The UEFA Champions League is back this week, and the excitement is palpable as we approach Matchday 4. Five teams have maintained flawless records as they near the midpoint of the group stage, setting the stage for some thrilling encounters.
The action kicks off on Tuesday, with European powerhouses clashing. One match to keep an eye on will be at Anfield, where an inconsistent Liverpool faces a nearly perfect Real Madrid. The Reds have had a good start to their Champions League campaign, winning two of their three matches, but Los Blancos have displayed dominance under manager Xabi Alonso. Additionally, Kylian Mbappé’s outstanding form may pose significant problems for Liverpool’s shaky defense. In Paris, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will host Bayern Munich in another showdown of teams without losses thus far in the tournament.
Wednesday brings further excitement, as Manchester City takes on Borussia Dortmund. Pep Guardiola’s team is beginning to find its footing after a recent rebuild, while Barcelona will travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will attempt to bounce back against Athletic Club, while Ajax and Benfica look to finally earn points after disappointing starts.
How to watch
Fans can catch all the Champions League action on Paramount+, which serves as the central hub for coverage. Additionally, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network offer broadcasts of select matches. Coverage begins with a Champions League Matchday kickoff on these platforms before early matches, and pre- and post-match shows will also be available.
Matchday 4 TV schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Tuesday’s storylines
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid: Liverpool will look to build on their recent win against Aston Villa, but they remain inconsistent, with only two wins in their last eight outings. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, has had a stellar season, winning nearly every fixture. Kylian Mbappé’s 19 goals this season could be a decisive factor as he takes on Liverpool’s vulnerable defense. The big question will be whether Liverpool can rebound offensively, especially after a much-needed goal from Mohamed Salah against Villa.
Testing the perfect teams: Among the five clubs with perfect records, at least one will no longer be undefeated come the end of this week. Paris Saint-Germain, after their impressive win against Barcelona, will face a true test against Bayern Munich. PSG has returned to full fitness and looks set for a significant challenge against a side that breezed through its earlier matches. This matchup will be a true indicator of both teams’ Champions League ambitions this season.
Wednesday’s storylines
Newcastle United’s struggles: Last season’s standout team, Newcastle United, has had a rough start, currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League. Their recent performance has raised concerns, especially after a surprising loss to West Ham United. The Magpies will need to get back to form against Athletic Club if they want to turn their season around, but their recent attacking struggles may hinder their progress.
The fall of giants: Ajax and Benfica, both clubs with rich histories, find themselves at the bottom of the table with no points entering Matchday 4. Benfica faces Bayer Leverkusen, while Ajax, having conceded an alarming number of goals, will need to step up their game against Galatasaray. Both teams need to find their footing if they hope to redeem their Champions League campaigns this season.
In conclusion, Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League promises to deliver high-stake matches featuring some of Europe’s most celebrated clubs. Fans are in for an exciting week filled with drama and potential surprises as teams fight for supremacy.
