Champions League: Matchday 1 Team News & Lineups - Who's in and Who's Out?
The Champions League is back, and with it comes a whirlwind of excitement, drama, and, of course, team news. Matchday 1 is always a crucial test for all teams, and this season promises to be no different. As we get ready for the first round of group stage games, let's take a look at the key team news and predicted lineups for some of the most anticipated clashes.
Group A:
Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan:
- Bayern Munich: Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman are still sidelined with injuries, while Alphonso Davies is a doubt.
- Inter Milan: Romelu Lukaku returns after a successful loan spell at Inter, but the Belgian striker might not be fit for a starting role.
Predicted Lineups:
- Bayern Munich: Neuer; Pavard, Upamecano, De Ligt, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Sane, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
- Inter Milan: Onana; Darmian, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez
Group B:
Real Madrid vs. Union Berlin:
- Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham is likely to start after his impressive start to the season, while the returning Thibaut Courtois is likely to be in goal.
- Union Berlin: The German side has a clean bill of health and will be looking to upset the reigning champions.
Predicted Lineups:
- Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Joselu
- Union Berlin: Rønnow; Knoche, Diogo Leite, Jaeckel; Trimmel, Khedira, Haberer, Laidouni; Becker, Teuchert, Awoniyi
Group C:
Napoli vs. Real Sociedad:
- Napoli: Victor Osimhen is a doubt after picking up a knock in the last Serie A game.
- Real Sociedad: David Silva remains sidelined with an injury, while Takefusa Kubo might be missing.
Predicted Lineups:
- Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Kim Min-jae, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen (if fit), Kvaratskhelia
- Real Sociedad: Remiro; Gorosabel, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Rico; Brais Méndez, Illarramendi, Merino; Kubo (if fit), Oyarzabal, Sorloth
Group D:
Benfica vs. AC Milan:
- Benfica: João Félix's return from Chelsea on loan brings excitement to the team, while Enzo Fernández is a doubt after a knock.
- AC Milan: Sandro Tonali's departure to Newcastle is a big loss for Milan, while Mike Maignan is still recovering from injury.
Predicted Lineups:
- Benfica: Vlachodimos; Gilberto, Otamendi, Morato, Grimaldo; João Mario, Florentino Luís; João Félix, Rafa Silva, Chiquinho
- AC Milan: G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Krunić, Loftus-Cheek, Reijnders; Leao, Giroud, Pulisic
Staying Ahead of the Game:
These predicted lineups are just that - predictions. Injuries, last-minute decisions, and tactical changes can all play a role in determining the final team sheets. It's important to stay updated with the latest team news through reliable sources like official club websites, sports news outlets, and social media.
Don't miss out on all the action!
The Champions League is known for its dramatic moments and unforgettable games. With Matchday 1 kicking off, get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions and thrilling football.
Make sure you check back for further updates, analysis, and post-match reactions as the Champions League gets underway.
