After a first evening already rich in goals and surprises, the Champions League continues its opening matchday on Wednesday, September 9. Six matches are on the schedule, with several European heavyweights making their entrance.
Barcelona wants to launch its campaign
At 16:45 GMT, FC Barcelona hosts Feyenoord for its first European fixture of the season.
At the Camp Nou, Hansi Flick's side will have the chance to immediately take control against a Dutch team that will not simply come to defend. Barça can notably rely on Lamine Yamal, whose performances will be closely watched.
For the Catalans, the objective is clear: start with a win and avoid complicating things in a league phase where every point can count.
In the same time slot, Stuttgart host Viking FK. A less high-profile fixture, but an important one for two teams already looking to collect points.
Liverpool – Atlético: the first big clash of the evening
At 19:00 GMT, Anfield will host one of the most anticipated fixtures of this second evening.
Liverpool host Atlético Madrid in a duel that promises a clash of styles. On one side, the intensity and pace of the Reds in front of their home crowd. On the other, Atlético's rigor and ability to close down space and disrupt their opponents.
For Liverpool, this opening match carries a special dimension with the arrival of a new cycle and a new staff. Against Atlético, they will need to quickly show that the team can meet European demands.
PSG begins its title defense
At the same time, Paris Saint-Germain host Slovan Bratislava.
After winning the Champions League last season, the Paris club begins a new campaign under extra pressure. PSG now knows that every opponent will want to produce the match of their season against the European champion.
On paper, the gap between the two teams is significant. But Paris will especially need to avoid the trap of a match where the favorite dominates without managing to quickly put the game out of reach.
With Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Doué and the other Parisian attacking talents, the spectacle could well be there.
Napoli – Arsenal: the other big fixture
In Naples, Arsenal will also face a real test.
The Gunners travel to Italy to face a Napoli side that will want to use the San Paolo stadium to impose its rhythm. This match could be much more balanced than the status of the two teams suggests.
Arsenal will notably need to handle the pressure of the Neapolitan crowd and manage to impose their game in a particularly hostile environment.
Sporting – Galatasaray, a fixture to watch
Finally, Sporting CP host Galatasaray at 19:00 GMT.
Two ambitious teams, two passionate fan bases and a match that could quickly become very open. Galatasaray has enough European experience to cause problems for Sporting, while the Portuguese side will look to use home advantage to start with three points.
Wednesday's schedule
- 🇪🇸 16:45 GMT — FC Barcelona 🆚 Feyenoord 🇳🇱
- 🇩🇪 16:45 GMT — Stuttgart 🆚 Viking 🇳🇴
- 🏴 19:00 GMT — Liverpool 🆚 Atlético Madrid 🇪🇸
- 🇫🇷 19:00 GMT — PSG 🆚 Slovan Bratislava 🇸🇰
- 🇵🇹 19:00 GMT — Sporting CP 🆚 Galatasaray 🇹🇷
- 🇮🇹 19:00 GMT — Napoli 🆚 Arsenal 🏴
The fixtures not to miss
Liverpool – Atlético will be the big clash of the evening, while Napoli – Arsenal could offer a genuine tactical battle.
PSG, for their part, will have the chance to make a successful start before the much more demanding fixtures that await them. As for Barça, they will need to assert their status in front of their home crowd.
After the wins by Real Madrid, Manchester City, Dortmund, Aston Villa and Betis on Tuesday, the other favorites now have their date with the Champions League.
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