The new UEFA Champions League season gets under way with four of European football’s biggest names taking to the pitch on the opening matchday. Barcelona, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will all begin their respective campaigns, with supporters expecting strong performances from some of the continent’s most prominent clubs.
According to Bangladesh time, Barcelona’s match will kick off at 10.45pm, while Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal will play at 1am on Thursday. Two other fixtures are also scheduled during the same night, adding to an already busy European football programme.
Barcelona will begin their campaign at the Spotify Camp Nou against Feyenoord. Starting the competition at home gives the Catalan side the advantage of familiar surroundings and strong support from their own fans. Feyenoord, however, are an experienced European club and will look to make the occasion difficult for the hosts. Barcelona are expected to take the initiative, but the opening match of a major competition can bring its own pressure.
At Anfield, Liverpool will face Atletico Madrid in one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the night. Liverpool will have the backing of their home supporters, but Atletico are unlikely to be intimidated by the atmosphere. The Spanish side have built a reputation for disciplined defending, physical intensity and an ability to remain competitive in difficult away fixtures. Liverpool will therefore need to maintain concentration throughout the match rather than relying solely on home advantage.
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, will open their title defence at the Parc des Princes against Slovan Bratislava. The French club will enter the match as clear favourites on paper, particularly with home advantage and the confidence that comes with being the current holders.
Yet retaining the Champions League trophy is an entirely different challenge from winning it for the first time. PSG will be under pressure to make a convincing start, while their opponents will have an opportunity to produce a memorable result against the holders.
Arsenal face a considerably tougher away assignment when they travel to Naples to meet Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The Italian side will have the benefit of a passionate home crowd, while Arsenal will arrive with a strong squad and ambitions of making a deep run in the competition.
The Napoli-Arsenal contest could prove particularly intriguing because both teams will have reasons to attack. Arsenal must cope with the pressure of playing away from home, while Napoli will look to use their surroundings and support to unsettle the visitors. A strong start could be crucial for either side as the Champions League group-stage format demands consistency from the outset.
Barcelona and PSG appear to have the advantage of playing at home and will consequently begin as favourites. Their squad strength also makes them strong contenders for victory. Even so, Champions League football has repeatedly shown that reputations alone are not enough. A moment of poor concentration, an unexpected tactical adjustment or an early goal can change the complexion of a match.
Liverpool’s meeting with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal’s clash with Napoli are therefore likely to attract particular attention. Both fixtures bring together teams capable of competing at the highest level and could provide some of the most intense football of the opening night.
Alongside the four headline fixtures, two other matches will also take place. Stuttgart will face Viking at 10.45pm Bangladesh time, while Sporting will meet Galatasaray at 1am.
With several established European clubs beginning their campaigns on the same night, the opening round promises plenty of interest. For Barcelona, Liverpool, PSG and Arsenal, however, the immediate objective will be simple: start strongly, avoid an early setback and lay down a marker for the challenges ahead.
