The Champions League league phase is underway, and Tuesday’s opening slate delivered the spectacle that makes Europe’s premier club competition unmatched. Real Madrid hosted Inter Milan in a Bernabéu rematch of last season’s knockout thriller, easing to a 2-1 victory. Arsenal have an intriguing challenge awaiting them against Napoli on Wednesday.
This opening matchweek spans three days—Tuesday through Thursday—with six matches per day as all 36 clubs in the expanded league phase begin an eight-game round robin on the road to the knockout playoffs. The format invites chaos and drama in equal measure, and Matchday 1 sets the tone for the season.
Tuesday’s action also includes Club Brugge versus Aston Villa and Lille against Real Betis, but the spotlight remained on the Bernabéu, where Real Madrid sought to make a statement in their home opener.
Below are the expert picks for this matchday:
Wednesday
Game of the Day: Napoli vs Arsenal
Player to watch: Riccardo Calafiori, Arsenal: Back in Italy, Calafiori arrives in Naples carrying strong praise for his early-season impact, including assists against Coventry City and Aston Villa. “Far and away the best left back in the Premier League,” said Jamie Carragher. No exaggeration there. — James Benge
Man of the match: Christos Tzolis, Arsenal: The Greek winger has been one of the early-season surprises, shining in the opening rounds with three assists across four matches in all competitions. The Champions League gives him another stage to impress, though doing so at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against Napoli presents a serious challenge. Napoli conceded too much space in the second half of their 3-2 loss to Inter at San Siro, underscoring that Massimiliano Allegri’s new cycle remains very much a work in progress. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Napoli 0, Arsenal 2: Arsenal know exactly who they are, and most sides will struggle to devise a winning plan against them. The Gunners return to the Champions League with renewed confidence, which will be on full display as they aim to end a long trophy drought in Europe. For now, there is little reason to bet against them, so expect a serious start to their campaign. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Both teams to score (-126): Anything can happen in this fixture, particularly with Scott McTominay missing for Napoli, but both sides will create attacking opportunities. Arsenal have been clinical in front of goal, while Napoli still boast Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating from deep, making this a match worth watching closely. — Charles Booth
Thursday
Game of the Day: Manchester United vs Sabah FK
Player to watch: Orphe Mbina, Sabah: Sabah may be one of the least familiar names in this Champions League field, a club founded just nine years ago that now faces Manchester United at Old Trafford. Mbina’s numbers are eye-catching, averaging over six shots per 90 minutes in qualifying, largely coming off the bench before scoring the decisive goal against Hapoel Be’er Sheva to reach the league phase. — James Benge
Man of the match: Bryan Mbuemo, Manchester United: After scoring three goals in the opening matches, Mbuemo is set to make his Champions League debut against Sabah in a must-win outing for the Red Devils. He must perform at a Champions League level, with Michael Carrick relying on him alongside Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko in attack. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Manchester United 3, Sabah 0: Questions remain over Manchester United’s overall form this season, but they will be heavy favorites against Azerbaijan’s surprise champions, who could face a brutal welcome to European competition at Old Trafford. Expect a comfortable home win before the Manchester derby adds fresh pressure later in the week. — Pardeep Cattry
Best bet: Manchester United to score over 1.5 goals in the first half (+118): Keep an eye on lineups, as it’s unclear how Manchester United will field this side. It’s their Champions League return at Old Trafford, giving Michael Carrick reason to start his strongest attackers, though a Manchester derby looms over the weekend and changes are possible. Either way, United will want an early start, making their first-half over 1.5 goals a sharper bet than the steep full-game total of 3.5. — Charles Booth
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