The UEFA Champions League group stage begins this week with Europe’s biggest clubs returning to action. Matchday 1 serves up heavyweight fixtures across three nights, including Arsenal’s trip to Spain, Chelsea’s clash with Bayern Munich, and a headline meeting between Liverpool and Atlético Madrid.
Last season, PSG claimed their title for the first time in their history, following a dominant win in the final against Inter Milan, with a scoreline of 5-0. They will also begin their defence at home against Atalanta on Wednesday. Every game will be live on SuperSport, your home of the Champions.
Tuesday: Arsenal’s Spanish Test and Madrid’s European Charge
Arsenal return to the group stage with a tricky opener away to Athletic Bilbao at 5:45 pm on SS Football (DStv Ch. 202), a clash that promises intensity at San Mamés. Later, record 14-time champions Real Madrid welcome Marseille to the Bernabéu at 8:00 pm on SS Football (DStv Ch. 202), while Tottenham begin their campaign at home against Villarreal at 8:00 pm on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) in a clash of contrasting styles.
Wednesday: Blockbusters in Paris, Munich, and Anfield
The second day offers mouth-watering ties as Liverpool take on Atletico Madrid at 8:00 pm on SSFootball (DStv Ch. 202) in what has become a classic European rivalry. Bayern Munich host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena at 8:00 pm on SS EPL (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203), while in Paris, all eyes will be on PSG, who launch their Champions League defence against Atalanta at 8:00 pm on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204).
Thursday: City and Newcastle Face Italian and Spanish Giants
Thursday’s fixtures close out the opening round in style. Manchester City, still in search of another European crown, host Napoli at 8:00 pm on SS Football (DStv Ch. 202) in a meeting of two attacking sides. Meanwhile, Newcastle United welcome Barcelona to St. James’ Park at 8:00 pm on SS EPL (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203), a test of the Magpies’ European ambitions against one of the continent’s most decorated clubs.
Matchday 1 Highlights
Tuesday
- Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal — 5:45 pm
- Real Madrid vs Marseille — 8:00 pm
- Tottenham vs Villarreal — 8:00 pm
Wednesday
- Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid — 8:00 pm
- Bayern Munich vs Chelsea — 8:00 pm
- PSG vs Atalanta — 8:00 pm
Thursday
- Manchester City vs Napoli — 8:00 pm
- Newcastle United vs Barcelona — 8:00 pm
A Packed Opening Week
Arsenal will aim to start strong in Bilbao, while Real Madrid and Tottenham headline Tuesday night. Wednesday offers high-profile clashes in Munich, Paris, and Anfield, and Thursday closes with Manchester City’s title defence against Napoli alongside Newcastle’s return to the Champions League spotlight against Barcelona.
