The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season is set to commence on Tuesday, with exciting fixtures lined up for match-day one actions across different stadiums in Europe.
The battle to overthrow Paris Saint Germain as European champions begins with mouthwatering clashes from Tuesday till Thursday. Sportpremi highlights five matches you should not miss in the opening match-day of the 2025/26 UCL.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
Both teams clash at the Allianz Arena in a repeat of the 2012 UEFA Champions League final, where the English side secured their first title with a penalty shootout victory. However, the German champions have gone on to win the next three encounters between them in convincing fashion.
Bayern Munich have also won their UCL opener for 22 consecutive seasons and have not lost a home game in the group stage for 12 years. With the odds stacked against Chelsea, this clash promises much excitement with kickoff by 8 PM on Wednesday.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
In a battle of attack against defense, Liverpool’s lethal attack will be put to test against a defensively setup Atletico Madrid side. The Spanish side lost only one of their first six meetings against Liverpool, but were defeated in both legs of the group stage clash four seasons ago.
Rojiblancos have been inconsistent this season, but have scored in 15 of their last 16 UCL group stage matches, while Liverpool have not lost in their last 14 home games in European competitions.
It promises to be an exciting battle at Anfield, with kickoff for the match to be by 8 PM on Tuesday.
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal
The Spanish side should fret at the mention of English opposition, following the 7-1 hammering they suffered at the hands of Manchester United in last season’s Europa League. Arsenal defeated them 3-0 in the Emirates Cup in August, making matters worse.
The Gunners will be chasing history and will become the first side in UCL history to defeat Spanish oppositions in six straight matches involving both sides. With this being a first-ever competitive clash between both teams, it is not a match one can afford to miss. Kickoff is by 5:45 PM on Tuesday.
Manchester City vs Napoli
Billed as a ‘homecoming’ for Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne, who returns to the Etihad after leaving in the summer, two renowned managers in the game, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, go head to head in the UCL opener.
Manchester City have won 14 of their last 18 home matches in the UCL, while Napoli have lost five of their last six UCL games in England. Kickoff for this must-watch clash is by 8 PM on Thursday.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
The English side finished bottom of their group in their last UCL appearance two seasons ago and will seek to avoid the same fate in this season’s competition. However, last season’s semifinalists Barcelona, stand in their way of achieving an opening day victory.
Both sides have met on four previous occasions with the Spanish champions winning three times. However, they have lost their last two away matches in the UCL, making their trip to the St James’ Park a thrilling matchup. Kickoff is by 8 PM on Thursday.
