In the world of football, anticipation has reached a fever pitch as the UEFA Champions League returns with a bang. The defending champions, Manchester City, will kick off their campaign against Red Star Belgrade, while other heavyweight clashes are set to captivate fans worldwide. In this article, we dissect the five matches that demand your undivided attention.
1. Manchester City vs. Red Star Belgrade
Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Date and Time: 19:00 GMT
Manchester City, the reigning champions, are poised to extend their unbeaten streak from the previous season as they face off against Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade. The Etihad Stadium will be the battleground, and even though City will miss the services of the injured John Stones, Jack Grealish, Mateo Kovacic, and Kevin de Bruyne, the prolific Erling Haaland is set to lead the line. Haaland, who reigned as the Champions League’s top scorer last season, is a formidable force to reckon with.
2. Feyenoord vs. Celtic
Location: Stadion Feyenoord, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Date and Time: 19:00 GMT
Injuries have struck both teams, with Celtic and Feyenoord being the reigning champions of their respective leagues. Celtic will be without key defenders and wingers, making their task in Rotterdam all the more challenging. Feyenoord, while missing goalkeeper Justin Bijlow and suspended striker Santiago Gimenez, boasts impressive scoring form in their recent matches. However, their past Champions League record leaves much to be desired.
3. AC Milan vs. Newcastle
Location: San Siro, Milan, Italy
Date and Time: 16:45 GMT
Newcastle United returns to European football’s grandest stage after a two-decade hiatus, facing the daunting task of taking on last season’s semifinalists, AC Milan, at the iconic San Siro. Interestingly, Milan has struggled against English opposition recently, winning just one of their last 11 encounters. Adding intrigue to the fixture, former Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali now dons the Magpies’ jersey.
4. Paris Saint-Germain vs. Borussia Dortmund
Location: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
Date and Time: 19:00 GMT
A tantalizing rematch from the 2019-20 campaign awaits as PSG clashes with Borussia Dortmund. PSG, sans Neymar and Lionel Messi, will lean on superstar Kylian Mbappe in a group featuring AC Milan and Newcastle. Borussia Dortmund’s track record against French teams is a mixed bag, but their recent goal-scoring prowess promises an entertaining showdown.
5. Barcelona vs. Antwerp
Location: Olympic Stadium, Barcelona, Spain (due to Camp Nou renovations)
Reigning La Liga champions, Barcelona, seek redemption after consecutive group stage exits in the Champions League. Under the guidance of Xavi Hernandez, the Blaugrana are riding high following a resounding 5-0 win against Real Betis. They host Belgian champions Antwerp, led by former Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel. Van Bommel’s squad promises to challenge Barcelona with their aggressive, physical, and attacking style.
The UEFA Champions League returns with a plethora of exciting fixtures that promise football fans a captivating journey filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. These matches are but a glimpse of the thrilling encounters awaiting us in this prestigious competition.
