5 intriguing fixtures from the first week of the 2018/19 Champions League

#2 Liverpool vs. Paris St. Germain

Liverpool FC v NK Maribor - UEFA Champions League — Liverpool's front line - like Mo Salah - were free scoring in last season's Champions League

If any match of the first week of Champions League fixtures is unmissable, it’s definitely this one. In last season’s edition, Liverpool and PSG were the highest scoring teams in the group stage – hitting a ridiculous 48 goals between them across their 12 games – and while PSG disappointed in the knockout stage, Liverpool continued to be free-scoring all the way to the final, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.

They also have arguably the two most feared front lines in Europe – both sides use a three-man attack, with PSG able to call on Edinson Cavani, Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe, and Liverpool deploying the talents of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

Attack isn’t the only strength for these sides, though. Liverpool conceded just seven goals in last season’s knockout phase, and have since strengthened their defence by adding goalkeeper Alisson while defender Virgil van Dijk is now properly settled. PSG meanwhile conceded four goals in the group stage and now have legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon between their sticks.

Essentially, we should expect fireworks from this one regardless of the winner. Both sides can probably expect to advance into the knockout round, but to see either side take Tuesday’s game easy would be a major surprise.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Ben Winfield