The new UEFA Champions League season kicks off on September 8. The now-familiar single league phase brings together 36 of Europe’s best teams, with each one playing eight matches against different opponents. Matchday 1 promises a serious test for the favorites, while the Champions League fixtures September 2026 already feature several high-profile matchups.
09/08
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: The Headline Clash of Matchday 1
Two clubs with a rich European history will meet at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid begin their quest for a long-awaited 16th title after two consecutive quarterfinal exits. Jose Mourinho’s team comes into the game following a surprising defeat to Real Betis, so their European opener is the perfect opportunity to regain confidence quickly. They will be up against the club Mourinho led to UEFA Champions League glory in 2010.
The biggest threat to Inter is the duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Still, the visitors have attacking threats of their own: Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram are capable of punishing any mistake. Inter have won all three of their opening Serie A games this season but have lost their last four UEFA Champions League encounters with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Inter Milan prediction: Real Madrid to win – 1.64, draw – 4.52, Inter – 5.13.
09/08
Porto vs Manchester City: Maresca’s First European Test
Another big matchup on September 8 takes place at the Estadio do Dragao. For the first time in years, Manchester City begins a European campaign without Pep Guardiola, giving Enzo Maresca the chance to make his mark on club football’s biggest stage.
City have won their first three Premier League matches, and while Erling Haaland may have changed his hairstyle, he is still terrorizing opposing defenses. Porto are also unbeaten and have won all five of their league games, but Francesco Farioli’s team now faces opposition of a completely different caliber.
AfroPari odds: Porto – 4.72, draw – 4.12, Manchester City – 1.75.
09/09
Barcelona vs Feyenoord: A New European Campaign for the Catalans
Barcelona face Feyenoord at Camp Nou on September 9. Hansi Flick’s team have made a perfect start to the season, thrashing Valencia 5-0 with a brace from Lamine Yamal to move clear at the top of the La Liga standings.
Feyenoord are on a 14-game unbeaten run in the Eredivisie, but a trip to Catalonia will be a completely different test. The Dutch side are set to face one of the leading favorites to win the UEFA Champions League.
AfroPari odds: Barcelona – 1.1, draw – 13, Feyenoord – 15.
09/09
Napoli vs Arsenal: A Chess Match Between Two Philosophies
Arsenal begin another European campaign after the painful defeat in last season’s UEFA Champions League final, but this time with the long-awaited Premier League trophy in their cabinet. Mikel Arteta’s team have won every game at the start of the season, while Napoli are going through a difficult spell under their new manager.
A striking example of Napoli’s inconsistency came in their latest defeat to Inter, when they surrendered a two-goal lead.
Massimiliano Allegri and Arteta promise a fascinating tactical duel, while the high-profile matchup between Kevin De Bruyne and Bukayo Saka adds further intrigue to the contest.
AfroPari odds: Napoli – 4.82, draw – 3.8, Arsenal – 1.8.
09/09
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: A Test for Iraola
Anfield hosts Atletico Madrid in another blockbuster matchup on September 9. Liverpool finally earned their first win under Andoni Iraola thanks to an Alexander Isak brace against Ipswich, but the Merseyside club have looked unconvincing overall.
Things have been less stable for Atletico, not only after their heavy 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but also due to attacking absences and the controversy surrounding star player Julián Álvarez’s failed move to Barça during the summer transfer window.
The big question is whether Diego Simeone can overcome all the problems that have come his way. With a matchup like this, Champions League predictions matchday 1 promise to be especially interesting.
AfroPari odds: Liverpool – 1.73, draw – 4.22, Atletico – 4.73.
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