Champions League Week 1 Preview: Liverpool Host Atlético, Arsenal at Athletic Club, Barça Eye Redemption

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The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League phase kicks off this week (16–18 September), with Europe’s giants chasing early momentum in a new season of continental drama. UEFA confirmed the full Matchday 1 fixtures and kickoff times on 10 September, setting up a trio of headline clashes involving Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid: Tactical Titans at Anfield

On Wednesday 17 September at 21:00 CET, Anfield will witness another classic as Liverpool face Atlético Madrid in Group B. Arne Slot’s Liverpool enter in strong form, four wins from four in the Premier League, rotating midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones to keep energy high. Goals have flowed — 11 in total — as Slot looks to maintain Klopp-era intensity with fresh tactical tweaks.

Diego Simeone’s Atlético, meanwhile, arrive wounded from a poor La Liga start (two points from three matches) but remain as tactically disciplined as ever. Their track record in Europe’s group stages — clean sheets in half of their away ties last season — makes them dangerous opponents. Memories linger of Atlético’s extra-time triumph at Anfield in 2020, raising expectations for another cagey, tactical battle.

Arsenal’s Road Return: Athletic Club Test

Arsenal, back among Europe’s elite, open away at San Mamés against Athletic Club on Tuesday 16 September (18:45 CET). Mikel Arteta’s men sit high in the Premier League after an emphatic 5-0 win over Leeds, though a late 1-0 defeat at Liverpool exposed defensive vulnerabilities. The Gunners will need captain Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to prise open a compact Athletic defence that has conceded just one goal per home match this season.

Athletic, buoyed by three wins in their first four La Liga games, bring energy and resilience. For Arsenal, the trip to Bilbao doubles as both a celebration of their return and a stern test of their title credentials.

Barcelona’s Away Mission: Newcastle United Fixture

Barcelona travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United on Thursday 18 September at 21:00 CET, seeking redemption after a turbulent recent campaign.

Xavi’s side boast a 21-game unbeaten La Liga run, driven by Robert Lewandowski’s finishing and teenager Lamine Yamal’s flair. Yet Newcastle, though inconsistent domestically, thrive at home and relish upsetting Europe’s giants. Barça must control possession while handling Newcastle’s direct pace to avoid an early setback.

Other Group Stage Highlights

• Real Madrid vs Olympique Marseille (16 Sept, 21:00 CET): Los Blancos chase a 16th title, hosting a Marseille team that reached last season’s knockout playoffs.

• Bayern Munich vs Chelsea (17 Sept, 21:00 CET): Vincent Kompany’s Bayern meet Enzo Maresca’s rejuvenated Chelsea in a clash of new philosophies. Harry Kane and Cole Palmer headline the duel.

• Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta (17 Sept, 21:00 CET): Defending champions PSG start their title defence without Ousmane Dembélé. Randal Kolo Muani and Marco Asensio step up as Atalanta eye an upset.
  

Financial Stakes

Beyond glory, Europe’s elite chase the competition’s financial rewards. Clubs can net upwards of €50 million from league-phase revenues alone — through participation fees, broadcast rights, and gate receipts. Reaching the knockouts magnifies returns, fuelling player signings and stadium investments.

Zimbabwean Fan Zones

In Harare and Bulawayo, football bars and lounges are bracing for capacity crowds. The Londoners in Avondale and Bulawayo’s premium sports lounges expect fully booked tables, with DStv SuperSport showing live coverage. Champions League nights remain marquee events for Zimbabwean fans, blending global football with local passion.

Outlook:For Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona, Week 1 results will shape momentum. But from Madrid to Munich and Paris to Newcastle, every club begins the same journey — chasing Europe’s most coveted crown.