Barcelona Face Monaco in Champions League Opener After Pre-Season Shock

Barcelona Face Monaco in Champions League Opener After Pre-Season Shock

Spanish giants Barcelona embark on their UEFA Champions League campaign with a daunting trip to the Principality to face AS Monaco at Stade Louis II. The Catalan club, eager to reclaim their European glory after years of setbacks, will be determined to make a statement under new coach Hansi Flick.

Flick’s Barcelona have made an impressive start to the season, winning all five of their La Liga matches. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been a revelation for the Blaugrana, playing a pivotal role in their attacking prowess. However, Monaco sent shockwaves through the Barcelona camp when they met in a pre-season friendly last month.

Adi Hutter’s Monaco stunned Barcelona with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. The Ligue 1 side have also begun their season strongly, winning three of their first four games.

The Monaco vs Barcelona clash promises to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes in recent years. Barcelona, desperate to return to the European elite, will be eager to avenge their pre-season defeat. Monaco, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their impressive start and prove that their pre-season triumph was no fluke.

Arsenal Face Atalanta Hurdle in Champions League Opener

Arsenal Face Atalanta Hurdle in Champions League Opener

Arsenal’s European adventure begins with a daunting challenge as they travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta in the opening round of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners, fresh off a victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, will be eager to make a winning start to their continental campaign.

However, Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions, will pose a formidable obstacle. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has bounced back from recent Serie A setbacks with a victory over Fiorentina, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess.

Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Declan Rice, who is suspended. These absences will test the depth of Mikel Arteta’s squad, particularly in midfield.

Atalanta, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the return of key players such as Duvan Zapata and Ruslan Malinovskyi. The Italian side is known for its high-octane attacking style, which could pose problems for Arsenal’s defense.

The match will be played at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Friday, September 20, at 12:30 AM IST. It will be telecast live on the Sony Sports network and streamed on the SonyLIV app and website.

Arsenal will be looking to make a statement in their first Champions League match under Arteta. A victory would boost their confidence and set the tone for the rest of the group stage. However, Atalanta will be determined to prove that they are not to be underestimated and will be eager to make a mark on the European stage.

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