Just like that, the league phase of the Champions League is halfway over and there were some notable performances. Sporting CP knocked off Manchester City, Brest stayed undefeated and Barcelona rang in the goals yet again.

Build-up to Champions League action as Ruben Amorim's Sporting face Manchester City and Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen travel to Liverpool plus Celtic in action.

The Leverkusen coach was given a warm welcome on his return to the club where he became a fan favorite as a player over five seasons between 2004-09. Alonso won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005.

Liverpool head into the international break with 28 points from 11 games with City on 23 while Brighton and Hove Albion are in fourth place on 19 points.

Manchester City slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat after blowing the lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton, allowing Liverpool to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Manchester City slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat after blowing the lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton on Saturday, allowing Liverpool the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.