The league phase of the 2025-26 Champions League season is set to commence this week, with Europe`s elite clubs vying for club football`s most prestigious trophy. The initial 18 matches will unfold over three days, dedicating the entire week to this premier competition before the Europa League and Conference League begin later in the month. Defending champions PSG, despite facing several injuries, will host Atalanta at the Parc des Princes. Meanwhile, Kevin de Bruyne is anticipated to make his return at the Etihad Stadium when Napoli visits Manchester City on Tuesday. Let`s delve into the current status of some European giants.
PSG Faces Injury Woes Ahead of Title Defense
Paris Saint-Germain will launch their Champions League campaign against Atalanta in Paris on Wednesday. Luis Enrique`s squad aims to defend the title they secured last season with an impressive 5-0 final victory against Inter, marking the club`s inaugural Champions League triumph. However, recent league play saw key players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lucas Beraldo, and Kang-In Lee suffer injuries, putting their participation against Atalanta in doubt, alongside other injured players Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. Despite these setbacks, PSG remains one of Europe`s top teams, possessing ample quality to overcome Ivan Juric`s side.
Napoli Carries Momentum into Clash with De Bruyne`s Returning City
Antonio Conte`s Napoli secured a 3-1 victory against Fiorentina on Saturday, placing them atop the Serie A table with nine points from three matches. The Azzurri have successfully continued their strong form from the end of the 2024-25 season, which saw them clinch a historic fourth Scudetto. Thursday`s match against Manchester City will also mark the anticipated return of Kevin de Bruyne to the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian midfielder has already netted two goals in the opening three Serie A matches. De Bruyne, a figure synonymous with a golden era at Manchester, will experience an emotional night, offering Citizens fans a chance to witness his return in their home stadium—a truly surreal moment.
Inter Milan Struggles Early in the Season
Cristian Chivu`s Inter Milan side is already encountering difficulties, having lost their last two Serie A fixtures against Udinese and Juventus. The defeat against Juventus particularly exposed the team`s vulnerabilities; despite a decent performance, they conceded four goals in a crucial match against their historic rivals in Turin. If Inter fails to secure a victory against Ajax this Wednesday, the position of the 2010 Champions League winner as coach could be in jeopardy.
Real Madrid Continues Dominant Form
Real Madrid, under new Spanish manager Xabi Alonso, has seamlessly transitioned into a new era after Carlo Ancelotti`s departure this summer. The Blancos have started their LaLiga campaign with four consecutive wins, currently leading the standings. While many things have changed, Real Madrid steadfastly remains a prime contender for the European title, having already lifted it a record 15 times. The question now is: can they add a 16th?
Salah Rescues Liverpool in Tense Opener
Liverpool experienced a challenging match on Sunday, securing a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a last-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah. Salah`s crucial intervention saved Arne Slot`s team. Having commenced the Premier League season with four consecutive wins, Liverpool now enters Europe with high expectations. Following last year`s heartbreaking Round of 16 exit to PSG on penalties, they are determined to advance further this season, starting with their Wednesday clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
