The UEFA Champions League makes its return today, featuring a new single-round-robin format that ensures each team will play 8 matches in the initial stage, up from the previous 6.
Juventus and Milan both kick off their campaigns at home. Juventus will face PSV Eindhoven at 18:45 CET. The Dutch side is unbeaten in the Eredivisie so far this season, having scored 20 goals and conceded only 3 in their first 5 matches. Despite the challenge, Juventus is considered the favorite. Notable Champions League debuts include Di Gregorio, Koopmeiners, Nicola Gonzalez, and Yldiz, while Conceicao and Milik’s participation is uncertain.
Milan will host Liverpool at 21:00 CET. Liverpool, managed by Slot, suffered an unexpected defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest, marking their first loss of the Premier League season. Milan will be without Bennacer, Florenzi, Sportiello, and Thiaw, but Theo Hernandez and Leao will continue as starters on the left flank. This match is crucial for Fonseca, who needs to build on the solid win against Venezia.
The defending European champions, Real Madrid, will play at home against Stuttgart, rounding out today’s fixtures. The first round of the Champions League, played over three days from Tuesday to Thursday, also features Young Boys vs. Aston Villa, Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb, and Sporting Lisbon vs. Lille.
