In a thrilling lineup of UEFA Champions League matches, the eagerly awaited clash between Bayern Munich and Manchester United takes center stage. The competition returned with a bang on Tuesday, featuring notable victories by Manchester City, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. Now, football enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the five marquee matches scheduled for Wednesday.
Bayern Munich vs Manchester United Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich Time: 19:00 GMT
Manchester United faces a formidable challenge in Munich, with key defenders Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka sidelined due to injuries. Erik ten Hag’s team has had a lackluster start to the season, suffering three losses in five league games. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, seeks to gauge its success this season by how far it advances in the Champions League. The highly anticipated match also marks Harry Kane’s tournament debut with his new club, as he faces his former English rivals.
We’ve seen some memorable encounters over the years… #packmas #FCBMUN pic.twitter.com/venWAX9Zdp
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) September 19, 2023
Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven Venue: Emirates Stadium, London Time: 19:00 GMT
After a six-year hiatus from the Champions League, Arsenal is back in action. Under the stewardship of Arsene Wenger, the club enjoyed 19 consecutive years of participation in this prestigious competition. The anticipation within the team is palpable, as evidenced by the tournament’s iconic anthem resonating through the speakers at the club’s training center this week, according to striker Gabriel Jesus. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven enters the competition in impressive form, having won all four of their league games, netting 13 goals while conceding just one.
Real Madrid vs Union Berlin Venue: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid Time: 16:45 GMT
Real Madrid faces Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, minus the services of right-back Dani Carvajal and forward Vinicius Junior. The record 14-time European champions embark on their 27th consecutive appearance in the competition’s group stage, while Union Berlin makes its debut in this prestigious tournament.
Braga vs Napoli Venue: Braga Municipal Stadium, Braga Time: 19:00 GMT
Italian champions Napoli left a resounding mark in last year’s group stage, winning five out of six matches and scoring a staggering 20 goals—a testament to their spectacular season. In contrast, Portuguese side Braga faced a recent loss following a draw and a win. Their last Champions League appearance dates back to 2012 when they managed just one victory during the group stage.
Our travelling squad for #BragaNapoli
#UCL
#ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/hN8nPB6uxS— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) September 19, 2023
Real Sociedad vs Inter Milan Venue: Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian Time: 19:00 GMT
Last season’s runners-up, Inter Milan, enter their Champions League opener against Real Sociedad fresh off a commanding 5-1 victory over city rivals AC Milan in the derby, maintaining a perfect start to their season. However, the absence of key midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu due to a thigh strain poses a challenge. Real Sociedad, after drawing their first three matches, faced a defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last weekend. This marks Sociedad’s return to the Champions League after a decade, with their last successful group stage exit occurring in the 2003-04 season.
Back for more #UCL pic.twitter.com/jVgUMw25WA
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 20, 2023
