The UEFA Champions League 2025 is back, and Matchday 1 delivers high-profile clashes with historic rivalries. With 36 teams competing in the league phase, football fans can expect thrilling games such as Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund, Bayern vs Chelsea, and Ajax vs Inter. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats and storylines for every Champions League Matchday 1 fixture.
Champions League 2025 Matchday 1 Overview
The Champions League group stage begins with exciting encounters across Europe. From Real Madrid chasing milestones to debutants Union Saint-Gilloise and Pafos making history, each match offers unique narratives. All games kick off at 21:00 CET unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, 16 September Fixtures
Athletic Club vs Arsenal (18:45 CET)
Athletic Club return to the Champions League for the first time since 2014/15. The Basque side have been dominant at home in recent European campaigns, winning 14 of their last 18 matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last eight Matchday 1 fixtures and have lost only two of their last 22 Champions League games.
PSV Eindhoven vs Union Saint-Gilloise (18:45 CET)
PSV boast an 11-game unbeaten streak at home in European competition, scoring in 16 consecutive home matches. Ivan Perišić remains a key attacking threat. Union SG make their Champions League debut but arrive with confidence, having beaten Dutch clubs FC Twente and Ajax last season in the Europa League.
Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund
This clash revisits the 1997 Champions League final, won by Dortmund 3-1. Juventus, however, have historically dominated the German side with six wins in nine meetings. New signing Jonathan David has been lethal in front of goal, while Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy enters in fine scoring form after netting nine in last season’s group stage.
Real Madrid vs Marseille
Real Madrid aim to reach 200 wins and 700 goals in the competition. They have never lost to Marseille in European play and remain formidable at home. Kylian Mbappé has scored on Matchday 1 in three straight seasons, while Marseille struggle with just three wins in their last 21 Champions League outings.
Benfica vs Qarabağ
Benfica enter their 45th European Cup/Champions League campaign and remain unbeaten this season. Qarabağ, making their second appearance, continue to carry Azerbaijan’s flag at this level. The Portuguese giants are favorites, with a strong defensive record and history of success in opening fixtures.
Tottenham vs Villarreal
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 20 home European matches and will look to extend their dominance. Villarreal, however, have managed wins against English clubs in the past but arrive with a poor overall record. This matchup also carries personal history, with former Spurs players now representing Villarreal.
Wednesday, 17 September Fixtures
Olympiacos vs Pafos (18:45 CET)
Olympiacos make their 36th Champions League appearance, more than any other Greek side. Pafos debut at this stage, becoming just the third Cypriot club to reach the group phase. Both teams enter with strong recent form, setting up an intriguing encounter.
Slavia Praha vs Bodø/Glimt (18:45 CET)
A historic first-ever Champions League matchup between Czech and Norwegian teams. Slavia seek their first win in seven European games, while Bodø/Glimt make their group-stage debut after last year’s Europa League semi-final run.
Ajax vs Inter
A repeat of the 1972 European Cup final, this fixture renews an iconic rivalry. Ajax struggle historically against Italian opposition, while Inter are unbeaten in their last 13 European games versus Dutch teams. Key milestones await Inter players Yann Sommer and Nicolò Barella.
Bayern München vs Chelsea
This is a rematch of the 2012 Champions League final. Bayern boast a 34-game unbeaten streak at home in the group phase and have won their opening match in 21 consecutive campaigns. Chelsea, however, have found success against German sides and remain a dangerous opponent.
Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid
Liverpool hold a perfect recent record at home, with 14 consecutive European home wins. Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz lead the Reds’ attack. Atlético, meanwhile, have struggled against English sides but are known for resilience under Diego Simeone.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta
Paris hold a dominant record against Italian opposition and previously eliminated Atalanta in 2020. The French champions rarely lose on Matchday 1, while Atalanta have proven strong away from home, unbeaten in their last eight European away fixtures.
Thursday, 18 September Fixtures
Club Brugge vs Monaco (18:45 CET)
Club Brugge enter with excellent home form, while Monaco aim to continue their strong opening-match record. Both sides are known for high-scoring games, making this clash unpredictable.
Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen (18:45 CET)
Copenhagen boast solid home form but face an in-form Leverkusen side that impressed with a 4-0 win on Matchday 1 last season. The German club remain favorites with 11 wins in their last 16 group games.
Frankfurt vs Galatasaray
Frankfurt return to the Champions League with strong home support. Galatasaray, however, struggle in away fixtures and have only one win in their last 17 group matches. Goals are likely, with both sides regularly finding the net.
Manchester City vs Napoli
Manchester City remain dominant at home, unbeaten in their last 21 group matches. Erling Haaland is on the verge of 50 Champions League goals. Napoli, meanwhile, have not won in 10 away games against English teams but are strong in opening fixtures.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
This historic tie recalls Newcastle’s famous 3-2 win in 1997. Barcelona, however, hold the overall head-to-head advantage and have lost just two of their last 17 group-stage games against English sides. Lewandowski and Raphinha remain goal threats.
Sporting CP vs Kairat Almaty
Sporting look to bounce back from a poor recent Champions League run, while Kairat become just the second Kazakh club to appear in the group stage. The Portuguese side remain favorites but must be wary of Kairat’s defensive solidity.
What’s Next: Champions League Matchday 2
Matchday 2 promises more excitement with newcomers Pafos hosting Bayern and Kairat welcoming Real Madrid. Fans will also see Tottenham face Bodø/Glimt and Barcelona clash with PSG in a repeat of one of Europe’s most iconic rivalries.
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