The UEFA Champions League formally made a much-anticipated return on Tuesday, and this season’s competitors will not be like those that got here earlier than it.
The switch to the Swiss-system format provides extra groups, extra video games and extra days of competitors to the schedule, all with the hopes of accelerating the competitiveness as early because the league section, which replaces the group stage. When it comes to fixtures alone, Matchday 1 lives as much as the billing with a handful of thrilling video games to kick off the competitors. Liverpool’s journey to AC Milan noticed a Christian Pulisic aim, however Liverpool simply overcame it in a 3-1 win whereas Kylian Mbappe made his Champions League debut in a Actual Madrid shirt advert scored in a 3-1 win over Stuttgart.
On Wednesday, English and Italian champions Manchester Metropolis and Inter confronted off and held one another scoreless in a tense draw whereas PSG wanted a late keeper error to get by Girona. The Champions League motion continues on Thursday with Arsenal touring to Europa League champions Atalanta and Bundesliga winners Bayer Leverkusen return to the competitors with a visit to Feyenoord whereas Barcelona tackle Monaco.
The CBS Sports activities staff affords their knowledgeable picks and predictions. Have a look beneath.
Do not miss any of the Champions League. As all the time, you may catch all of our protection throughout Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network all season lengthy.
Listed below are our knowledgeable picks for this matchday:
Thursday
Recreation of the day: AS Monaco vs. Barcelona
Participant to look at: Raphinha: Maybe nobody in European soccer had a greater weekend than Raphinha, scorer of three and supplier of one other as Actual Valladolid had been put to the sword on the Olympic Stadium. The Brazilian’s place at Barcelona has not all the time appeared safe since he arrived from Leeds United, however he appears to have met an excellent match in Hansi Flick, who has liberated him in additional central positions. — James Benge
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal: The Spanish gem was the person of the match on Sunday towards Girona as he scored a brace within the fifth win in a row for the facet coached by Hansi Flick, who has had an excellent begin of the season thus far. The Blaugrana will make their worldwide debut towards Monaco and there are actually many expectations round them and the teenage Spanish attacker, who is predicted to be one of many stars of the Champions League season. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Monaco 1-2 Barcelona: Few are giving Les Monegasques an opportunity on this one given Barca’s begin to the season in La Liga. Though the Catalan giants are robust favorites to win, the principality outfit’s continental pedigree shouldn’t be forgotten and it is a good probability for Adi Hutter’s facet to indicate that in entrance of a uncommon robust turnout of supporters at Stade Louis II. Nothing says a giant European recreation just like the often sparsely populated however all the time picturesque venue being full to the rafters and that would support Monaco in operating the Blaugrana shut. — Jonathan Johnson
Greatest guess: Barcelona to attain in each halves (+154): Beneath Flick, Barcelona have been scoring early and sometimes in video games. They solely know one pace and it is all out assault so the objectives will move on this one. I used to be between the over 3.5 however took a barely safer route for Barcelona to web one aim in every half. — Charles Sales space
Do not miss CBS Sports activities Golazo Community’s Morning Footy, now in podcast kind! Our crew brings you all of the information, views, highlights and laughs it’s essential observe the Lovely Recreation in each nook of the globe, each Monday-Friday all yr lengthy.
