The wait is over. The Champions League is back, and nothing in football hits quite like midweek European nights.
Floodlights. Anthem. Drama. And this year, the new league-phase format means there are no “easy” games.
And Matchday 1? It’s loaded.
Liverpool face Atlético Madrid. Bayern host Chelsea. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona head to Newcastle’s fortress at St James’ Park. Arsenal return to the big stage against Athletic Bilbao. Real Madrid kick off their campaign against Marseille. Manchester City battle Napoli.
This isn’t just a warm-up week. It’s chaos, intensity, and statement time.
Champions League Matchday 1 Preview & Predictions
Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s return to the Champions League kicks off in northern Spain against an Athletic Bilbao side that thrives on intensity.
Athletic enter with three La Liga wins already under their belt this season, plus the return of Aymeric Laporte. Nico Williams, their crown jewel, stayed despite summer interest. Their football is aggressive, physical, and fueled by a deafening home crowd.
Arsenal? They’ve started the Premier League strong. Noni Madueke has hit the ground running, Viktor Gyökeres can’t stop scoring, and Arteta’s side look deeper than ever. Even with Bukayo Saka and William Saliba sidelined, the Gunners have the firepower to dominate.
Last year, they fell in the semi-finals to PSG. This year, expectations are higher. Their away form in Europe has been deadly — 16 goals in their last five on the road.
- Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Athletic Bilbao.
The Gunners’ physicality and depth should overwhelm Athletic, just like United did in last season’s Europa League semi-finals.
Real Madrid vs Marseille
Xabi Alonso has brought calm and fire back to Real Madrid. Four wins from four in La Liga. Mbappé already scoring. Arda Güler shining. Even a red card against Sociedad couldn’t derail them.
Marseille arrive buzzing from a 4-0 demolition of Lorient. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are vibrant but inconsistent, especially away from home. And history? It’s brutal. French clubs have never beaten Madrid in Spain. 15 attempts. 11 defeats.
Last season’s run wasn’t exactly Real Madrid standard, but with their new defensive solidity and trademark attacking firepower, Los Blancos will be desperate to reclaim their throne.
- Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Marseille.
Too much firepower. Too much history.
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
This fixture has history. The 2012 final. The 2019-20 7–1 aggregate. Bayern vs Chelsea always delivers.
Bayern are flying. Five wins, 19 goals, Harry Kane scoring for fun. Vincent Kompany’s side looks stronger than last year’s quarter-final exit. Luis Díaz and Nicolás Jackson add attacking depth, and Kane is the difference-maker they lacked post-Lewandowski.
Chelsea? They’re still a puzzle. Two wins, two draws. Lots of new signings but the same old inconsistency. They’ve struggled even against mid-table opposition in England. Facing Bayern at the Allianz is a whole different beast.
- Prediction: Bayern 2-1 Chelsea.
Closer than some expect, but Bayern’s ruthlessness should see them through.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Whenever these two meet, sparks fly. Simeone’s men thrive in chaos. Liverpool, coming off a blockbuster summer, are still shaping their new identity.
Liverpool enter with four Premier League wins from four. Not flashy, but efficient. Atletico, meanwhile, stumbled through the first three La Liga games but finally picked up their first win vs Villarreal.
Historically, this tie is cagey. Low-scoring. Set pieces, counter-attacks, moments of madness.
- Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Atlético Madrid.
Anfield on a European night is just different.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
It’s been two decades since Barcelona last played a European game in Newcastle. And this time, Hansi Flick leads them.
Barca are second in La Liga, scoring freely. Newcastle, though shaky at the start, finally got their first win with new signing Nick Woltemade scoring. The Magpies’ fans will make St James’ Park a cauldron, but Flick’s Barca are too sharp.
Lamine Yamal might miss out, but Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha are in form. Flick’s pressing system also looks tailor-made for Europe.
- Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Newcastle.
The atmosphere will be electric, but class tells.
Manchester City vs Napoli – heavyweight clash
City are, well, City. They just smashed United 3-0, Haaland scoring twice. Their games are goal-fests, averaging nearly four goals per match this season.
Napoli, meanwhile, are quietly efficient. Ten goals in their last six. Kevin De Bruyne (yes, its his homecoming) is pulling the strings, and Rasmus Højlund has found form.
But history and depth favour City. Pep Guardiola’s men love these early-phase fixtures.
- Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Napoli.
A closer contest than expected, but City edge it.
Where to Watch the Champions League 2025/26
Here’s how fans can tune in:
- India: Sony Sports Network (TV) and SonyLIV (streaming).
- Bangladesh: T Sports and SonyLIV.
- UK: TNT Sports.
- USA: Paramount+ and CBS Sports.
- Middle East: beIN Sports.
You can also stream the matches online here.
Conclusion
Matchday 1 isn’t easing us in. It’s chaos right from the start — big clashes, big players, big drama. Arsenal and Madrid look ready to make statements. Bayern vs Chelsea could swing either way. Liverpool vs Atletico screams tension. Barca face the St James’ Park roar. City take on Napoli in a heavyweight contest.
One thing’s for sure: the Champions League’s new format is already proving its worth. Every week feels like a knockout. And this week? It’s just the beginning.
