title hopes if she can maintain this level.

Lower table struggles

There is also an intriguing look to the foot of the table, with West Ham, Aston Villa and Everton all sitting level on two points.

The Hammers have not been able to put last season's struggles behind them yet and have netted just twice, underperforming their 3.51 xG – the lowest total accumulated by any team so far.

Villa will feel the most hopeful of the group, with Rachel Daly seemingly back to her best with three goals so far, but they need to start seeing out wins – they have dropped eight points from winning positions after being pegged back by City last time out, more than any team.

Everton's season, meanwhile, has been hampered by fitness woes, with Inma Gabarro and Aurora Galli suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the first two games.

They have scored just once, an own goal by Camila Saez against West Ham, meaning they have the biggest xG underperformance, having created 4.42.

Can Liverpool or Spurs put themselves in the fight?

At the moment, the middle of the table is tight, with Leicester City and Crystal Palace recording one win apiece, with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham unable to make a statement start despite promising ends to last season.

The Reds did beat Spurs, only to drop points against West Ham and Palace to make life tricky. They have also conceded as many goals as they have scored (seven), leaving Matt Beard with questions to ponder over the break.

Spurs have a similar problem, having conceded 11 times in their last three outings alone.

They are scoring goals though, outperforming their xG of 7.74 with 10 goals, but Robert Vilahamn knows they need to shore up their defence if they want to challenge the sides above them.

Roma legend Francesco Totti says he would be open to returning to professional football, claiming Serie A teams have contacted him recently.

Totti, who spent his entire career with Roma, playing 785 times in all competitions, retired from football in 2017.

The 48-year-old, who also earned 58 caps for Italy, scored 307 goals for the club and provided 207 over his 24-year spell at Roma.

Despite being out of the game for seven years, Totti believes it would only take him a few months to get back to full fitness if the right team came for him.

"There were Serie A teams that called me," he said during an event at Sportitalia Village, as quoted by ESPN.

"I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy," Totti said. "It would be difficult, but in life, you never say never.

"There are players who have played many years after the end of their career. It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A, I would have to train really well.

"Lazio? I wouldn't even consider it. I'd be ready in two to three months.

"I'm still playing at 48. If I had to do something crazy, I'd do it in Italy, not abroad, but it is crazy."

Former Lazio goalkeeper Marco Ballotta is the current oldest player to have made a Serie A appearance at 44 years and 38 days.

Totti also admitted his decision to retire was not something he decided himself.

"When you turn the page, you never know what awaits you. It wasn't my choice, but in that moment, it has to be experienced differently from the context," he added.

"Maybe that's also why I've had that thing inside me. It's true that there's a beginning and an end to everything. I didn't want it and so that window remained open."

Diego Simeone believes Antoine Griezmann's international retirement will allow him to perform even better for Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder announced his retirement from the French national team last month after a stellar career saw him help them win the 2018 World Cup and finish as runners-up in 2022. 

He amassed 137 caps over 10 years for Les Bleus, scoring 44 goals in that time, making him the country's fourth-highest scorer, while he also provided the most assists of any France player (30) since records began in 1966.

Despite Griezmann's pivotal role in the French team, the captain's armband was given to striker Kylian Mbappe ahead of him. Mbappe was booed during Real Madrid's shock 1-0 Champions League defeat by Lille earlier this month for opting not to play during the international break.

Atletico host French side Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday, following a humiliating 4-0 loss at Benfica in their last such match, and a 2-1 home win against RB Leipzig in their opener.

"I believe Antoine has given all his talent, his game, and leadership to France," Simeone told a news conference. 

"He has won titles, developed a playing style that has progressed [the French team], and gave it all for his country until the day he retired as a standout player.

"The same has happened with us, and he is an extremely important player for us. He won't have these national games that usually add significant strain to his legs after so much playing time, and we hope we can continue to enjoy all the potential he has."

Atletico have scored just twice in the Champions League this season from 25 shots, despite bolstering their attack with forwards Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher in the close season. 

"Julian is improving every day, settling into the team and the new city," Simeone said of the former Manchester City player, who has scored three goals in 12 appearances for Atleti.

"He's starting to show all the unique qualities he possesses. I have no doubt that he will make a difference."

Simeone will be without defender Robin Le Normand, who suffered a traumatic brain injury during their 1-1 draw in the Madrid derby last month, as well as midfielders Marcos Llorente, Pablo Barrios and defender Clement Lenglet.

Atletico Madrid have decided not to sell tickets to some of their supporters for their next five away games in all competitions after sanctions from UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This includes their next Champions League fixtures at Paris Saint-Germain and Sparta Prague.

Hansi Flick is excited by Wednesday's Champions League reunion with former club Bayern Munich, though he already feels at home at Barcelona after a flying start.

Barcelona sit top of LaLiga with nine wins from 10 matches after crushing Sevilla 5-1 on Sunday, while they have three points from two Champions League fixtures, losing to Monaco but beating Young Boys 5-0.

On matchday three, the Blaugrana face Bayern – with whom Flick lifted UEFA's premier club trophy in 2019-20 – in a heavyweight contest in Catalonia.

Between Flick's appointment in November 2019 and his exit in June 2021, Bayern averaged the highest possession share in the Bundesliga (62.55%) and won the ball in the final third 489 times, 172 clear of Borussia Dortmund, who were second by that metric (317).

They also led the way for wins (45), total shots (1,023) and goals (174) in that span, averaging exactly three goals per Bundesliga outing.

While Flick has fond memories of his time in Bavaria, his main focus is on leading Barca to a morale-boosting win before they face Real Madrid in El Clasico on Saturday.

"Bayern is something special in my life, it's an excellent club and I have many acquaintances and relationships with players and managers," Flick said on Tuesday.

"It was a great time, that's my memory. But now there is a new chapter, I am delighted here and very happy.

"I have a very good feeling for being here. The fans support us with so much passion and it forces you to give your all.

"That's how we're going to continue, we want to be well prepared. I might know Bayern a little better but it will be a difficult game."

Flick, who was Bayern's coach when they humiliated Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-finals four years ago, said that match will have no bearing on their next meeting.

"The past is in the past and what we should focus on is the here and now. What happened in the past we cannot change, but we can change what happens tomorrow. I want us to be well prepared and give our best. We want to beat Bayern," Flick said.

"It is important that we work hard and achieve what we are looking for. The fans can rely on us to give our all.

"We don't always perform at 100% and that's why we're trying to improve for the next game. It will be important to put pressure on our opponents. We will try to make as few mistakes as possible."

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne will be eased back into action after being sidelined by a muscle injury, with Pep Guardiola describing him as a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Sparta Prague.

De Bruyne was injured in City's Champions League opener versus Inter last month and has missed the English champions' last six fixtures.

City are already without midfielders Rodri and Oscar Bobb due to long-term injuries, but Guardiola will resist the temptation to field De Bruyne until the Belgian is comfortable.

"Well, except for Rodri and Oscar, the other ones are in training and getting better, but guys like Kevin are not exactly fit," Guardiola said at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

"It's not a new issue but he doesn't feel completely fine. Kevin is not 22 years old, he has to be fit for his football. 

"He doesn't feel comfortable that he can express his incredible potential at his best.

"He is training better but he doesn't feel good. He said he doesn't feel good. If you don't feel good, take your time."

Guardiola provided a more positive outlook on England midfielder Phil Foden, who last season scored 28 goals for club and country and was named PFA Player of the Year but has endured a stop-start 2024-25 campaign due to illness.

The 24-year-old was key in City's 2-1 Premier League victory at Wolves on Sunday, delivering the corner that led to John Stones' stoppage-time winner.

"He feels much better. The minutes he played last game, for example," Guardiola said.

"With Phil, you realise immediately when he is happy and fit and mentally in the right moment. You realise he's getting better and better."

On Wednesday, City face Czech champions Sparta, who are level with them on four points in the league-phase standings after beating Salzburg 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with Stuttgart.

"They created a lot of problems [for Stuttgart]. I didn't know Sparta until the last two days when I started to watch them and I have a good impression," Guardiola added. 

Atapharoy Bygrave’s lone strike proved enough to secure Waterhouse a third win on the trot and fourth of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign as they edged Harbour View FC 1-0 in a keenly contested encounter at Waterhouse Mini Stadium in Drewsland on Monday.

Bygrave’s 54th minute goal, his fifth of the season, propelled Waterhouse into third position on 12 points, the same as second-placed Portmore United, who boast a slightly better goal difference. Montego Bay United are now in pole position on 13 points.

Harbour View slipped to eight on seven points.

Interestingly, Bygrave, the former Dunbeholden FC and Mount Pleasant FA striker, has accounted for all five goals registered by Waterhouse so far this season, a feat that has left assistant coach Damion Gordon pleased.

“We are pleased; we are overall pleased with the three points. In terms of how we were compact today (Monday) and how we played defensively, it was also a plus for us. But we had some chances that we could have put away the game early, but that’s just how it is sometimes. We asked for the support from the community, and we got that, and you can see that the guys fed off that energy, and I am pretty impressed with our transition, so overall this team is growing and growing as a unit,” Gordon said in a post-game interview.

Despite the wet conditions, both teams were purposeful at the start, as they showed good attacking intent in the early exchanges.

Waterhouse gradually gained the ascendancy with a couple half chances from a melee in the 10th minute, but Harbour View's defenders stood firm at that point.

That started a decent passage of play for Waterhouse, who again breached Harbour View’s defensive line in the 15th minute when Shemar Boothe’s long pass from the middle of the park found an unmarked Shamarie Dallas, but the striker sporting the number 63 jersey failed to bring the ball under control to cause any problems.

Four minutes later, Martin Davis found space deep inside Harbour View’s 18-yard box for a right-footed drive that was easily collected by a well-positioned Romario Palma in goal for the ‘Stars of the East’.

Though Waterhouse were more threatening in the attacking third, it was Harbour View that had the best opportunity of the half to break the deadlock in the 26th minute when Demar Rose dispossessed a defender and went on the break.

However, instead of attempting to beat the advancing Kemar Foster in a one-on-one situation, Rose chose to play a pass across the 18-yard box for David Reid, whose right-footer was deflected over the crossbar. 

Waterhouse again came to life on the resumption and had an early opportunity five minutes in, but Dallas wildly fired his effort high and wide despite having time and space deep in the danger area.

The hosts inevitably found the go-ahead goal on a well-worked transitional play in the 54th minute. It started with goalkeeper Foster finding Leonardo Jibbison, who played a delightful pass in the danger area to Bygrave, who slipped two defenders and drove a left-footer past Palma. 

Harbour View continued to play their game and threatened a response in the 71st when Rose’s weighted cross fell nicely for Luca Kung, whose effort was deflected over.

Still, Waterhouse had the final say and should have doubled their lead, but Palma came up big to deny substitute Andre Fletcher on the break, while Nicholas Hamilton’s attempt on the rebound was charged down by a recovering defender in time added.

Harbour View’s Head coach, Jason Henry, was left disappointed with the loss.

“When you play against teams like Waterhouse and you get chances, you have to find a way to take one and throughout the run of play, Waterhouse got one against the run of play and that’s what hurt us. So it is just painful at times to know that we put the work in to win games and we create the chances and don’t take them,” Henry said.

Matchweek six results

Molynes United 0, Arnett Gardens 3

Humble Lion 0, Montego Bay United 0

Portmore United 2, Chapelton Maroons 1

Vere United 3, Dunbeholden 0

Cavalier 2, Mount Pleasant 2

Tivoli Gardens 1, Racing United 0

Waterhouse 1, Harbour View 0

CF Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois says the club "want more" as they look to overcome Atlanta United in the MLS playoffs Eastern Conference Wild Card match.

Montreal had looked unlikely candidates to make the playoffs, having endured a torrid run which saw them win just three of 15 games between June and mid-September.

However, they rallied in their final five games of the regular season, winning four of their final five games to seal eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Having secured home advantage for the tie, their first playoff game at Saputo Stadium since 2022, Courtois expects his players to be ready for the big match.

"We kind of surprised people already, but Tuesday is just an amazing game, and I'm so proud of these guys and staff, all the people that support us to do something interesting," Courtois told reporters.

"We're pleased to get the playoff spot in front of our fans, but now we want more. There's no cockiness, not too much humbleness. We just go.

"You don't switch on on game day. It just doesn't happen that way. We trust the guys to recover body and mind and be ready for the task against Atlanta."

Meanwhile, Atlanta overturned the odds on decision day to book ninth place on goal difference, as they beat Orlando City 2-1, but also got help as D.C. United and Philadelphia Union both lost.

They have won both of their matches since losing to Montreal at the start of October, and interim head coach Rob Valentino was delighted that they proved people wrong.

"There's a lot of emotions, but mainly joy for the players and staff who have had a tough year," he said.

"It shows that you can do anything if you keep showing up, doing your work, staying resilient, staying persistent.

"I believed in this group until the end, and it feels better after people wrote us off, but we've got ourselves in, and now we need to go and prove ourselves again."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CF Montreal – Josef Martinez

Atlanta United's all-time leading scorer, Josef Martinez, now playing for Montreal, has scored four goals in 211 all-time minutes against the Five Stripes.

The resulting 1.71 goals per 90 minutes rate is the highest of any player against Atlanta in MLS play (min. 200 minutes played).

Atlanta United – Saba Lobjanidze

Saba Lobjanidze finished the regular season as Atlanta's leading goalscorer, netting nine times, including one in their final match against Orlando City.

He only had two shots in that game, creating just 0.13 expected goals (xG), but converted his big chances, and had the most touches in the box amongst his team-mates (five).

MATCH PREDICTION: CF MONTREAL WIN

This will be the first postseason meeting between CF Montreal and Atlanta United. Montreal won both meetings this season, their first league double over the Five Stripes.

Montreal have won five of their six all-time home playoff matches (L1), though the lone defeat came in their last home playoff match, a 3-1 loss to New York City FC in the 2022 Conference Semifinals.

This will be Atlanta's second single-leg playoff knockout match on the road after losing 2-0 at NYCFC in the 2021 First Round. Atlanta have lost their last four away playoff matches overall, including both games in Columbus in the 2023 First Round.

However, they won their final two matches of the regular season, their first set of back-to-back wins in all competitions since March. The Five Stripes have not won three straight matches in all competitions in over three years, since a three-match run in September 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

CF Montreal – 41.2%

Draw – 26.7%

Atlanta United – 32.2%

Neymar made his first appearance for Al-Hilal in just over a year, having recovered from surgery on a knee injury.

The forward ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

He then underwent surgery the following month but has now fully recovered, and came off the bench in the 77th minute for Al-Hilal in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

The reigning Saudi Pro League champions emerged 5-4 victors over Al-Ain in a thrilling match, which included two hat-tricks and a red card. The Brazilian also came close to marking his return with a counter-attacking goal but was unable to capitalise.

"I feel good - it's [been] so hard," Neymar said.

"I always have a good team. But I'm so happy. I'm back, I'm back."

Neymar joined Al-Hilal in August 2023 for a reported €90million fee from Paris Saint-Germain and made just five appearances for them before his lengthy injury lay-off.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin says a strong mentality will not be enough as his side need "everything" to overcome a tough test at Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Madrid won their 15th European Cup in June at Wembley as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior scored late to claim a 2-0 victory over Dortmund, then managed by Edin Terzic.

Sahin has since took charge of the Bundesliga side, though he knows one of European football's most difficult challenges awaits in the Spanish capital.

"Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition," Sahin told a press conference on Monday ahead of the Champions League clash.

"We need everything [on Tuesday]. We need a lot of quality, a lot of self-confidence, mentality of course and also, as we say in Germany, game luck.

"The game has to go our way, so only mentality will not be enough - but of course without mentality we have absolutely no chance here."

Dortmund maintained a winning start to the competition with a 7-1 thrashing of Celtic at home earlier this month after they eased to a 3-0 win at Club Brugge in their opening fixture.

Sahin's men lead the revamped Champions League standings on six points with an impressive goal difference of nine.

"It's only possible [to continue this way] as a collective against this team," Sahin added.

"The lads know what we have planned. We want to be brave and build on the last two games in the Champions League."

Sahin, who played for both clubs, will visit Bernabeu for the first time as a coach following his appointment last summer. The former Turkey midfielder was Edin Terzic's assistant manager at the club prior to that.

"[Being back] means a lot to me because it was always my dream to play one day for Real Madrid. My son was born in this beautiful city, and I have him with me [here]," Sahin said.

"Now I have the privilege to be on the sidelines with my childhood club against one of my biggest dreams, so it means a lot to me.

"Even if it was not that long that I played for Real Madrid, it will always remain special for me. Not only for footballing reasons but also family-wise, it's a fantastic thing to be here."

Oliver Glasner acknowledged tough times are aplenty at Crystal Palace but urged his side to come together after their 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Monday's defeat marked just the fourth time in Palace history that they have gone winless through their first eight league games to start a campaign (also in 1922-23, 1973-74 and 1992-93).

Chris Wood's second-half finish, squirming under the grasp of a disappointed Dean Henderson, proved the difference at the City Ground.

Sitting 18th in the table and a point adrift of safety, Austria's Glasner issued a rallying cry in the face of adversity.

"We are all frustrated and disappointed and as always one or two situations decide the game," Glasner told Sky Sports. 

"At the moment it goes against us, but this is the time we have to get through it together.

"I saw the team fighting from the first to the last second, we created chances, hit the post twice. At the moment, we don't score goals and we have to be honest.

"No goal today, no goal against Liverpool, no goal versus [Manchester] United, and if you play like this it is difficult to win.

"We make one mistake and we get punished. That is the situation we are in. But the only guys that can turn it around is this team."

Goals remain a problem for Glasner's side, with the Eagles failing to find the net in half of their top-flight outings this season.

That may come as little surprise, though, considering Palace have failed to score in 150 Premier League games since their return to the division in 2013, which is at least 28 more than any other side.

Glasner remains confident in his struggling team to turn things around, however.

"We worked and worked and worked to come back, but they do not concede many goals at the moment," he added. "It's disappointing, but the mindset of the players makes me positive for the future.

"You can trust us. We are the guys that may suffer the most. I see the players now in the dressing room, and it is our job to support them, to lift their heads up and stay positive, but it's not that easy.

"We have to rely on the experience of the group, some of the players will have seen this at previous clubs, to come back and work together and go again."

Wood, meanwhile, became just the third player to reach 20 Premier League goals for Forest, after Bryan Roy (24) and Stan Collymore (22), when his right-footed volley snuck past the hand of Henderson.

That strike lifted Forest up to eighth in the table after their first home win of the season, and the New Zealand international believes improvements are still to come under Nuno Espirito Santo.

"You have to have as high expectations as possible and keep believing that you can keep doing better and better," he told Sky Sports.

"How we have started the season, we believe we can keep improving and pushing further and further up the table."