Saint-Germain and Arsenal begin their Champions League campaigns
French champions Paris Saint-Germain and English runners-up Arsenal begin their campaigns in the revamped Champions League group stage today, facing Slovan Bratislava and Napoli respectively in Matchday 1. PSG seek to overcome their sluggish start to the domestic season as they host Slovan Bratislava, managed by former Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure. Unusually, the title-holders, aiming for a third consecutive league crown, began their domestic campaign with two draws and a 1-2 home defeat to Monaco on Friday. Nevertheless, they should not be underestimated, having shone in the Champions League in recent seasons. They have not lost in their last 11 European matches (seven wins and four draws), and no defending champion has been defeated in their first home game in the European Cup/Champions League since Celtic in 1968. Their Spanish manager, Luis Enrique, also boasts a 63% win rate as a manager in the Champions League, the best among coaches who have managed at least 50 matches in the competition. Meanwhile, Toure, best known for his spells at Spanish club Barcelona and English side Manchester City, only took charge of Slovan in June last year. However, he became the first African manager to reach the group stage of the Champions League, guiding his team through the qualifiers without defeat.
Arsenal, meanwhile, enter the match with an unbeaten record across all competitions this season, but their trip to Italy to face Napoli could pose a genuine test of their positive run. Despite conceding their first goal of the season on Sunday, Arsenal came from behind to beat local rivals Chelsea 2-1, extending their winning streak this season to four games. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side lost last season’s final to PSG but have not suffered defeat in regular time during their campaign (11 wins and four draws). Conversely, the task looks difficult for Napoli, who finished 30th in the league phase last season and managed only two wins in their last ten league matches (three draws and five defeats).
Barcelona begin their quest for their first Champions League title in over a decade at the Camp Nou against Feyenoord, managed by former Catalan club player Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The Catalan club enters the match in high spirits following a 5-0 victory over away opponents Valencia on Sunday, maintaining their perfect record in La Liga (four wins). Three of these victories saw them score five goals, underscoring that “Blau-grana” are in excellent form and are expected to enter the Champions League with great confidence. The team has scored 50 goals in the league phase since the new format was introduced in the 2024-2025 season, and their average of 2.88 goals per game across 26 Champions League matches under German manager Hansi Flick is the highest in the competition since he took charge. Therefore, Camp Nou fans will expect not only goals but also a positive start, noting that Barcelona have won 18 of their last 20 home games (one draw and one defeat) in the opening match of a continental season.
Spanish manager Andoni Iraola’s first Champions League participation with Liverpool places his team in a tough test as they host Atletico Madrid. It is hard for Iraola to imagine a more prestigious Champions League debut than appearing at Anfield, which has hosted many historic and exceptional European nights. The 2-0 win over Ipswich Town late last week may have alleviated some of the pressure surrounding this fixture, securing Iraola’s first victory in charge of Liverpool. This win serves as ideal preparation for a side with an impressive home record, as they have never lost their opening match in any campaign at Anfield (10 wins and two draws). Liverpool have also turned their stadium into a true European fortress, winning 17 of their last 18 home matches in the group or league phase (one defeat).
On the other hand, Argentine manager Diego Simeone is the sixth-most experienced coach in Champions League history, leading the capital club in their 14th consecutive appearance in the competition. He also holds an advantage over Iraola, having won three of the four previous meetings between the two managers (one draw).
Stuttgart begin their second Champions League participation in three seasons when they host Viking, the Norwegian champions, who are making their debut in the league phase of the competition. Two clubs accustomed to participating in the tournament meet as Sporting host Turkish league champions Galatasaray.
