European nights have always had that va-va-voom factor in South Africa.
From Benni McCarthy to Bennet Mnguni, South Africans have watched their own featuring in Europe's biggest club competition.
Tonight will be a special night for one Percy Tau.
It was in 2002 when Zinedine Zidane walked up to Mnguni to ask for his shirt after the game
So if anyone has the right to offer Tau some advice‚ as he heads to the iconic Santiago Bernabéu tonight‚ it is former Bafana Bafana midfielder Mnguni.
Mnguni scored a Uefa Champions League goal away against Real Madrid in 2002 to crown a performance that earned him a much cherished compliment from one of the world's best players after a display he says was the highlight of his career.
Now Tau is set to follow in the footsteps of the former Mamelodi Sundowns hard man when he goes to Real Madrid with his Belgian outfit Club Brugge tonight (6.55pm) for their Champions League group game.
Mnguni says Tau must believe in his ability as he faces the biggest night of his career. "There are not many who get a chance to play there. I'd say to him that he needs to keep his head up‚ try not to make too many mistakes and just be yourself.
Mnguni‚ now coaching in the Vodacom League in North West‚ said, looking back "that is the highlight of my career". Tau‚ he reckons‚ can do the same‚ if not better. "With the skill he has got‚ he can cause a lot of damage."
Tonight's fixtures (9pm unless stated)
Atalanta v Shakhtar, 6.55pm; Real Madrid v Club Brugge, 6.55pm; Lokomotiv v Atletico Madrid; Red Star Belgrade v Olympiacos; Tottenham v Bayern; Galatasaray v PSG; Juventus v Bayer Leverkusen; Man City v Dinamo Zagreb
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