Champions League: September 8 matchday preview
The main stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicks off on September 8. Here is a preview of the opening day's key fixtures.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Sidney.Cortez
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League main stage begins today, September 8, with three highly anticipated fixtures marking the start of the campaign.
In Club Brugge vs Aston Villa, the English side looks to find its rhythm following a major squad overhaul. While Unai Emery's team has struggled early in the Premier League, Brugge enters the contest with strong domestic form and a proven ability to challenge top opponents at home.
Elsewhere, AEK Athens takes on LASK. This marks a historic debut for the Austrian club in the competition's main stage, while the Greek side looks to capitalize on their recent high-scoring performances to secure a home advantage.
Finally, Lille hosts Real Betis, who make their return to Europe's elite tournament after a 21-year absence. Lille remains unbeaten under Davide Ancelotti, though Betis arrives in France energized by their recent victory over Real Madrid.