Preview: All You Need to Know About This Week’s Champions League Matches

The UEFA Champions League kicks off again this week, promising a season unlike any other for English football followers, as a record 6 Premier League teams are set to compete.

Alongside last season’s top four teams: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Also, Newcastle United earned the fifth-place qualification through England’s strong UEFA coefficient ranking. Joining them is Tottenham Hotspur, who booked their ticket by defeating Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final.

Although three qualifying rounds and a play-off stage have already been played across the summer, all six English clubs advanced directly into the newly structured league phase.

Introduced last season, this format brings together 36 teams. Each side will play eight matches against clubs from different countries, based on last month’s draw, to determine the standings.

The top eight move straight to the round of 16, those ranked ninth to 24th go into the play-off stage, while teams finishing 25th to 36th exit the competition.

Fixtures remain largely in the traditional Tuesday and Wednesday slots (with Europa and Conference League ties on Thursdays). However, this opening week has exclusivity, with matches spread across three days – even including Thursday action.

Athletic Club v Arsenal

Tuesday 16 September, 19:45 (EAT)

After reaching the quarter-finals in 2024 and semi-finals in 2025, Arsenal are looking to push even further this season.

The Gunners brushed aside injury setbacks at the weekend with a convincing win over Nottingham Forest, who were led by their new coach, Ange Postecoglou, setting them up well for this clash. Their opponents, Athletic Club, are appearing in just their third Champions League campaign, having last featured in 2014/15.

Led by Ernesto Valverde, now in his third spell as coach, the Basque side finished fourth in LaLiga last term but were knocked out by Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals. They come into this tie after a surprise home defeat to Alaves.

Star winger Nico Williams, long linked with Arsenal before penning a new 10-year deal with his boyhood team, is ruled out through injury. His elder brother, Inaki Williams, is expected to captain the side.

Tottenham Hotspur v Villarreal

Tuesday 16 September, 22:00 (EAT)

Tottenham’s new boss Thomas Frank is making his Champions League debut, but his reign has started impressively with three wins in four Premier League games, including a dominant 3-0 derby triumph over West Ham.

Spurs have been a force at home in Europe, going unbeaten in 20 consecutive UEFA matches on their own turf.

Villarreal, semi-finalists in 2021/22, return to the competition after finishing fifth in LaLiga. However, their history against English teams is grim, as they have never won in 14 attempts.

Their hopes will rest on familiar names. Nicolas Pepe, formerly of Arsenal, earned LaLiga’s Player of the Month for August, while ex-Newcastle and Leicester forward Ayoze Pérez scored 19 league goals last season. Spurs loanee Manor Solomon, who joined Villarreal on deadline day, is eligible to play but is yet to debut.

Bayern Munich v Chelsea

Wednesday 17 September, 22:00 (EAT)

Chelsea face a tough opening night away to Bayern Munich, who boast a fortress-like home record. The German giants are unbeaten in 34 Champions League league-phase home games since losing to Manchester City in 2013, and they have won every opening match since 2002.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca rotated his squad in their 2-2 draw against Brentford at the weekend, though Cole Palmer returned from injury with a goal off the bench and should be in contention to start.

Bayern have been ruthless this season, with five straight wins across all competitions, netting 19 times. Their attack is spearheaded by familiar faces: Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise. Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson could also feature, having made his Bayern debut last weekend.

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid

Wednesday 17 September, 22:00 (EAT)

Liverpool dominated the early stages of last season’s competition before bowing out on penalties to eventual champions PSG in the round of 16.

Arne Slot’s boys have carried perfect form into this campaign, winning all four league matches, though each required late goals.

Atletico Madrid have had a shaky start in LaLiga but lifted spirits with a weekend win over Villarreal. Injuries, however, may hamper them, including Julian Alvarez, who netted 29 times last season. Conor Gallagher, a standout since his move from Chelsea, is expected to feature.

Liverpool holds a strong record at Anfield, winning their last 14 home games in UEFA’s league phase.

Manchester City v Napoli

Thursday 18 September, 22:00 (EAT)

This fixture marks Kevin De Bruyne’s quick return to Manchester after his summer move to Napoli. The Belgian midfielder enjoyed a decade of success with City, winning the Champions League and six Premier League titles.

Napoli, Serie A champions last season, have also strengthened with former Manchester United men Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund, the latter scoring on his debut last weekend.

City will look to bounce back after a disappointing run last season, where they narrowly made it out of the league phase before falling to Real Madrid in the play-offs.

Star striker Erling Haaland is among the players who stood out during the International break. He also has 49 goals in 48 Champions League matches and is just 13 games away from becoming the fastest player to reach 50.

Newcastle United v Barcelona

Thursday 18 September, 22:00 (EAT)

Newcastle’s last Champions League outing in 2023/24 saw them drawn into a brutal group with PSG, AC Milan, and Dortmund. This season’s expanded format should offer a more realistic shot at progress.

They open against Barcelona, who are flying high with 13 goals in their first four LaLiga games, sitting second in the table. They thrashed Valencia 6-0 last weekend, with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez all scoring twice.

Teen sensation Lamine Yamal is doubtful with a back issue, though Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, could be involved.

For Newcastle, Nick Woltemade is set to lead the line again after scoring on his debut in the weekend win over Wolves.