Champions League action heats up as the new league-format season kicks off September 16 with high-profile matchups and intense preparation across Europe. Paris Saint-Germain, now defending their first-ever continental title after last season’s dramatic triumph over Inter Milan, face mounting pressure with a demanding draw that includes Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Tottenham. Barcelona, however, may be without Gavi for their early fixtures as he continues his recovery, aiming to be fit for the massive clash against PSG on October 1, according to Diario AS.
English teams are set for an ambitious campaign, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Spurs, and Newcastle all securing spots in the expanded 36-team league phase. Liverpool and Arsenal are strongly favored to lead the pack, especially after Liverpool topped the phase last season, though a supercomputer forecasts an all-English top four finish with PSG trailing closely. Newcastle clinched their place on the season’s final Premier League day, highlighting the depth of English representation this year.
Other headline fixtures to watch on the opening matchdays include Juventus facing Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich meeting Chelsea, and Liverpool hosting Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid and Manchester City renew their rivalry, and Inter meets Liverpool in another high-stakes tie. Milan and Atalanta add to Italian hopes, while Atleti and Athletic Bilbao carry Spanish ambitions alongside Barca and Madrid.
Off the field, Barcelona’s willingness to host marquee European matches at Camp Nou has hit administrative snags, and UEFA will soon rule on La Liga and Serie A clubs' proposals to play domestic league fixtures abroad, such as Villarreal–Barcelona in Miami and Milan–Como in Perth. If approved, these moves could reshape the global football landscape and fan engagement forever.
With star player movements largely settled following a summer of transfers, the Champions League platform now puts the spotlight back on performances. In national leagues, Real Madrid holds a statistical edge in La Liga, but Barcelona’s retooled squad and hungry young core mean the Spanish race remains wide open, according to CIES data. Over in England, the Premier League storm continues after a dramatic qualification race, and in Serie A, Juventus and Napoli seek to bounce back after underwhelming European projections. Controversies continue to swirl around scheduling and the long-term impact of shifting fixtures abroad, raising questions about tradition and globalization in world football.
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