Champions League Matchday 1 (16/9/25): Possible line-ups and injuries
The new "league phase" of the UEFA Champions League is back, kicking off with a slate of must-watch matchups. This second season with the 36-club single table format means teams must secure crucial points early to avoid the knockout play-offs. Today's games will set the stage for a new-look tournament where every result holds significant weight.
As the UEFA Champions League returns for Matchday 1, the new "league phase" format is set to kick off with some thrilling matchups. With 36 teams vying for a spot in the knockout rounds, every point matters. Today's games feature powerhouse clubs and rising stars from across Europe, all looking to make a strong statement right out of the gate.
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The new format means an even playing field for clubs like Arsenal, who are dealing with a significant injury crisis, and teams like Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, who are looking to re-establish their dominance. Meanwhile, fans will be eager to see the highly anticipated debut of Kylian Mbappé for Real Madrid in a competitive setting. The action promises to deliver drama and high-stakes football from the very first whistle.
Tuesday 16 September
Athletic Club vs Arsenal (18:45 CET)
Arsenal, dealing with a significant injury list, faces a tough test on the road against Athletic Club. The Gunners will be without key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, forcing manager Mikel Arteta to rely on new faces to get a result. Athletic Club, playing at home, will be eager to take advantage of Arsenal's weakened squad and get their Champions League campaign off to a flying start.
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Athletic Club: Simón; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Yuri; De Galarreta, Jauregizar, Sancet; I. Williams, Berenguer, Sannadi
Out: N. Williams (muscular), Prados (knee)
Doubtful: Lekue (muscular)
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Merino, Rice; Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli
Out: Saka (hamstring), Havertz (knee), Ødegaard (shoulder), White (unspecified)
Doubtful: None
PSV Eindhoven vs Union Saint-Gilloise (18:45 CET)
PSV Eindhoven and Union Saint-Gilloise face off in a match that could prove crucial for both teams' hopes. PSV, known for their attacking flair, will look to impose their style on the Belgian side. Union Saint-Gilloise, however, has proven to be a resilient team and will be confident in their ability to cause an upset on the road.
PSV Eindhoven: Kovář; Dest, Flamingo, Schouten, Sildillia; Saibari, Til, Veerman; Perišić, Pepi, Van Bommel
Out: Mauro Júnior (ankle)
Doubtful: Obispo (head)
Union Saint-Gilloise: Scherpen; Sykes, Leysen, Burgess; Khalaili, Rasmussen, Zorgane, Niang; David, Ait El Hadj, Rodríguez
Out: Raul Florucz (suspended), Van de Perre (back), Boufal (hamstring), Fuseini (ankle)
Doubtful: Burgess (foot), Mac Allister (muscular)
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Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund (21:00 CET)
In one of the most anticipated matchups of the day, two European giants clash as Juventus hosts Borussia Dortmund. Juventus, with an impressive defensive lineup, will face a tough test against Dortmund's new attacking trio. Both teams having multiple players out due to injury.
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Gatti, Bremer, Kelly; Kalulu, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso, Koopmeiners; Kenan Yıldız; David
Out: Miretti (thigh)
Doubtful: Francisco Conceição (muscular), Zhegrova (fitness)
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini; Couto, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier
Out: Can (thigh), Fábio Silva (hamstring), Gross (illness), Schlotterbeck (knee), Süle (calf)
Doubtful: Anselmino (fitness), Brandt (wrist)
Real Madrid vs Marseille (21:00 CET)
All eyes will be on the Bernabéu as Kylian Mbappé makes his Champions League debut for Real Madrid. With a star-studded lineup that includes Rodrygo and Arda Güler, Madrid will be a formidable opponent for Marseille.
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Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Alaba, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Mastantuono, Güler, Rodrygo; Mbappé
Out: Bellingham (shoulder), Endrick (hamstring), Mendy (thigh), Rüdiger (thigh)
Doubtful: Camavinga (fitness)
Marseille: Rulli; Murillo, Pavard, Balerdi, Emerson; Kondogbia, Højbjerg; Greenwood, Nadir, Weah; Aubameyang
Out: Aguerd (concussion)
Doubtful: Gouiri (shoulder)
Benfica vs Qarabağ (21:00 CET)
Benfica, a perennial contender, will start their campaign at home against Qarabağ. Benfica will be without a few key players due to injury but will still be heavily favored to win. Qarabağ will have to produce a near-perfect performance to have a chance against the Portuguese champions.
Benfica: Trubin; Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, António Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Rios; Aursnes, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Out: Bah (knee), Manu Silva (knee), Nuno Félix (knee), Bruma (achilles), Lukebakio (fitness)
Doubtful: Dedić (knee)
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Qarabağ: Kochalski; Silva, Mmaee, Medina, Cafarguliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade, Kady Borges, Zoubir; Durán
Out: Akhundzade (calf)
Doubtful: None
Tottenham vs Villarreal (21:00 CET)
Tottenham and Villarreal will face off in what should be an exciting matchup. Tottenham will be without striker Dominic Solanke, but with a dynamic offense that includes Richarlison and Xavi Simons, they will be looking for a convincing home win. Villarreal, meanwhile, will look to surprise their opponent with a well-organized defense and a tactical game plan to neutralize Tottenham's attack.
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons
Out: Solanke (ankle)
Doubtful: None
Villarreal: Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Pépé, Gueye, Comesaña, Buchanan; Ayoze Pérez, Mikautadze
Out: Kambwala (hamstring), Gerard Moreno (hamstring)
Doubtful: None
