The new UEFA Champions League season kicks off on September 8. The now-familiar single league phase brings together 36 of Europe’s best teams, with each playing eight matches against different opponents. Matchday 1 promises a serious test for the favorites, while the September 2026 Champions League fixtures already feature several high-profile matchups.

Real Madrid vs Inter Milan: 

Two European giants with a legendary history are set to collide at the Santiago Bernabéu in a highly anticipated Matchday 1 encounter.

Real Madrid begin their pursuit of a record extending 16th Champions League title, determined to go further after suffering consecutive quarter-final exits. However, they enter the European campaign looking to bounce back after a surprising defeat to Real Betis.

Standing in their way is Inter Milan, the club that José Mourinho famously guided to Champions League glory in 2010. With history, pride, and European ambition on the line, this promises to be a thrilling battle under the lights in Madrid.

Real Madrid will have plenty to worry about, but their attacking firepower is led by the dangerous duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. However, Inter Milan are far from short of weapons themselves, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram capable of exploiting any defensive mistake.

Inter have made an impressive start to their Serie A campaign, winning all three of their opening matches. However, history is not on their side in Europe, as they have suffered four consecutive Champions League defeats against Real Madrid. With home advantage and an explosive attack, Real Madrid are tipped to come out on top, but Inter’s attacking duo could make this a much closer contest than the odds suggest. Real Madrid win: 1.64, Draw:4.52, Inter Milan win: 5.13.

Porto vs Manchester City:  

Another highly anticipated clash on September 8 will take place at the iconic Estádio do Dragão, where Porto host Manchester City.

For the first time in several years, Manchester City will begin a European campaign without Pep Guardiola at the helm, giving Enzo Maresca an opportunity to make an immediate impression on one of football’s biggest stages.

City have made a perfect start to their Premier League campaign, winning all three of their opening matches. And despite Erling Haaland sporting a new hairstyle, the Norwegian striker remains as dangerous as ever in front of goal.

Porto have also enjoyed an unbeaten start, winning all five of their league matches. However, Francesco Farioli’s side now face a much tougher test against a Manchester City team with considerably greater European pedigree. AfroPari odds: Porto: 4.72, Draw: 4.12, Manchester City: 1.75.

Barcelona vs Feyenoord: 

Barcelona will begin another European campaign on September 9, welcoming Feyenoord to Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick’s side have enjoyed a flawless start to the season, most recently producing a dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice as Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of the La Liga table.

Feyenoord have also been impressive domestically, going 14 Eredivisie matches unbeaten. However, their visit to Catalonia presents a much tougher challenge, with the Dutch club facing one of the teams widely regarded as a leading contender for the UEFA Champions League. AfroPari odds: Barcelona: 1.10, Draw: 13.00, Feyenoord: 15.00.

Napoli vs Arsenal: 

 Arsenal begin another European campaign after the painful defeat in last season’s UEFA Champions League final, but this time with the long-awaited Premier League trophy in their cabinet. Mikel Arteta’s team have won every game at the start of the season, while Napoli are going through a difficult spell under their new manager. A striking example of Napoli’s inconsistency came in their latest defeat to Inter, when they surrendered a two-goal lead. Massimiliano Allegri and Arteta promise a fascinating tactical duel, while the high-profile matchup between Kevin De Bruyne and Bukayo Saka adds further intrigue to the contest. AfroPari odds: Napoli: 4.82, draw:3.8, Arsenal: 1.8

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: 

A Test for Iraola. Anfield hosts Atletico Madrid in another blockbuster matchup on September 9. Liverpool finally earned their first win under Andoni Iraola thanks to an Alexander Isak brace against Ipswich, but the Merseyside club have looked unconvincing overall. Things have been less stable for Atletico, not only after their heavy 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, but also due to attacking absences and the controversy surrounding star player Julián Álvarez’s failed move to Barça during the summer transfer window. The big question is whether Diego Simeone can overcome all the problems that have come his way. With a matchup like this, Champions League predictions for matchday 1 promise to be especially interesting. AfroPari odds: Liverpool: 1.73, draw:4.22, Atletico: 4.73. 

Follow all the matches and pick your bets on AfroPari. The Grand Football Quest can make the European marathon even more exciting, with the betting promo running in three stages through May 2027. The promo includes bets of $5 or more on top leagues, with bonuses of up to $50 available for completing the tasks at each stage. Bet on the season’s biggest competitions and follow top level European football with AfroPari.