The Champions League returns
The new Champions League format generated surprises, excitement, and ultimately a new champion in its debut season.
Paris Saint-Germain won the title with a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final, the largest in the tournament's history. However, the French team came close to being eliminated in the first round, reflecting the level of risk UEFA sought with the reform.
The traditional four-team groups were replaced by a league phase with 36 participants. Each club played a match against eight different opponents, resulting in high-level matches from the start.
Road to glory
The new Champions League format will remain under scrutiny. UEFA sought to increase revenue with more teams and more matches, but also to foster competitiveness and suspense. Last season confirmed that even the biggest-budget clubs were at risk until the final matchdays.
With stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Lamine Yamal in action, expectations remain high for a tournament that combines history, prestige, and the possibility of new names joining the list of winners.
The return of the Champions League marks a new chapter in which every match is decisive.
The experience of Real Madrid, PSG's title defense, the ambition of Bayern Munich and the power of Manchester City, as well as the thirst for revenge of Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan, intersect in a scenario where the margin for error is reduced to a minimum.
Top-level duels
The competition will once again feature clashes between the top teams from its opening matchday. Manchester City will host Napoli on Thursday, the same day Barcelona has a challenging match at Newcastle.
Chelsea, winners of the Club World Cup in the summer, are returning to the continental tournament and will face Bayern Munich, a regular contender, tomorrow.
PSG begins its title defense against Atalanta under pressure to maintain its status, having become champions with a squad built for success. Liverpool, meanwhile, looks to confirm its solidity when it hosts Atlético Madrid, in a rivalry that has already produced memorable chapters in recent editions.
The biggest merengue challenge
The focus of the first matchday will be on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium today. Real Madrid will face Olympique de Marseille, aiming to carry their strong start to the Spanish league season into the continental tournament.
The French star will have another chance to achieve his greatest dream, and this time he'll have a renewed project led by his new coach: Xabi Alonso.
Madrid's new manager is looking to regain the team's strength in Europe. Last season, the Merengues struggled in the league stage and were forced into a direct tie with Manchester City. Now, the goal is clear: finish in the top eight to secure an advantage in the knockout stages.
Alonso has imposed discipline from the start with firm decisions. His substitution of Vinícius in the second round of the league season served as an example of his style.
"Whoever deserves it will play," the coach said upon taking the bench.
After their debut, the white team will face Juventus, Monaco, Liverpool, Olympiacos, Benfica, and Manchester City.
As a reinforcement, the coach has recalled Jude Bellingham, who was recalled after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder following the Club World Cup. Eduardo Camavinga also returned to the squad after suffering a sprained ankle in August. Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger, and Endrick remain in the infirmary.
An uncomfortable rival
Olympique Marseille, for its part, comes into the match with a renewed squad and under the direction of Italian Roberto De Zerbi.
The French club thrashed Lorient 4-0 in their last league match, with strong performances from defenders Benjamin Pavard and Nayef Aguerd, two of their recent signings.
Marseille, the 1993 European champions, have a poor record against Real Madrid, losing four of their previous four matches. Despite this, the French team is looking to make a statement on their visit to the Bernabéu.
Arsenal will also visit Athletic Bilbao, Juventus will host Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham will host Villarreal.— AP
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