Champions League Round 1 Preview
The Champions League returns, and we’re back with a fresh new format! This week’s lineup features some thrilling matchups you won’t want to miss!
AC Milan’s sluggish start to the Serie A season, marked by two draws and a loss, was snapped by a commanding 4-0 win over Venezia last weekend. However, Fonseca’s men approach their clash with Liverpool in shaky form, having conceded two goals in each of their first three games—hardly ideal when facing a relentless Liverpool side. History isn’t on Milan’s side either, with their last victory against the Reds dating back to 2007. In their most recent encounters during the 2021 Champions League Group B stage, Milan suffered back-to-back defeats against Liverpool of 2-1 and 3-2. Additionally, the San Siro has been less than a fortress in European competition lately, with Milan winning fewer than half of their last 18 home matches (W7, D3, L8).
Liverpool's stellar start to the Premier League, featuring three clean sheets and three wins, was unexpectedly halted by a 1-0 loss to Nottingham at the once 'impenetrable' Anfield. New coach Slot faces his first European test, stepping into Klopp's shoes under considerable pressure. The Reds travel to the San Siro with confidence, having won four of their last five away games against Italian sides in European competition. However, their last Italian encounter ended in disappointment, as Atalanta knocked them out of last season's Europa League. Despite that setback, Liverpool are expected to bounce back after last week's victory. The Reds have been prolific in front of goal, netting seven times in their first four Premier League matches, and the Nottingham defeat shouldn’t derail their momentum. Given their strong form against Italian teams and AC Milan's shaky start to the season, Liverpool look poised to secure their first points of this Champions League campaign.
Team Picks
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Manchester City’s dominant start to the season faces a challenge against Inter on Wednesday night. The Citizens have been relentless in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, winning all four of their opening games and racking up 11 goals, with Erling Haaland netting an astonishing 9 of them. Returning as the 2022/2023 Champions League winners, City are set for a rematch of the 2022/2023 final, where they triumphed over Inter to claim European glory. City’s form at the Etihad last season was remarkable—unbeaten in both the Premier League and the Champions League on home soil. While the 2023/24 final is the only recent encounter between these sides, City's incredible home record and explosive start to the new season make it hard to imagine them slipping up against Inter.
Inter Milan return to Champions League action with reason to approach their trip to the Etihad with some confidence. The Italian side started their Serie A campaign with two draws and two wins, though they enter the match following an unispiring1-1 draw against Monza. While their form may not match Manchester City's, Inter have been solid defensively, conceding just three goals in four games, while scoring nine—enough to suggest they could pose a challenge to City. Inter enjoyed a strong Champions League run last season, losing only once as they were eliminated by Atletico Madrid. Historically, they are never a team to be underestimated, and even the 2022/23 final saw City narrowly edge them with a single goal. As a result, we don't expect the Citizens to dominate easily. However, with Pep’s side in formidable form, it’s hard to imagine them not grinding out a win.
Team picks
Anytime goalscorer – Erling Haaland
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