BALE BACK AT SPURS

TOTTENHAM are on a collision course with former star Gareth Bale in the Champions League.

Spurs will take on Bale (left) and holders Real Madrid as Mauricio Pochettino’s men landed the toughest group of all the five Premier League sides in last night’s draw.

Also in Tottenham’s Group H are Borussia Dortmund and Cyprus outfit Apoel.

Spurs striker Harry Kane said: “You want to test yourself against the best and Real Madrid are the best at the moment.

“You expect to play the best in Europe in the Champions League and it’s exciting for us. We look forward to it.”

Eric Dier is also delighted to be facing Bale, who Spurs

sold to Real for a then world record £90m deal in 2013 – Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

He said: “To play against Real Madrid will be a fantastic experience for us all.

“They are the reigning champions as well, so that makes it even more special.”

Chelsea have also been handed a tough task.

The Blues take on Atletico Madrid – and they could even face Diego Costa if the rebel star is transferred back to the Spanish side in time.

Costa has gone AWOL in Brazil following a bust-up with boss Antonio Conte and is determined to secure a return to Atletico.

Chelsea’s Group C opponents also include Roma and Qarabag from Azerbaijan, which will be a round trip of almost 8,000 miles.

But the Manchester clubs and Liverpool were left licking their lips following favourable draws.

City face Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli and Feyenoord in Group F, while United’s Group A rivals are Benfica, Basel and CSKA Moscow.

Liverpool have been paired with Spartak Moscow, Sevilla and Slovenian minnows Maribor in Group E.