Champions League: Top 6 Games to Watch

The Champions League is back with a bang! The league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicks off on 16 September, bringing us a fresh format where 36 teams will compete in the league phase instead of the old group stage system.

Under the new format all 36 teams are in one league table, making every game count even more. With so many mouth-watering fixtures lined up, here are the six matches you absolutely cannot miss in the opening round.

1. Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal

September 16, 2025

This one’s special for Athletic Club fans. Athletic Club kick off their first UCL main draw campaign in over a decade, making their return to Europe’s biggest stage after years of waiting.

Arsenal arrive with plenty of new firepower. Much is expected from an Arsenal side featuring new signings Viktor Gyokeres up front, along with Eberechi Eze and Zubimendi adding creativity and steel to their squad. On the Athletic side, the Inaki brothers will be off to cause an upset at home.

These teams did meet recently though – in the Emirates Cup Final where Arsenal won 3-0 just a month ago on 09.08.2025. But cup friendlies are very different from Champions League nights, and Athletic at San Mames is always a tough proposition.

2. Real Madrid vs Marseille

September 16, 2025

Real’s golden times return under their new boss. New manager Xabi Alonso has guided them to four wins from four games this term, including a impressive 2-1 win over Real Sociedad with Arda Guler and Kylian Mbappe scoring despite being down to 10 men due to a red card.

Marseille arrive off the back of a comfortable 4-0 win over Lorient in Ligue 1, with Mason Greenwood shining in their attack. History isn’t on their side though – the teams last met in the 2009 CL campaign where Real Madrid beat them twice, scoring 3 goals in each battle.

3. Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

September 17, 2025

Bayern come into this one unbeaten since the start of the new season, having just demolished Bundesliga newcomers Hamburg 5-0. Harry Kane is in exceptional form and looks hungry for Champions League success with his club.

On the other hand, Chelsea, the world champions, are unbeaten since the Club World Cup and will be trying to surprise Bayern at home.

The last time Bayern hosted Chelsea in a Champions league campaign was in 2020, when Bayern won 4-1. But Chelsea have many new signings such as Joao Pedro and Estevao who will definitely make this competitive.

4. Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

September 17, 2025

Liverpool saved all three points in the Premier League against Burnley with Salah converting a late penalty, meaning they are unbeaten since the Community Shield loss against Crystal Palace. They’ll host Atletico, who are coming off a comfortable 2-0 win over Villarreal in La Liga.

Both teams have plenty of talent on show, and we might see Alexander Isak’s brilliance light up Anfield. This promises to be a tactical battle between two very different styles.