We begin our European campaign on Tuesday night when we welcome the Spanish club to Stamford Bridge for our first group stage clash.

In Group B, we will also go on to face Dutch champions FC Twente and UWCL newcomers Celtic, who won the Scottish Women’s Premier League for the first time last term.

Stepping out to face Las Blancas will feel somewhat familiar to our German midfielder, who made her Champions League debut for Chelsea last season against the same opponent.

And it was during that match in the Spanish capital where Nusken felt like she had truly arrived at the Blues, recalling how former goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger made a point of celebrating the occasion before a ball was even kicked.

‘That was a good feeling last season,’ Nusken said. ‘It’s a nice game for us to start this time at home against Real Madrid.

‘Last season, we started against them but away. Ann told me that 'now I was playing with the big girls'. She was right! It did feel like now I am playing with Chelsea in the Champions League and this is a dream come true.

‘I really felt like that when we took the team picture on the pitch. I was running back to my position and was saying to myself: 'OK, now I am going to start in the Champions League' – it was a good feeling.’

A year on, Nusken will face Real Madrid with a full season wearing Chelsea blue under her belt. And what a debut campaign it was, with the German midfielder winning her first Women’s Super League title and her form secured a maiden Ballon d’Or nomination.

Playing in a number of positions throughout the season, Nusken also scored on 13 occasions, including a brace in the Champions League quarter-finals against Ajax.

But even with the experience gained on club football’s biggest stage, Nusken still expects to have that same special feeling she had last season whilst making her European bow.

‘It’s always special to start the Champions League,’ Nusken added. ‘Maybe, I feel a bit different going into it because I’ve had a year at Chelsea so I’ve settled in and know what to expect.

‘The Champions League is when you play against the best teams in Europe. As a player, it is the competition that you want to play for. I can’t really describe the feeling of what it’s like.

‘It’s even more special that we’re at home to start this year. I’m very happy that we start at home in front of our fans. It’s a night at Stamford Bridge against a big club – it’s going to be a special night.’

As well as facing a familiar opponent, Nusken is preparing to come up against a familiar face when we play Real Madrid. After leaving Chelsea this summer, Melanie Leupolz is set to return to London with the Spanish side.

‘It’s going to be nice to play against her,’ the 23-year-old said on facing her German compatriot. ‘I’m looking forward to seeing Mellie and how she has settled in with Real Madrid.

‘It’s such an important game. We’re all professional and know we have to fight against each other, and off the pitch we can be friends.’

Tickets for our opening UEFA Women's Champions League match against Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge are on general sale! You can buy your ticket here.