Champions League Matchday 1 Preview: September 9 Matches
The first day of action is already behind us, but the second promises just as much intrigue! On September 9, six more fascinating pairings will take the field, featuring both heavyweight clashes and matchups capable of producing surprises. Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid has a strong claim to be the headline fixture. These old acquaintances meet again. Let’s take a closer look at this game and the rest of Wednesday’s matches.
Barcelona vs Feyenoord
Barcelona look almost unbeatable at the start of the new season. Four wins from four La Liga matches and 17 goals scored is an extraordinary return. Feyenoord, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the Eredivisie but have already dropped points twice, so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s start after returning can hardly be called perfect. The level of resistance in the Netherlands is also incomparable with what last season’s Eredivisie runners-up will face at Camp Nou. Still, Feyenoord should have a chance to score: Barca have conceded in ten consecutive Champions League matches.
Match link:
Stuttgart vs Viking
Bundesliga side Stuttgart host Norwegian champions Viking, who are making their debut in the Champions League group stage. The Swabians are used to European competition, but their domestic start was painful — a 5:1 defeat to Bayern. Viking, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 matches, although most came in the Eliteserien against a very different level of opposition. The Scandinavians will fight for every chance, relying on discipline and set pieces. Perhaps Viking can follow Bodo/Glimt’s example and start a new European fairy tale. Objectively, though, their chances are limited: the hosts should win thanks to their advantage in quality and experience.
Match link:
PSG vs Slovan Bratislava
There is little doubt about the likely outcome in Paris. The French champions and two-time Champions League winners host Slovakia’s strongest side. PSG have made a poor start to the season, but the French giants should gradually build momentum. Slovan, meanwhile, began well under Yaya Toure but have now lost two consecutive domestic league matches. It is difficult to imagine what the visitors can offer a Paris side frustrated by a string of setbacks. The main questions are how many the hosts will score and whether Bratislava can find a consolation goal.
Match link:
Sporting vs Galatasaray
Here comes the most intriguing match of the second time slot. Both teams love to attack and often neglect their defensive duties: between them, they have played nine matches in the new season, producing 37 goals, an average of 4.1 per game. Sporting are among the leaders in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, while Galatasaray top the Turkish Super Lig. The overall picture, however, favours the Lions. Their home stadium is one factor, while the opponent’s personnel problems are another, with Victor Osimhen’s absence standing out. Much will depend on whether Okan Buruk can cope with losing the Nigerian striker.
Match link:
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
The day’s headline fixture takes us to Anfield. These teams have already become familiar rivals in the Champions League — just recall Liverpool’s dramatic elimination in 2020 or their win thanks to a late Van Dijk goal in last season’s competition. Neither Liverpool nor Atletico have been particularly consistent so far. The hosts, however, come into this meeting in much better spirits after beating Ipswich 2:0 in the latest Premier League round to record their first win of the season. Atletico are in a much more difficult situation after a 3:0 defeat in Bilbao at the weekend and internal tension around Julian Alvarez. Still, Simeone’s team are always dangerous and have scored in 11 of their last 12 Champions League matches, so Alisson may find it difficult to keep a clean sheet.
Match link:
Napoli vs Arsenal
Our preview concludes with a battle in Naples, where the English champions arrive. Napoli have lost to Como (1:2) and Inter (2:3), so the last thing Max Allegri would have wanted right now was a meeting with the main favourite for this Champions League campaign. Arsenal have looked extremely solid at the start of the season despite personnel losses. Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate, but even then the Gunners remain strong favourites. Viktor Gyokeres, Piero Hincapie, Bruno Guimaraes and other squad players will be highly motivated to prove themselves. In last season’s Champions League, the London side became the first team to win all eight league-phase matches. Will history repeat itself?
Match link:
Conclusion
The second day of Champions League action is every bit as intense as the first. Liverpool vs Atletico is the clear headline fixture, but the games in Lisbon and Naples are no less interesting. PSG, Stuttgart and Barcelona look like overwhelming favourites, yet surprises are always possible — that is why we love football. Don’t miss it: September 9 should deliver another memorable European night!
