Champions League Matchday 1: Game-by-game preview
Get the lowdown on each of the 16 matches as the 2023/24 Uefa Champions League group stage gets under way.
Tuesday 19 September
AC Milan v Newcastle United (18:45 CAT)
There will be some familiar faces pitching up at San Siro this season, including former Rossoneri goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and midfielder Sandro Tonali. The latter only left for Newcastle in the summer and Milan coach Stefano Pioli is looking forward to their reunion: "Tonali and Donnarumma gave me their all when they were here. We had good times together and I will be pleased to see them again."
Did you know?
Newcastle faced two Italian sides in the 2002/03 Champions League – the last time they reached this stage. They faced Juventus (0-2 a, 1-0 h) in the first group stage and Inter (1-4 h, 2-2 a) in the second.
Young Boys v Leipzig (18:45 CAT)
German opposition will bring back plenty of memories for Fabian Lustenberger, who spent 12 years with Hertha Berlin before joining Young Boys in 2019. The 35-year-old was also YB captain when they beat Leverkusen home and away in the Uefa Europa League round of 32 in 2021 – the last time the Swiss club took on a Bundesliga side in European competition.
Did you know?
YB won one home game in both their previous Champions League group stage campaigns, both 2-1, against Juventus in 2018/19 and Manchester United in 2021/22.
Feyenoord v Celtic (21:00)
This fixture will conjure up memories of Feyenoord's finest hour when they face Celtic for the first time on the European stage since beating the Bhoys 2-1 to lift this trophy for the only time back in 1970. "Celtic are a big club," said Feyenoord coach Arne Slot. "I've never played against a Scottish team in Europe but they will be a real challenge for us."
Did
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