Slovan Bratislava's debut in the Champions League proper on Sept 18 was a chastening experience, with the Slovakian side getting hammered 5-1 by Celtic.
Things will get a lot harder for Vladimir Weiss Sr's side on Oct 1, when they host 2022-23 winners Manchester City at Tehelne Pole Stadium.
To make things even trickier, Pep Guardiola's team will be keen to get their first win in this new expanded league format of the competition, having been held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan in their opener.
However, they do have some insider knowledge of the Manchester club, with captain Vladimir Weiss Jr - son of the coach - and Robert Mak both former City youth players.
The pair were both members of the Citizens' FA Youth Cup-winning team in 2008, alongside Kieran Trippier and Daniel Sturridge - who both later played for England.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore
Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager
On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.
Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.