European Highlights: New Champions League format kicks off with plenty of heavyweight ties
The introduction of new formats for European cups has made midweek football a bit more intricate. However, there is no need for concern, as we are here to highlight the must-see matches for each match week of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and potentially the Europa Conference League as well.
This week, the UEFA competitions will feature only the Champions League on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Below are five standout matches on the schedule.
Tuesday, September 17th
Juventus vs PSV - 18:45 CET
After a year away from European competitions, Juventus returns to the Champions League, facing Dutch champions PSV for the first time in a competitive match.
Under the guidance of new manager Thiago Motta and with a dynamic, youthful squad, Juventus started the season strongly. However, they are currently coming off two consecutive 0-0 draws, which may have dampened their momentum. Notably, they have yet to concede a goal this season, which is a positive sign.
PSV has been impressive in the league since the start of last season, suffering only one defeat and securing 34 victories out of 39 matches, including five consecutive wins to kick off this campaign. Last year, they reached the last 16 of the competition before being eliminated by the eventual finalists, Borussia Dortmund.
AC Milan vs Liverpool - 21:00 CET
In a highly anticipated encounter between two of the Champions League’s most illustrious clubs, Liverpool visits Milan, aiming to provide Arne Slot with a memorable European debut as manager of the Reds.
Having won all three of their Premier League matches prior to the international break, Liverpool faced their first setback of the season with an unexpected home loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Rossoneri have had a challenging start under new coach Paulo Fonseca but may have turned a corner following a resounding 4-0 victory over Venezia last weekend.
Wednesday, September 18th
Manchester City vs Inter - 21:00 CET
In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 final, Manchester City will welcome Inter Milan for a thrilling encounter between the champions of England and Italy.
Manchester City has commenced the season in formidable fashion, achieving four consecutive victories, with Erling Haaland showcasing extraordinary goal-scoring prowess. The Norwegian striker has netted nine goals in the league thus far, including two hat-tricks, proving to be an unstoppable force.
Inter Milan remains unbeaten as well, albeit through a different approach. Under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, they have secured two wins and two draws, but their success will largely depend on their ability to contain Haaland. Alessandro Bastoni must perform at his peak. Nevertheless, Inzaghi possesses the tactical acumen to challenge City, having come close to pushing them into extra time in 2023, with only a few missed opportunities from Romelu Lukaku standing in the way.
READ ALSO: New era begins as expanded Champions League set for big kick-off
PSG vs Girona - 21:00 CET
Girona, making their tournament debut, faces a challenging opening match against Paris Saint-Germain. Following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Barcelona on Sunday, Michel's team recognizes the urgent need for significant improvement to have any hope of achieving a favorable outcome.
The French champions have adapted well to life without Kylian Mbappe, starting their domestic season with four wins out of four and scoring a total of 16 goals.
In this inaugural encounter between the two clubs, Girona aims to recapture the form that secured them a third-place finish in LaLiga last season. Failure to do so may result in a harsh introduction to the elite level of European football.
Thursday, September 19th
Atalanta vs Arsenal - 21:00 CET
Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, commence their Champions League journey by hosting the defensively robust Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta.
Having triumphed over Leverkusen with a 3-0 victory in the Europa League final a few months ago, Atalanta aspires to make a significant impact in Europe once again, under the leadership of their esteemed manager, Gian Piero Gasperini. However, their start to the season has been inconsistent, with two wins and two losses recorded in Serie A.
Last season, Arsenal faced elimination from the Champions League during the quarter-final round at the hands of Bayern Munich, revealing their lack of experience on such a prominent platform. Nevertheless, a year later, supporters are optimistic that the team has gained valuable insights from previous errors. With one of the most formidable defenses in Europe, they are now focused on securing a position within the top eight.
SportsLigue