UEFA Champions League preview for September 19
The new UEFA Champions League league phase kicked off on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, with all 36 teams in action over three days.
The revamped format promises excitement and unpredictability as teams battle it out to advance in this elite European competition. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining Matchday 1 fixtures on Thursday, 19 September, with key storylines and stats:
Thursday, 19 September
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen
Feyenoord’s new coach, Brian Priske, is curious to see how the new league phase format will impact the competition. On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen, last season’s Bundesliga champions and domestic cup winners, are keen to showcase their dominance in Europe under Xabi Alonso.
Did you know?
Feyenoord has lost to Roma in Europe over the past three seasons, including the Conference League final and Europa League knockout rounds.
Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica
Crvena Zvezda, led by Uroš Spajić, secured a memorable win against Bodø/Glimt to qualify for the group stage. They now face a tough task against Benfica, who are seasoned campaigners in the Champions League and have only lost three times in their last 17 away games in this competition.
Did you know?
Crvena Zvezda and Benfica last met in the 1984/85 European Cup, where Benfica triumphed 4-3 on aggregate.
Monaco vs Barcelona
Monaco’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, is excited about their Champions League campaign and their goal of reaching the play-offs. Barcelona, perennial favourites, will aim to kick off their campaign with a win against the French side.
Did you know?
Monaco has only lost twice in their last nine home European games.
Atalanta vs Arsenal
Atalanta has faced Premier League opposition in previous campaigns but will look to build on last season’s success when they thrashed Liverpool 3-0 in the Europa League. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, will be a formidable opponent with their polished team.
Did you know?
Atalanta was the only team to defeat Bayer Leverkusen last season in all competitions, doing so in the Europa League final.
Atlético Madrid vs Leipzig
Young Belgian talent Arthur Vermeeren, who debuted in the Champions League a year ago, will look to shine for Leipzig against his former club Atlético Madrid in this league phase opener.
Did you know?
Leipzig won 2-1 against Atlético in their only previous meeting, in the 2019/20 Champions League quarter-final.
Brest vs Sturm Graz
Brest’s fairytale journey continues as they make their first-ever UEFA competition appearance, following a remarkable third-place finish in Ligue 1 last season. Sturm Graz will look to replicate their success after ending Salzburg’s ten-year dominance in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Did you know?
This is Brest’s debut in UEFA competition, while Sturm Graz returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2000/01.
Nigerian Stars to Watch
Nigeria Super Eagles stars, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and Ademola Lookman will be in action for their respective clubs today.
Boniface and Tella will face Feyenord with Bayer Leverkusen while Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman will be the cynosure of eyes when Atalanta take on Arsenal.
