The Champions League returns this week and there are some delicious bows to kick off the competition.
All 36 teams are in action and the games unusually take place over three nights.
Here, we take a look at the five British clubs as well as Europe’s elite as they begin their campaigns.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8
Club Brugge – Aston Villa (5.45pm)
It’s been a difficult few months Aston Villa after the Europa League triumph last season. Unai Emery’s squad has been decimated with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez. Villa have replaced them but it will inevitably take time for the new boys to gel and their performances in the Premier League have so far looked disjointed. Club Brugge have won four out of five in the Belgian First Division and will see this as an opportunity. The teams met in the Champions League two seasons ago with Club Brugge winning a league stage encounter at home before Villa won home and away in the last 16.
Prediction: Club Brugge 2-1 Aston Villa
Porto – Manchester City (8pm)
Enzo Maresca has made an impressive start Manchester City with three wins from three in the Premier League. A revamped squad appears to be taking shape and will head to Portugal with confidence. The same can be said of Porto, however, with Francesco Farioli’s side winning all five domestic competitions so far. The home side have won just two of their last 16 games against Premier League clubs and the financial might of English clubs is likely to show at the Dragao again.
Prediction: Porto 1-2 Manchester City
Real Madrid – Inter Milan (8 p.m.)
Two of Europe’s biggest clubs clash in what is likely to be an emotional night for Jose Mourinho. The Real Madrid The manager led Inter to Champions League glory in 2010 before taking over at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time. He is now back at the Spanish giants and needs a win after that Friday’s controversial defeat at Real Betis. Mourinho has made a very positive start to his second season, but back-to-back defeats will cause the usual tongue-wagging. Inter are not the same force they were 16 years ago but have made a strong start domestically, winning their first three Serie A games. Keeping the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr quiet is a much bigger task, however.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Barcelona – Feyenoord (5.45pm)
Barcelona continues with four consecutive victories to open the new League season. They have scored five goals in three of these four games and already have an advantage over likely rivals Real Madrid. The signing of Rodri has improved an already formidable squad and they will stand out both domestically and in Europe. Feyenoord are unbeaten in the Eredivisie, but this is a completely different challenge. Expect Barça to win and win well.
Prediction: Barcelona 4-0 Feyenoord
Liverpool – Atlético de Madrid (8 p.m.)
Liverpool He enjoyed his first win of the season at Ipswich on Friday night, but there are still doubts surrounding Andoni Iraola’s side, particularly in midfield. The main takeaway from the triumph at Portman Road was Alexander Isak’s return to form and the Sweden international will be key to their chances of beating Atletico. The rojiblancos are a different beast to previous iterations under Diego Simeone, who is tasked with maintaining his free-scoring form from last season while tightening up the back.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Atletico de Madrid
Naples – Arsenal (8 p.m.)
arsenal he flexed his muscles again against Chelsea on Sunday, beating Xabi Alonso’s side in a 2-1 win that was more emphatic than the scoreline suggested. The English champions have a 100% record after three matches and already look like a good bet to repeat last season’s title. Napoli limped out of the gate in comparison and their 3-2 defeat at Inter at the weekend was their second in a row. Having also lost against Como, Max Allegri’s side have shown a vulnerability against good teams and Arsenal should have the quality to take advantage.
Prediction: Napoli 0-3 Arsenal
PSG in Slovan Bratislava (8 p.m.)
It’s definitely not a crisis PSG but a run of four domestic games without a win is a big surprise given their superiority in recent seasons. Luis Enrique’s men have won this tournament in each of the last two years and will undoubtedly challenge again this season. If they could hand-pick an opponent to get back to winning ways, it might be Slovan Bratislava. This could be a very long night for the Slovaks.
Prediction: PSG 5-0 Slovan Bratislava
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Manchester United – Sabah (8pm)
Sabah have gone through four qualifiers to reach the league stage and were rewarded with a dream trip to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United return to the Champions League for the first time since December 2023. United will be keen to get off to a winning start and shake off the frustration of conceding a stoppage-time draw at Everton on Sunday. Michael Carrick’s side continue to show progress but still lack the quality to mount a genuine title challenge.
Prediction: Manchester United 4-0 Sabah
