The fifth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage gets underway today, pushing several clubs toward defining moments in their European campaigns. With the tournament now past its midpoint, time is rapidly running out for teams hoping to rescue their situation.

One of the most dramatic fixtures of the day awaits in Amsterdam, where Ajax host Benfica. Both sides have endured a disastrous start — zero points from four matches — and another defeat would all but seal their exit from the competition. For Anatoliy Trubin and Heorhii Sudakov, it’s a genuine “do-or-die” showdown. Even a draw offers little comfort; only victory keeps their hopes alive.

But the headline clash comes from London: Chelsea vs Barcelona. The two European giants sit side by side in the standings, both eyeing a place in the top eight.