…all the Wednesday’s fixtures
One of the most tantalizing fixtures of the Champions League’s opening round will be staged at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday as Napoli host Arsenal.
Both clubs kick off their European campaigns hoping for improvements on last season’s performance. Arsenal, who finished runners-up, are desperate to clinch their maiden Champions League title, while Napoli, who were knocked out in the league phase, simply must reach the knockout stages.
Despite trips to Naples never being straightforward, Arsenal are clear favorites for the upcoming clash. After demolishing Manchester City in the Community Shield, they have began their Premier League title defense with three successive wins, including a hard-fought triumph over Chelsea last weekend.
Things have been tougher for Napoli, who are under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri following Antonio Conte’s exit. They have lost their last two matches to Como and Inter, but the latter was particularly bruising as the Partenopei surrendered a two-goal lead in their 3–2 loss at San Siro.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid travels to England looking to recalibrate after a highly disruptive weekend. Diego Simeone’s side had enjoyed a strong, unbeaten opening three games in La Liga, collecting seven points out of nine. However, their early momentum was abruptly halted in their most recent fixture, suffering a heavy 3–0 away defeat to Athletic Bilbao. The comprehensive loss exposed sudden defensive vulnerabilities, which Simeone publicly labelled a necessary wake-up call for his squad.
Atlético Madrid and manager Diego Simeone face their own selection headaches ahead of the trip to Anfield.
The Spanish side will be missing star forward Alexander Sørloth, who has been officially ruled out due to a muscle injury.
Compounding their attacking restrictions, winger Arnau Ortiz is unavailable as he serves an administrative European suspension carried over from his previous club.
Tactical adjustments are also expected following recent squad disruptions; Simeone confirmed that high-profile forward Julián Álvarez will not start the match after missing crucial training sessions during late-summer transfer complications.
Similarly, new loan signing Jonathan David is slated to begin his evening on the substitutes’ bench. Jan Oblak will captain the side from goal, while Pablo Barrios and Morten Hjulmand will anchor the midfield, looking to feed the creative elements of Ademola Lookman and Alex Baena upfront.
Wednesday’s Fixtures
Barcelona vs Feyenoord
VfB Stuttgart vs Viking
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Napoli vs Arsenal
PSG vs Bratislava
Sporting CP vs Galasataraay
