The UEFA Champions League returns on Wednesday with a number of blockbuster fixtures across Europe as some of the continent's biggest clubs begin their quest for glory in the newly formatted league phase.
Barcelona v Feyenoord (18:45)
Barcelona will look to make an early statement when they welcome Feyenoord to Catalunya.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal has extra motivation heading into the encounter, needing two goals to equal Kylian Mbappé's record of 13 Champions League goals scored before the age of 21.
Barca's attacking prowess has been evident since the introduction of the league phase, with the Spanish giants scoring 50 goals, eight more than any other club. However, defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern after failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 Champions League matches.
Feyenoord will fancy their chances of finding the net, having failed to score in only two of their last 15 group stage or league phase games. The Dutch side, though, have struggled against Spanish opposition, losing eight of their last 11 meetings.
Verdict: Barcelona's attacking quality should prove decisive, although Feyenoord are capable of getting on the scoresheet.
Stuttgart v Viking (18:45)
German side Stuttgart begin their second Champions League campaign in three seasons looking to finally claim a Matchday 1 victory after drawing one and losing three of their previous opening fixtures.
They boast an impressive recent home European record, having won all four of their league phase matches in last season's Europa League.
Viking are one of the competition's newcomers and have reached a UEFA group stage or league phase for only the second time in their history. The Norwegians face a difficult challenge, particularly given their poor record against German opposition, with just two wins in 11 meetings.
Verdict: Stuttgart should have too much quality and experience at home.
Paris v Slovan Bratislava
Defending champions Paris begin their title defence against Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava.
Luis Enrique's men are chasing history as they bid to become only the second club in the Champions League era to win three consecutive titles after Real Madrid's famous hat-trick between 2016 and 2018.
Paris have won their opening Champions League match in each of the last four seasons and have conceded no goals in the last three of those victories. Their attacking threat remains formidable, having recorded only one goalless draw in their last 118 European matches.
Slovan arrive in good form after putting together a seven-match unbeaten run in UEFA competition, but memories remain fresh of their difficult 2024/25 league phase campaign in which they lost all eight matches.
Verdict: Anything other than a comfortable Paris victory would be a major surprise.
Liverpool v Atleti
One of the standout fixtures of the evening sees Liverpool host Atlético Madrid at Anfield.
The Reds won the same fixture 3-2 on Matchday 1 last season and have established a formidable record against Spanish opponents, winning their last six league phase matches against LaLiga clubs.
Atlético captain Koke could make his 150th UEFA club competition appearance, while Diego Simeone enters another European campaign as the longest-serving coach among teams in this season's league phase.
Despite Atlético's reputation for resilience, they have never won a Champions League group-stage or league-phase match against English opposition, drawing four and losing six.
Verdict: Expect a tight contest, but Liverpool's strength at Anfield gives them the edge.
Sporting CP v Galatasaray
Sporting CP and Galatasaray meet for the first time despite both clubs being European regulars.
The Portuguese side matched their best-ever European Cup performance last season by reaching the quarterfinals before narrowly losing to Arsenal. They have also enjoyed success against Turkish teams, winning four of their last five meetings.
Galatasaray reached the last 16 last season for the first time since 2013/14 but have struggled both against Portuguese opposition and in opening Champions League fixtures, winning just one of their last ten season openers.
Verdict: Sporting will back themselves to make home advantage count.
Napoli v Arsenal
The final headline clash sees Arsenal travel to Naples for a fascinating battle against Serie A side Napoli.
The Gunners hold the edge in previous meetings, winning three of the four encounters between the clubs. Arsenal also arrive with confidence after reaching last season's final, where they finished runners-up.
Mikel Arteta's side were the competition's defensive benchmark in 2025/26, conceding just seven goals and keeping nine clean sheets while remaining unbeaten in regulation time throughout the tournament.
Napoli will look to their home support for inspiration, but recent form is a concern, with the Italians winning only two of their last ten Champions League matches and losing their last three against English opposition.
Verdict: Arsenal appear better equipped and could leave Naples with all three points.