The UEFA Champions League returns this week with a packed opening round featuring heavyweight clashes, major reunions and some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Tuesday’s headline fixture sees Real Madrid host Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Jose Mourinho facing both his former club and a familiar Champions League stage.
Mourinho previously managed Inter from 2008 to 2010, leading them to the Champions League title in 2010.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta said the Bernabéu clash carried special significance.
“When we talk about the Champions League, the charm and the emotion are always there,” Marotta said.
Elsewhere, Manchester City travel to Porto, Borussia Dortmund host Villarreal, Aston Villa visit Club Brugge and Lille face Real Betis.
Wednesday brings another major showdown as Napoli host Arsenal.
Napoli’s Antonio Vergara said the club was eager to test itself against Europe’s best.
“We can’t wait to experience the fantastic atmosphere of Champions League nights. We want to do well in Europe,” he said.
Liverpool also host Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with Diego Simeone backing his side to impose themselves.
“We will face a tough opponent but we have the intention of bringing the game to where we want it to go,” Simeone said.
Barcelona face Feyenoord, while defending champions Paris Saint-Germain take on Slovan Bratislava.
Thursday’s action includes Bayern Munich against Bodo-Glimt, Roma away to Fenerbahce and PSV against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Manchester United also begin their campaign against Sabah.
United chief executive Omar Berrada said Champions League football remained central to the club’s ambitions.
“This is a competition that we think we need to be playing in every season,” he said.
With Madrid, Inter, City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern and United all in action, Matchday 1 offers an immediate test for Europe’s biggest clubs.
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