The grand spectacle of European club football is back. The revamped UEFA Champions League phase begins today, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, promising a week of scintillating encounters.
Under the new format, 36 teams will compete in a single league, with the opening matchday already throwing up several heavyweight clashes that are set to ignite the competition from the very start.
This week, fans will be treated to a series of mouth-watering fixtures, including titanic battles between former champions and intriguing contests featuring some of the continent’s most in-form sides. Here’s a preview of the top matches to look out for in the first week of the Champions League.
A rematch of the 2012 final, the encounter between German giants Bayern Munich and English powerhouse Chelsea at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday is arguably the headline fixture of the week. Both teams have started their domestic seasons strongly and will be looking to make a statement on the European stage.
Bayern, under their new manager, have been in formidable form, scoring freely in the Bundesliga. All eyes will be on their talismanic striker, who has been in prolific goalscoring form.
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Last year, Bayern finished 12th and struggled to get past Celtic, winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be aiming to build on their recent successes and prove their mettle against one of Europe’s elite.
Kane admitted on Saturday the extra burden cut their momentum later in the season.
“It’s important to be in the top eight because that extra game can make a big difference.
“Last year, playing that Celtic game home and away in our busiest period, it made a big difference, and we ended up losing a few players after that period in March.
“It’s important to start well.”
This match promises a fascinating tactical battle between two of the most respected coaches in the game.