Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 January
European football returns with a blockbuster two-day Champions League schedule as elite clubs from across the continent prepare for crucial league-phase battles. From Madrid to Munich, Istanbul to Lisbon, fans will witness history, rivalries, and high-stakes football.
Here is your complete, professionally structured matchday preview.
Wednesday 21 January
Galatasaray vs Atlético de Madrid
Kick-off: 18:45
Atlético de Madrid enter this fixture with a dominant record against Galatasaray. Diego Simeone’s side are unbeaten in their last six meetings (W4 D2), including two 2–0 wins in the 2015/16 Champions League group stage, when Antoine Griezmann scored all four goals. Atleti have also won all three of their previous matches in Türkiye.
Galatasaray have struggled historically against Spanish opposition, winning only once in their last 21 matches (D5 L15). One familiar face will be Lucas Torreira, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Atlético, making 26 appearances.
Atlético have been formidable in Europe, winning ten of their last 13 Champions League games, and remarkably going 23 matches without a draw. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak could become the first Slovenian to reach 100 Champions League appearances, while Julián Álvarez has scored ten goals in his last 11 Champions League games.
Qarabağ vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Kick-off: 18:45
These teams last met in the 2013/14 Europa League play-offs, with Frankfurt winning 4–1 on aggregate. Qarabağ remain winless in ten matches against German opposition (D2 L8) but have scored at least twice in each of their last five home European games.
Frankfurt, meanwhile, are struggling, with just one win in their last eight UEFA matches (D2 L5) and none in their last five.
Atalanta vs Athletic Club
This is the first UEFA meeting between the sides. Atalanta are unbeaten in their last five Champions League matches (W4 D1) and have lost just once in their last ten home European league-phase games.
All eight of Atalanta’s goals this season have come in the second half, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring in each of their last two games.
Athletic Club have won only one of their last 11 away matches in Italy, although they have lost just three of their last 14 matches overall against Italian teams.
Chelsea vs Pafos
Chelsea host Pafos in their first-ever meeting with a Cypriot side since facing APOEL in 2009/10. The Blues are unbeaten in 17 European group-stage games at Stamford Bridge and have scored in their last 21 UEFA matches.
Pafos, however, have failed to score in any of their three away league-phase games this season. Former Chelsea defender David Luiz now represents the Cypriot side.
Bayern Munich vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Bayern are unbeaten in their last 37 home Champions League league-phase games, winning 35. A victory would be their 250th European Cup win.
Teenager Lennart Karl could become the youngest player to score in four consecutive Champions League matches. Union SG have been competitive in Germany but arrive after losing four of their last five Champions League matches.
Juventus vs Benfica
Benfica dominate the head-to-head record with seven wins in nine meetings. Juventus’ only victory came in 1993. However, Juve are strong at home, losing only two of their last 12 European games in Turin.
Benfica are unbeaten in four games against Italian opposition and Leandro Barreiro has scored in their last two Champions League matches.
Newcastle United vs PSV Eindhoven
PSV won both 1997/98 Champions League matches between these sides. Newcastle are strong at home, winning 23 of their last 34 European fixtures.
PSV have beaten English teams in their last two league-phase encounters, including a 4–1 win at Anfield. Anthony Gordon and Ricardo Pepi come into the match in strong scoring form.
Marseille vs Liverpool
Liverpool have won three straight meetings with Marseille, but the French side recently ended a 12-match winless run against English clubs.
Liverpool remain dominant in Europe, winning 16 of their last 19 Champions League league-phase matches. Dominik Szoboszlai has scored in three of their last four.
Slavia Praha vs Barcelona
Slavia have not won a Champions League match since 2007 and have failed to score in their last five. Barcelona, although strong historically, have won only one of their last five away Champions League games.
Lamine Yamal continues to rewrite records, leading all players under 18 in Champions League goal involvements.
Tuesday 20 January Highlights
Big matches include:
- Bodø/Glimt vs Manchester City – Erling Haaland targets a historic goal against a Norwegian team.
- Inter vs Arsenal – Arsenal are chasing seven straight Champions League wins.
- Real Madrid vs Monaco – Mbappé faces his former club in Madrid.
- Sporting CP vs PSG – Sporting are unbeaten at home in the league phase.
- Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund – Spurs are undefeated in 23 home European games.
