The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase begins on Tuesday, with 36 teams starting their campaigns in a revamped competition featuring several high-profile encounters.
Among the biggest fixtures on the opening matchday is Real Madrid vs Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, with both European giants meeting in a highly anticipated clash.
Real Madrid have won six of their last seven meetings with Inter and have an impressive record on the opening day of the Champions League. Kylian Mbappé will also be looking to close in on Raúl González’s 71-goal mark in the competition.
Another major encounter sees Manchester City travel to Porto, with Pep Guardiola’s side making their 150th European Cup appearance. Porto have lost only once in their last 14 home UEFA matches.
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa is another intriguing fixture, with the two sides having met three times last season. Villa won the last two encounters after losing the first meeting in Belgium.
On Wednesday, Barcelona host Feyenoord, with teenage star Lamine Yamal among the players expected to attract attention. Barcelona have scored 50 goals in the two Champions League league phases since the new format was introduced.
Liverpool will welcome Atletico Madrid to Anfield in another blockbuster, repeating last season’s opening-day fixture, which the Reds won 3-2.
There is also a heavyweight clash in Italy as Napoli host Arsenal. The Gunners have dominated previous meetings between the clubs and will enter the game with a strong European defensive record.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence at home against Slovan Bratislava, while Bayern Munich host Bodø/Glimt on Thursday, with Harry Kane chasing his 55th Champions League goal.
Manchester United will also begin their campaign on Thursday against Sabah, marking the English giants’ 300th European Cup match.
The 2026/27 Champions League league phase will run from September 8 to January 27, with each of the 36 teams playing eight matches.
