Champions League: Tuesday’s full opening-night schedule

The league phase begins with six fixtures, led by Real Madrid versus Inter Milan and Porto against Manchester City

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Champions League: Tuesday’s full opening-night schedule

The Champions League returns this Tuesday with six matches scheduled between 18:45 and 21:00 French time.

The race for European football’s biggest prize begins on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Twelve teams will feature across six fixtures on the opening night of the league phase. The first two matches kick off at 18:45, before four further encounters get underway at 21:00. The competition therefore starts with several attractive and potentially decisive contests.

Real Madrid versus Inter headlines the opening night

The standout fixture sees Real Madrid welcome Inter Milan to the Santiago Bernabéu. Both European heavyweights will be eager to establish an early position in the single league table. In Portugal, Porto host Manchester City, one of the leading title contenders according to Opta’s predictions.

Borussia Dortmund entertain Villarreal in an intriguing meeting between two experienced European sides, while Lille begin their campaign at home to Real Betis. Earlier in the evening, AEK Athens face LASK and Club Brugge welcome Aston Villa.

18:45: AEK Athens – LASK
18:45: Club Brugge – Aston Villa
21:00: Borussia Dortmund – Villarreal
21:00: Lille – Real Betis
21:00: Porto – Manchester City
21:00: Real Madrid – Inter Milan

The opening matchday continues on Wednesday and Thursday with more high-profile fixtures. Under the revamped format, every result contributes directly to one overall table containing all 36 clubs, increasing the importance of making a strong start.