Football seasons now start earlier than ever. You picture yourself with soaked feet on a sandy shore, the summer sunset glittering in the distance, while the referee’s whistle cuts through the air, as in the Rayo vs. Alavés match. And until those dates arrive, the September national team break can feel anticlimactic. But that mood shifts on a Tuesday, when the Champions League kicks off.
Tuesday and Wednesday bring the real rhythm of continental football. It is then that the sense of routine returns, even as the windows fog with rain, the temperature drops a few degrees, and trees shed their leaves. The thought of your team winning, the thrill of an opponent’s defeat, and the curiosity about how a familiar English or Italian club is faring all come rushing back.
Manchester City’s claims
The Champions League draws fans in because it awakens these instincts, and every new round stirs memories of past campaigns. In this case, Manchester City—unquestioned champions of the previous season—have finally reached a new peak, thanks to the depth and additions Pep Guardiola has long pursued. Erling Haaland suggested he could do anything, and even hinted at finishing the year by lifting the Ballon d’Or.
City opens its campaign by hosting Red Star on Tuesday, entering the tournament as the favorite to defend its crown. Gundogan and Mahrez left the squad, but reinforcements arrived in Gvardiol, Kovacic, Nunes, and Tissue, all intended to extend City’s dominance. At the heart of the lineup remain Haaland, Bernardo Silva, Grealish, and Rodrigo, with De Bruyne nursing an injury but still a top contender at the continental level.
Five Spanish teams
Spain is represented by five clubs this year, all hopeful that City can be kept at bay until the knockout rounds. Real Madrid, having faltered in the last semi-final against Guardiola’s side, is once again a prime contender. The white club, hosting Union Berlin on Wednesday, leverages its tradition, history, and success as La Liga’s all-time leader in total wins. Yet questions linger about whether the absence of a proven striker can be overcome, even with the safety net provided by Jude Bellingham.
Barcelona appears to be under pressure after a recent period of struggle in Europe. Relegation to the group stage in two consecutive seasons is unacceptable for a club of Barça’s stature. Overcoming this obstacle this season is seen as essential by coach Xavi, who has added Gundogan, Joao Félix, and Cancelo in an effort to push for success. Antwerp stands as the first hurdle this Tuesday on Montjuïc.
Atlético Madrid also feels the need to reach the last sixteen after finishing last in their group last year. Simeone’s squad entered the market with questions after Carrasco’s departure and Lemar’s serious injury this weekend. Still, they face a group that includes Feyenoord, Celtic, and Lazio, with the first clash in Rome on Tuesday.
Sevilla, as Europa League winners, and Real Sociedad, still aiming to break through to the knockout phase, play with lighter pressure but clear intent. Both teams begin on Wednesday; the Andalusians host Lens, while the Basques meet Inter Milan, who are presently second in the standings.
Arsenal, Bayern, PSG…
Three teams outside the immediate spotlight deserve special mention. In the absence of Liverpool and Chelsea, Arsenal stands out as England’s strongest Challenge for European glory, having shown brutal growth under Mikel Arteta and now aiming to reinforce that momentum in the Champions League. Manchester United, though a dip in form, remains a club capable of surprises.
Bayern Munich remains among the contenders. The side has shed some of its once unwavering stability but gains from the arrival of a prolific striker bolster their title bid. On Wednesday, they will meet Manchester United in what many consider the standout fixture of the opening round.
Rounding out the favorites is Paris Saint-Germain, with a squad that has benefited from the changes at Napoli or Inter. Coach Luis Enrique leads a squad navigating a lengthy transition, lacking Messi and Neymar. Mbappé enters the season as a potential figurehead for the club, though recent form remains mixed. A bright start to the campaign, despite eight points from five matches, hints at improvement as autumn unfolds.