Despite the exploits of promoted Hoffenheim and the recent revivial of Bayern Munich, a third candidate for Bundesliga glory has emerged recently.

Results have not gone Arsenal's way of late, and there could hardly be a worse time for them to host European champions Manchester United.

In a double triumph for Argentinian clubs in the Copa Sudamericana, Estudiantes overcame Botafogo while Argentinos Juniors saw off Palmeiras.

A rousing 3-0 victory over Adelaide United in the first leg of the AFC Champions League final has left Gamba Osaka with one hand on the trophy.

A late goal from Porto's Lucho Gonzalez gave the Portuguese side a precious away win over Dynamo Kiev in UEFA Champions League Group G.

Olympique Lyon continued their unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest at home in the UEFA Champions League.

Three of the Champions League's distinguished elders provided evidence of their imperishable class on the fourth matchday of the compeition.

A brilliant late free-kick from Anders Due gave AaB Aalborg a 2-2 draw with Villareal, and kept their slim chances of making the last 16 alive.

Zenit St Petersburg beat fellow UEFA Champions League debutants BATE Borisov 2-0 on Wednesday to keep their chances of progression alive.

Bayern Munich rallied to secure a 1-1 draw with hosts Fiorentina to move closer to the UEFA Champions League knock-out rounds.