Champions League Matchday Two: The Drama Intensifies
Right, we’re properly into the Champions League league phase now, aren’t we? Matchday two is where the tournament starts showing its teeth. Here’s the thing – bag nine points and you’re virtually guaranteed a spot in the top 24, so for the clubs that got off to a winning start, this is their moment to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack before matchday three really sorts the contenders from the pretenders.
The headline act? Jose Mourinho’s taking charge of his first Champions League match for Benfica after replacing Bruno Lage, and wouldn’t you know it, he’s heading back to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. You couldn’t write it, could you? Tuesday also serves up Galatasaray welcoming Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt making the trip to Atletico Madrid. Wednesday’s the big one though – Barcelona hosting Paris Saint-Germain in what should be an absolute belter between two genuine title challengers.
Where to Watch the Action
The second round of league phase fixtures unfolds across Tuesday and Wednesday, and you can catch every single minute on Paramount+, with select matches also available on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Pre-match coverage kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network each day, with select matches starting at 12:45 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. ET. Post-match analysis then transitions to Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. The Golazo Show streams on Paramount+, while CBS Sports Golazo Network wraps things up with fresh editions of The Champions Club (simulcast on YouTube) and Scoreline.
Matchday 2 TV Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Tuesday’s Must-Watch Storylines
‘The Special One’ Returns Home
We’re turning back the clock here, folks. “The Special One” is heading back to Stamford Bridge, and it’s bound to be emotional. Mourinho’s had two successful stints with the Blues, collecting the Premier League trophy, FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield along the way. Now he’s got the task of steering Benfica through the league phase. Chelsea are in a bit of bother without Cole Palmer, who’s nursing a groin injury – they’ve failed to win four of their last five matches. Both sides kicked off the league phase with defeats, so this one’s absolutely crucial. Three points could make all the difference.
Atleti Looking to Build Momentum
Atletico Madrid have a golden opportunity to prove their massive derby victory wasn’t just a flash in the pan. After Julain Alvarez’s brace helped them demolish Real Madrid 5-2 at home over the weekend, they’re buzzing with confidence. Now they’re hosting one of this tournament’s dark horses, Eintracht Frankfurt, in what could be a proper goal fest. Frankfurt put six past Borussia Monchengladbach at the weekend, and 19-year-old Can Uzun is emerging as one of the most exciting young talents on the planet. With six goals and four assists across all competitions, he could well be Frankfurt’s next big-money departure after Hugo Ekitike’s summer move to Liverpool. But there’s work to be done first – Frankfurt finished third in the Bundesliga last season and have their sights set on a top-eight finish in the league phase. Win away at Atleti, and they’ll be well on their way.
Wednesday’s Key Battles
Yamal Ready to Shine
Lamine Yamal’s back and already making things happen, serving up the game-winning assist against Real Sociedad – just what Barcelona needed. Without Raphinha available, they’ll square off against PSG on Tuesday in a fixture worthy of the knockout rounds. Luis Enrique’s pressing game could be the key to containing Barcelona’s free-flowing attack, but without Ousmane Dembele in the mix, neither side will be at full strength. That imperfection is what makes this clash so intriguing. Barcelona have shown defensive vulnerabilities while PSG have been slow starters in league play, but when these two heavyweights collide, who comes out on top?
Stars and Stripes on Show
Three Americans could feature when Bayer Leverkusen host PSV. Malik Tillman gets the chance to face his former employers after his summer switch to Leverkusen. While PSV’s form has picked up since parting ways with Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen dropped points in their opening UCL fixture. PSV, meanwhile, were absolutely schooled by Union Saint-Gilloise in a heavy defeat that saw Ricardo Pepi concede a penalty. Both teams will be desperate for improvement, especially considering this looked like a banker for three points when the fixtures dropped.
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