The UEFA Champions League is back this week with a blockbuster lineup of fixtures as the 2025/26 season kicks off under the new Swiss-style league format. With 36 teams competing in a single league table, each club will play eight matches against different opponents, and the top 24 will advance to the knockout rounds. Here’s a look at the biggest clashes and storylines to watch on Matchday 1.
This week there is a total of 12 games, with 6 games taking place on both Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal 18:45 ko (CET)
A tough away test for Arsenal at San Mamés. The Gunners were slight favorites but faced a resilient Bilbao side.
PSV Eindhoven vs Union Saint-Gilloise 18:45 ko (CET)
PSV looked to assert dominance at home against Belgian underdogs Union SG
Benfica vs Qarabağ FK 21:00 ko (CET)
Benfica were heavy favorites at home, with a strong squad expected to overpower the Azerbaijani side.
Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund 21:00 ko (CET)
A classic European clash in Turin, with Juventus aiming to bounce back from a poor domestic start.
Real Madrid vs Marseille 21:00 ko (CET)
Madrid hosted the French side at the Bernabéu, with new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to feature.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal 21:00 ko (CET)
Spurs welcomed the Yellow Submarine in a tightly matched fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Olympiacos vs Pafos 18:45 ko (CET)
A lesser-known tie but crucial for both clubs aiming to make a mark in the new format.
Slavia Prague vs Bodø/Glimt 18:45 ko (CET)
Two attacking sides met in Prague in what promised to be an open game.
Ajax vs Inter Milan 21:00 ko (CET)
A heavyweight clash in Amsterdam, with Inter’s new-look midfield facing Ajax’s youth-driven side.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea 21:00 ko (CET)
The marquee fixture of the week. Bayern, led by Harry Kane, hosted Chelsea in a tactical battle.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid 21:00 ko (CET)
A rematch of past UCL thrillers. Arne Slot’s Liverpool faced Simeone’s gritty Atlético.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta 21:00 ko (CET)
The defending champions began their title defense at home, though injuries to key players like Dembélé and Doue posed challenges.
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