Final rematch and surprises: Champions League opening round talking points | OneFootball

The league phase of the Champions League kicks off this Tuesday. The 36 teams present in the tournament’s first stage are fighting for eight direct spots in the round of 16 and 16 places in the round of 16 playoffs.

Right in the opening round, drawn by UEFA at the end of August, the Champions League features classic matchups, alternative games, and even a rematch of a final. With that in mind, Gazeta Esportiva has put together a collection of curiosities from the Champions League’s opening round.

Clash of Champions 🏆

Photo: LaPresse / Alamy Stock Photo

The first round features four matchups between Champions League winners. On Tuesday, at 4pm (Brasília time), Juventus hosts Borussia Dortmund, while Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions history, faces Olympique de Marseille at home. On Wednesday, at the same time, Bayern takes on Chelsea in Germany, and Inter Milan visits Ajax.

There are 34 trophies shared among these eight clubs—almost half of all Champions League titles, as the competition reaches its 71st edition. Real is the biggest winner, with 15 titles. Bayern has six, Ajax has four, Inter Milan has lifted the trophy three times, while Juventus and Chelsea have conquered Europe twice each. Borussia Dortmund and Olympique de Marseille have each won the tournament once.

See the dates and times of the matches

Final Rematch 🏅

Photo: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP

One of the most anticipated clashes of the group stage is the game between Bayern Munich and Chelsea at the Allianz Arena in Germany. The match, besides bringing together the current world champion and the most successful Bundesliga club, is also a rematch of the 2012 Champions League final. Both teams take the field this Wednesday at 4pm.

On that occasion, the English side counted on an impeccable performance from Cech and a goal from Drogba in the 43rd minute of the second half to take the match to extra time. With no goals in extra time, the Czech goalkeeper shone in the penalty shootout, saving Olic’s shot and benefiting from Schweinsteiger’s penalty hitting the post to secure Chelsea’s first European title.

In history, the teams have faced each other six times and, despite the 2012 runner-up finish, the record favors Bayern Munich. There have been three Bavarian wins, two draws—with one penalty shootout win for each side—and only one positive result for Chelsea. The teams also contested the 2013 UEFA Super Cup, with the German side winning.

In Search of a Second Title 🥇🥇

(Photo: Kidrill Kudryavtsev/AFP)

Current champions Paris Saint-Germain begin their quest for a second consecutive title this Wednesday at 4pm, when they host Atalanta at the Parc des Princes. Led by Luis Enrique, Marquinhos’ team features some changes from last year. Goalkeeper Donnarumma has left for Manchester City, while Lucas Chevalier, a standout in the last French league, takes over the Parisian goal.

Luis Enrique’s team is aiming for improvement in the Champions League group stage. In the last edition, PSG finished 15th and faced a tougher draw, taking on Brest (FRA), Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal before reaching the final against Inter Milan.

Brazilian Highlights on the Pitch 🇧🇷

Photo: FC Barcelona/Press Release

In addition to the big matchups, the first round of the Champions League also brings special attention to Brazilian players. Eleven players from Carlo Ancelotti’s most recent call-up will be on the field for the tournament’s debut.

Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal

Defender Gabriel Magalhães is expected to start for Arsenal in the first round. The Gunners visit Athletic Bilbao this Monday at 1:45pm (Brasília time) at San Mamés.

Tottenham vs Villarreal

Back in the national team, striker Richarlison also makes his Champions League debut this Monday at 4pm. Tottenham hosts Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Liverpool vs Atlético de Madrid

Goalkeeper Alisson begins his quest for a second Champions League title this Wednesday at 4pm. In a balanced clash, Liverpool hosts Atlético de Madrid at Anfield Road.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta

As the current Champions League titleholder, defender Marquinhos begins his journey for a second European crown against Atalanta.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

The match with the most national team call-ups will be between Bayern Munich and Chelsea. All the Brazilians are on the Blues’ side: midfielder Andrey Santos and forwards Estêvão and João Pedro.

Club Brugge vs Monaco

Back in the squad list after two years, full-back Caio Henrique makes his competition debut with Monaco, who visit Club Brugge this Thursday at 1:45pm at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

Newcastle United vs Barcelona

With a Brazilian on each side, Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) and Raphinha (Barcelona) face off this Thursday at 4pm at St. James’ Park.

Reunion 👋

Photo: Press Release / Kevin De Bruyne

One of the most anticipated clashes of the group stage is the matchup between Manchester City and Napoli at the Etihad Stadium in England. The match marks the reunion of Belgian Kevin De Bruyne with the Citizens after his departure from the club in this transfer window.

The midfielder played for the team for ten seasons, even becoming captain, and is the eighth player with the most appearances for the Manchester blues, with 422 matches played. The teams meet this Thursday at 4pm (Brasília time).

Alternative Matches 🆚

With four debutants in the Champions League, another highlight of the first round goes to the alternative matches. Bodo/Glimt-NOR, Kairat Almaty-KAZ, Union Saint-Gilloise-BEL, and Pafos-CYP will play their first ever Champions League matches.

See the debutants’ matches

Check out other matches from the first round of the Champions League

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.