4 Unskippable Gameweek One UEFA Champions League Matches 2026/27 | OneFootball

The UEFA Champions League begins in less than a week’s time, and it’s safe to say that the first round already has a ton of blockbuster fixtures lined up for us.

The first set of games gets underway on Tuesday, 8th September and runs until Thursday, 10th September, and we have compiled a few must-watch games for the first gameweek.

Real madrid vs inter milan

José Mourinho’s Real Madrid side will be hosting the Scudetto winners, Inter Milan. Probably the most interesting match of the opening day, the 15-time winners would love to begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a win, especially after their rather frivolous transfer window, but Inter Milan have also improved.

After a poor ending to their campaign last year, which saw them lose in the playoffs, they have improved the squad with veteran player John Stones and England international Djed Spence.

The Los Blancos have the advantage in what will be a very cagey affair, with what could be one of the highest-scoring teams against what could be one of the strongest defensive teams. Not to mention the matchups between players like Vinicius Júnior and Djed Spence on the wings, or how Hakan Çalhanoğlu will handle the midfield battle against Manchester City legend, Bernardo Silva.

LIVERPOOL VS ATLETICO MADRID

The Reds will be hosting the Spanish giants in what would be newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola’s first UEFA Champions League match. While Liverpool hasn’t had the greatest of starts domestically, fans can be hopeful that Iraola’s men can snatch a win.

The opponents are off a rather successful transfer window, grabbing players like Cristian Romero, Alejandro Grimaldo and Kang-in-Lee. Not to mention they have managed to keep global star Julián Alvarez amidst interest from Arsenal and Spanish rivals Barcelona.

Atletico could hope to take advantage of Liverpool’s midfield or their fullbacks which has been their weakest position so far this season, but they must also be careful of the lethal wingers they’re up against. New signing Bradley Barcola will provide the most trouble for Diego Simeone, who will be looking to stop the old PSG star by any means possible. He will be followed up by Netherlands international Cody Gakpo and flashy wonderkid Rio Ngumoha in the suffocating Anfield stadium.

NAPOLI VS ARSENAL

After their shootout loss in Budapest, Mikel Arteta’s men will be hoping to gather themselves and strive for the coveted trophy once more. Signings of Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis have given the Premier League champions new light, but their left-winger situation has caused major panic amongst fans who believe their lack of depth will come to bite them during the hardest parts of the season.

The Italian giants will be looking to cause an upset with stars like Rasmus Højlund leading the charge, along with new signings Benoît Badiashile and Alisson Santos. However they would be missing Scottish star Scott Mctominay who is unable due to undergoing heart surgery. Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will be loud and breathtaking, so The Gunners must keep their concentration if they want a win.

COMO VS RB LEIPZIG

Cesc Fàbregas is set to lead Como through their first UEFA Champions League campaign with a young yet powerful squad. With their new signings, the team has the ability to go deep into the knockout phase and commit quite a few upsets on the way. The team almost gives the vibe of that 2019 Ajax squad which made it all the way to semi-finals, defeating Real Madrid and Juventus on the way. That’s not to say the win will come easy, however.

RB Leipzig have had one of the most underrated windows; they’ve added attacking depth like Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. They’ve also managed to sign ex-Burnley man Maxime Estève, which adds just that extra defensive cover, as well as Rocco Reitz in midfield. The clash between these two rising squads is sure to be one of desire and grit, where individual performances are sure to light the way.

The UEFA Champions League is providing us with another year of goals, drama and special moments. From rising teams to returning teams and European giants, this is stepping up to be another great UCL campaign.