Although it wasn’t the ideal start for Dortmund, taking just a point against St Pauli despite being 3-1 up after 85 minutes, the Black and Yellow still looked strong in the final third. Their attacking intent was clear from the outset, and it took just 34 minutes for Serhou Guirassy to open his account for the new season. The 29-year-old had the opportunity to double his tally just five minutes later, but saw his spot-kick saved.

Dortmund will have fond memories of their last meeting with Union Berlin, as that clash ended in a dominant 6-0 victory at the Signal Iduna Park back in February. Dortmund were already 2-0 up at the break on that occasion, landing this selection with ease. Last season, 42% of Dortmund’s Bundesliga goals came in the first half, and they will once again hope to start fast against Union Berlin.

Inter Milan started their season in commanding fashion, sweeping aside Torino with a 5-0 victory. Two of those five goals came in the first half, as Alessandro Bastoni kicked off the Cristian Chivu era with a headed goal from a corner. Marcus Thuram was on target shortly after to open his account for the season. The French international looked particularly sharp against Torino, bagging himself a brace. 

The Nerazzurri come into this clash against Udinese as strong favourites at the San Siro, looking to secure back-to-back league wins. Having scored 39 of their 79 Serie A goals last season in the first half, no team in the Italian top flight scored more goals than Inter in the first period. That trend looks set to continue this campaign given how strong Inter look in the final third.

When these sides last met at the San Siro, Inter claimed a 2-1 win, with both goals coming before the interval.

With 102 goals to their name, Barcelona topped the La Liga scoring charts last season, with 45% of those goals scored in the first half. Hansi Flick’s side boast a plethora of attacking talent, and they are on track to better that tally from last season, having already scored six goals from their two league games so far.

This season has begun with back-to-back wins, though their most recent victory against Levante was far from straightforward. The Catalans found themselves 2-0 down at the interval before rallying to secure the points, which should fill them with confidence here.

Vallecano have proven themselves to be a difficult side to break down, compact and disciplined in their shape, so Barcelona will be focused on starting fast before their opponents can fully settle. When these sides last met, Robert Lewandowski scored the only goal of the match after 28 minutes from the penalty spot.