The UEFA Champions League group stage is now in full swing, with Matchday 2 serving as a pivotal point for teams to solidify their positions. Accumulating nine points typically guarantees advancement to the knockout rounds. Therefore, clubs that secured victories on Matchday 1 have a prime opportunity to build a significant advantage before Matchday 3, which often marks a clear separation among contenders.
A major storyline for Tuesday sees José Mourinho making his Champions League debut for Benfica against his former club, Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge. Other key Tuesday fixtures include Galatasaray hosting Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt visiting Atlético Madrid. Wednesday`s action is highlighted by an anticipated clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, a true battle of titans.
How to Watch UCL Matchday 2
The second round of group stage matches will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+, with additional selected coverage available on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Pre-match analysis kicks off daily at 12 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, leading into matches at 12:45 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. ET. Post-match analysis will then transition to Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Don`t miss The Golazo Show on Paramount+, and tune into CBS Sports Golazo Network for The Champions Club (also simulcast on YouTube) and Scoreline for complete wrap-ups.
Complete Matchday 2 Schedule (U.S. Eastern Times)
Tuesday, September 30
| Match/Program | Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Matchday Coverage | 12 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Atalanta vs. Club Brugge | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Kirat Almaty vs. Real Madrid | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today | 2:00 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Pafos vs. Bayern Munich | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| Inter vs. Slavia Praha | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Chelsea vs. Benfica | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Galatasaray vs. Liverpool | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Marseille vs. Ajax | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Atletico Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Wednesday, October 1
| Match/Program | Time | How to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Matchday Coverage | 12 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Qarabag vs. Copenhagen | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle United | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today | 2 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Borussia Dortmund vs. Athletic Club | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| Villarreal vs. Juventus | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Arsenal vs. Olympiacos | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Monaco vs. Manchester City | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs. PSV | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Napoli vs. Sporting Club Portugal | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
Tuesday`s Key Matchups & Storylines
Mourinho`s Return to Stamford Bridge
José Mourinho, famously known as `The Special One`, makes a nostalgic return to Stamford Bridge, a stadium where he enjoyed two successful spells managing Chelsea, securing numerous domestic titles. Now at the helm of Benfica, his mission is to guide them through the group stage. Chelsea, currently struggling with Cole Palmer sidelined by injury and a winless streak in four of their last five matches, faces a critical encounter. Both teams suffered opening day defeats, making a victory here crucial for their progression hopes.
Atlético Madrid`s Momentum vs. Frankfurt`s Young Talent
Atlético Madrid aims to build on their recent derby triumph, a commanding 5-2 home victory over Real Madrid featuring a Julian Álvarez brace. They now host Eintracht Frankfurt, often considered a dark horse in the tournament, in what promises to be a high-scoring affair. Frankfurt arrives with momentum, having netted six goals against Borussia Mönchengladbach over the weekend, fueled by 19-year-old sensation Can Uzun. Uzun, with six goals and four assists across all competitions, is quickly emerging as a top young talent, potentially following Hugo Ekitike as Frankfurt`s next major transfer. After a third-place Bundesliga finish last season, Frankfurt has ambitions to reach the top eight in the Champions League group stage, and an away win against Atlético would significantly bolster those aspirations.
Wednesday`s Key Matchups & Storylines
Yamal`s Impact as Barcelona Meets PSG
The return of Lamine Yamal, marked by a decisive assist against Real Sociedad, provides a timely boost for Barcelona. Despite Raphinha`s absence, they face Paris Saint-Germain in a fixture worthy of a later stage knockout round. PSG`s intense pressing strategy, under Luis Enrique, could challenge Barcelona`s potent attack. However, with Ousmane Dembélé also missing, neither side will be at full strength, setting the stage for an intriguing battle. While Barcelona has shown defensive vulnerabilities and PSG has had mixed scoring form in their domestic league, this encounter will determine which European powerhouse claims superiority.
American Talent in Leverkusen vs. PSV
This fixture could feature a notable American presence as Bayer Leverkusen hosts PSV. Malik Tillman, now with Leverkusen, will encounter his former club, PSV, whom he left this summer. Despite an upturn in form post-Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen conceded points in their opening Champions League match. PSV, meanwhile, suffered a disappointing loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, marked by Ricardo Pepi conceding a penalty. Both teams are eager for redemption and a crucial three points, especially given that this match was initially seen as a winnable fixture for both.
