5 things to look out for on Matchday 2 of the Champions League

#1 Argentine flavour the central story in London as Spurs play Barca

Messi will be key in the Spurs versus Barca clash

Lionel Messi and Mauricio Pochettino are Argentine. They are both graduates of Newell’s Old Boys. On Wednesday, they will be the central protagonists in a clash 11000 miles away from Rosario.

Under Pochettino’s guidance, Tottenham Hotspurs have become semi-regular in the UCL. However, they are yet to make a meaningful impact on the tourney. A loss to Inter Milan on Matchday One makes the clash at Wembley a must-not-lose tie for the Lilywhites.

Harry Kane is back among the goals. The team seems back to its best after a 3-game losing streak. The robust, front foot approach which proved so successful against Real Madrid last season may be repeated.

These are troubling times for Barcelona. A loss and two draws in the last three La Liga games have raised questions about manager Ernesto Valverde’s suitability. At no point have the Blaugrana looked fluent or impressive this season.

The over-dependence on Messi or Messidependencia shows no sign of improving. This is in spite of the summer splurge on new talent. With Inter Milan coming up next, Valverde will know that a good result is imperative.