The head coach can see a markedly improved Barca side, which he expects to be much more dangerous than what Bayern Munich faced last month.

SC got through Group G unbeaten with 14 points having played Nantes, Qarabag und Olympiakos and qualified directly for the last 16.

When the plane with flight number LH4270 takes off from Berlin Brandenburg (BER) on Tuesday morning, the Hertha players will finally have finished their winter holidays. After fitness tests at the beginning of the week, the schedule will then turn to a training camp at the IMG Academy at Brandenton in Tampa. The Blue-Whites will be working on their form on Florida’s golf coast – with pleasant temperatures of around 20ºC expected. “We are looking forward to the training camp and want to use the opportunity to work hard on certain key areas: above all, on precision in our attacking play,” said head coach Sandro Schwarz, who was also able to rely on everything learnt in the past months. “In the first 15 league games we have come a long way and built stability. We have the clear aim to build on that and to take the next step.”

Mahrez opens scoring for Man City | Joško Gvardiol equalises in second half | Second leg in three weeks

1. FSV Mainz 05 have terminated Issah Abbass’ contract, due to run until 30 June 2023,...

The 31-year-old Japanese midfielder joins VfB from Union Berlin with immediate effect.

FSV Babelsberg 74: Haeberlin – von Zadow, Cammradt, Reinkorber (73. Röder), Simon (73. Kaffarnik), Schauss, Schönke, Thermann (77. Bude), Spurtaz, Radloff, Kunze

First professional contract: VfL have handed a long-term deal to another talented youngster, with academy graduate Felix Lange putting pen to paper on a professional contract valid until 2025.

He has since gone onto further his reputation during his time managing in the Premier League.