The Champions League returns this week. Lights down, cue the music…
For the first two matchweeks of the league phase, the action is spread over three nights, meaning more opportunity for fans to get to watch the cream of the continent.
Here, we cast our eye over Tuesday’s action and offer some thoughts as to what might happen.
Athletic Bilbao v Arsenal (1745)
Two sides that have won three from four in their domestic leagues go head to head in what should be a fantastic atmosphere at San Mames.
Arsenal appear better equipped than last season when they reached the semi-finals. Their summer recruitment means more strength in depth while they also possess a centre-forward in Viktor Gyokeres who has already proved he can do it on the biggest stage.
Athletic played in the Europa League last season and also reached the last four before going down surprisingly easily to Manchester United.
They lost at home to Alaves at the weekend and will be desperate to get off to a good start in Europe but we can’t see the Gunners returning home empty-handed.
Prediction: Athletic 1-1 Arsenal
PSV v Union SG (1745)
PSV have made a strong start to the defence of their Eredivisie crown achieved after Ajax’s dramatic collapse.
Peter Bosz’s side have won four of their opening five games but their one defeat did come in their last game at the Philips Stadion, a surprise 2-0 reverse against Telstar.
Union SG are equally impressive domestically – the Belgian champions are top once again and will take some stopping.
Difficult one to call but we think the hosts’ greater experience at this level might prove decisive.
Prediction: PSV 2-1 Union SG
Benfica v Qarabag (2000)
Like PSV, Benfica are experienced Champions League campaigners and advanced through the group phase and into the round of 16 last season before running into Barcelona.
They lost their 100 per cent record in the Primeira Liga at the weekend, however, inexplicably conceding an injury-time equaliser to 10-man Santa Clara.
They ought to make amends against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, who have opened the defence of their domestic crown with four points from their first three games. Gurban Gurbanov’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Zira at the weekend.
Prediction: Benfica 2-0 Qarabag
Juventus v Borussia Dortmund (2000)
Fresh from their remarkable Derby d’Italia win over Inter Milan, Juventus will come into this clash full of confidence.
Coach Igor Tudor appears to have reinstilled some of the resilience for which Juve became accustomed and, although they may not have the big names of old, they won’t be pushovers this season.
Dortmund, a bit like Juve, are not the force they once were and have fallen way behind Klassiker rivals Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
They have won their last two in the German top flight but this is a step up in class.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid v Marseille (2000)
You know what you’re going to get from a Roberto De Zerbi side and it should be fascinating to see how his approach works at the Bernabeu.
Madrid will be itching to reclaim the crown they lost to Paris Saint-Germain last season and it would be a major plus for Xabi Alonso if he can prove he can cut it at the elite level as a coach.
With Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga also on the way back from injuries, Madrid appear to be in a good place.
Expect the home side to have plenty of joy in the transitions against an OM side that won’t sit back.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Marseille
Tottenham v Villarreal (2000)
Villarreal’s blistering start to the season has tailed off a touch and they were beaten 2-0 at Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Spurs have largely impressed under Thomas Frank and the North London side now appear to have multiple options in forward areas. If they can get on-loan Randal Kolo Muani firing then they will surprise a few.
Frank is a canny operator and the home team ought to have too much for Villarreal.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Villarreal
