Matchday Menu: Luis García's Champions League picks

Having tasted UEFA Champions League glory with Liverpool in 2004/05, former Spain international Luis García talks mouth-watering Matchday 8 fixtures in the fourth episode of the Just Eat Matchday Menu series.

Must-watch matches: Man City vs Club Brugge; Juventus vs Benfica

García expects a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural league phase, highlighting how the new format has heightened the drama of the final matchday. "It's looking really, really exciting," he says, "not only because of what you've got at the top, but also at the bottom where nine teams are competing to secure six [knockout phase] places."

Manchester City and visitors Club Brugge are two such sides eyeing a knockout phase spot and García believes Pep Guardiola's side will bare their attacking teeth in a crunch-time encounter. "We need to see the likes of Phil Foden and Erling Haaland perform and deliver," he says. "In the past few months, they [Man City] have struggled to keep a clean sheet, but if you score lots of goals, you always have a chance."

Over in Turin, Juventus host Benfica in another fixture that has caught García's eye. "Juventus have the opportunity to make the top eight, and Benfica are trying not to drop out of the competition," he says. "It will be very interesting."

Luis García backs Erling Haaland to make the difference for Man CityGetty Images

Matchday Meals, from curry to paella

The sweet taste of Champions League glory was not the only delight García enjoyed during his time on Merseyside, also sampling the post-match meal shared by many of his English team-mates. "I have to make a confession. I had curry right after a game," he laughs. "I didn't know how someone could fancy a curry right after the game, and it was really hot."

García, who made 18 appearances for Spain, quickly repaid the favour. "We [Liverpool's Spanish players] put a gathering together for all the players," he explains. "We went to a Spanish restaurant where they could have paella, ham, and good cheese."

García and team-mates celebrate Liverpool's UEFA Champions League win in 2005AFP via Getty Images

Top league phase performers: Raphinha and Liverpool

García highlights Barcelona forward Raphinha as the brightest star of the league phase. "Scoring goals, giving assists, and being a leader for the team, he's been outstanding," he explains. His pick for the standout team is former club Liverpool, who are flawless in the league phase so far. "The strength of the team, the quality of the players. For me, they are the big favourites right now."

Raphinha has scored eight league phase goalsAFP via Getty Images

The ultimate Champions League 'Luis'

García takes on the 'FoodBallers' challenge for dessert, constructing the ultimate Champions League 'Luis' from Luís Figo, Luis Suárez and Luis Díaz, represented by grapes, mandarin and blueberries respectively. Figo wins his vote for dribbling and vision, while Suárez earns praise for his finishing and link-up play and Díaz is celebrated for his unrivalled flair.