The Champions League is now just a few days away from kicking off and things are going to be quite exciting, as the full group of 32 teams is eager to get on the field and get things going.
As some of you may not know, this will be the last Champions League edition with the current format, so we have witnessed the last draw arranged in the way we have known for years.
Things are going to get fun, as the 8 groups are set and we are ready to watch as some of the teams work their way to the top of each single group to qualify for the round of 16.
We are going to dive into some of the most exciting games, as the first matchday did line up more than a couple of excellent matches for us.
Champions League 23/24 Matchday 1 – Preview – PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund
When:
Tuesday, September 19th at 1:00 PM ET in the Parc des Princes
Moneyline odds:
PSG -147
Borussia Dortmund +370
Draw Offs:
+310
Where Can I Watch it?
CBS and Paramount+
This is PSG’s 12th consecutive appearance in the Champions League, progressing to the knockout stages on each of the previous 11 (since 2012/13). They last went out at the first hurdle in 2004-05.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, have reached the Champions League knockout rounds in eight of their last 10 participations, failing only in 2017/18 and 2021/22 during this run.
Dortmund only lost one of their six group-stage games in last season’s Champions League, going down 2-1 at eventual winners Manchester City. They drew each of their last three group games last term. As for PSG, they have only lost one of their last 33 home games in the group stage of the Champions League (26 wins and six draws), with that lone defeat coming against Manchester United in October 2020. They’re unbeaten in their last eight home group stage games since then, winning seven of those (one draw).
In this particular clash, we are leaning with Paris Saint-Germain to get the points.
PSG vs. Borussia Dortmund Betting Pick: Paris Saint-Germain
Champions League 23/24 Matchday 1 – Preview – Barcelona vs. Antwerp
When:
Tuesday, September 19th at 1:00 PM ET in the Camp Nou
Moneyline odds:
Barcelona -526
Antwerp +1325
Draw Offs:
+620
Where Can I Watch it?
CBS and Paramount+
Barcelona and the Champions League are an iconic combination for more reasons than one, but you could argue their achievements in recent years fall short of their former days of glory.
In the opening match, the Blaugranas will encounter Royal Antwerp, who – despite winning the Belgian Jupiler Pro League (and qualifying for the Champions League via play-offs) – are quite a bit weaker team than Barcelona as far as football talent goes.
Considering the star-studded team that the hosts have and the fact that they’ll be enjoying the home advantage here, it would be quite a surprise if the favorites didn’t manage to win this game with significant numbers.
Barcelona vs. Antwerp Betting Pick: Barcelona
Champions League 23/24 Matchday 1 – Preview – Real Madrid vs. Union Berlin
When:
Wednesday, September 20th at 10:45 AM ET in the Santiago Bernabeu
Moneyline odds:
Real Madrid -270
Union Berlin +710
Draw Offs:
+410
Where Can I Watch it?
CBS and Paramount+
Union Berlin will make their debut in the Champions League proper with a visit to the tournament’s greatest-ever club, as 14-time winners Real Madrid host the Germans on matchday one.
Real Madrid have won four out of four so far in LaLiga this season, and we expect Los Blancos to chalk up another victory on their opening night in the Champions League.
The ‘Casa Blanca’ is nevertheless coming out of a practically blank season only marked by a title in the Copa del Rey. Eliminated in the CL semifinals last year by the eventual winner, Manchester City, the Merengues also had to settle for 2nd place in LaLiga behind FC Barcelona. On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have returned to competition with flying colors this season.
Things will be interesting, but we are expecting Real Madrid to get the victory.
Real Madrid vs. Union Berlin Betting Pick: Real Madrid
Champions League 23/24 Matchday 1 – Preview – Bayern vs. Manchester United
When:
Wednesday, September 20th at 1:00 PM ET in the Allianz Arena
Moneyline odds:
Bayern München-173
Manchester United +420
Draw Offs:
+350
Where Can I Watch it?
CBS and Paramount+
Manchester United are back playing in the Champions League for the first time since their defeat to Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 in 2021, and they start their new European football adventure in style – with a trip to Munich.
The Red Devils finished as the 3rd best team in the Premier League last season after a long list of interesting home wins against Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.
United will look to replicate their Old Trafford dominance in the Champions League this season but MUST improve their away performances if they fancy starting their European campaign with a win at Bayern and finishing the group stage as the winners.
Bayern Munich may have won the German Bundesliga last season on the last day, but the majority of their performances in the second half of the season under Thomas Tuchel were questionable and embarrassing.
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The Bavarians lost a couple of games they should have easily won with a man down and would have gone trophyless had it been Borussia Dortmund didn’t draw their last game of the season.
However, they are improving on their performances this season and the signing of Harry Kane is boosting their chances of challenging for every trophy.
The Bavarians have won four of their opening five Bundesliga matches, unlike Manchester United, who have already lost two in their first four Premier League games. Bayern’s winning streak came to an end on Friday when they settled in a 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Furthermore, Man United have a series of horrid results away from home against the top guns and because Bayern are a superb team, with vast Champions League experience, we are backing them to seal a good win over the Red Devils with a 3-0 result.
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