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The wait is finally over, the biggest club competition in Europe kicks off tomorrow. Champions League is the UEFA's elite club competition, where 32 of the top clubs from across the continent compete to earn the right to be crowned as the European Champions.
It is one of the biggest honour any club can achieve and is one of the most sought-after trophy by the managers and players alike. The excitement for this edition of the competition has been on the rise ever since the group stage draws were made and the fixtures were announced.
This year it promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent history of the competition, with some very big teams drawn together into what we may call the group of death.
Good news for the fans is that, we have multiple groups suitable for the group of death title, with Group B, being one of the most interesting one. Which will see Barcelona, Tottenham, PSV and Inter go head to head in the group stages and these matches will be played across the coming months.
With the competition kicking off on Tuesday, here we take a look at some of the most anticipated fixtures of UEFA Champions League Group stage Match-day 1.
#5 Monaco vs Atletico Madrid
The group stage fixture between Atletico Madrid and Monaco, will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs at a competitive level.
Both clubs have been regular participants in the competition, with Atletico Madrid even reaching the final on two occasions in the last few seasons, only to be beaten by city rivals Real Madrid on both the occasions.
The teams have different styles of play, while the Europa League winners prefer to sit back at times, Monaco, on the other hand can break up opposition play and launch a counter-attack. Thus it will be an interesting fixture and we will have to see who comes out on top in this match-up.
#4 Inter Milan v Tottenham Hotspur
The last time these two teams met in the Champions League, the fixture turned out to be one of the most talked about game of the entire season, because of one man, Gareth Bale.
It was in the 4-3 defeat of Spurs at San Siro, that Gareth Bale announced himself on the world stage by scoring a hat-trick against the Nerazzurri.
This time around too, it promises to be an exciting fixture. Spurs will be looking to get back to winning ways after back to back defeats in the Premier League. While, a rejuvenated Inter who are back in the competition after six years, would like to announce their comeback to competition with a victory.
#3 Barcelona vs PSV Eindhoven
It is fixtures like this one that make Champions League the one of the best sports competition in Europe.
Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions will face the reigning Eredivisie champions PSV on Tuesday. Both clubs have had brilliant starts to their season and have maintained a 100% record so far. And currently are on top of league table.
PSV just demolished De Haag 7-0, in their recent fixture. On the other hand, Barcelona had thrashed Huesca 8-2 two weeks ago. Both the teams look to be in good attacking form, so can we expect this clash of champions to be a high-scoring match-up? We'll find out this week.
#2 Real Madrid vs AS Roma
Well, the first fixture for the defending champions is always an important one. That match shows how well prepared the team is to retain their title.
Real Madrid have been handed a tricky opening fixture, where they face AS Roma as they begin their title defense this season. Los Blancos will be competing in the tournament without the UCL all time record goalscorer Ronaldo. It will be interesting to see how they fare without the star man.
Roma, who reached all the way to the semi-finals last time, have had a disappointing start to their season, with only one win in four games so far.
So who will emerge victorious in this Group G fixture the Galacticos or the Romans? We'll have to wait and see.
#1 Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain
Without a doubt the biggest match of the opening match-day is going to be the showdown between Liverpool and PSG at Anfield.
Liverpool, have been brilliant in the league and have a 100% record so far, their performances include a convincing 2-1 win over Tottenham. PSG, as always have been dominating the Ligue 1 and also have a 100% record.
It will be the epic battle between two of the deadliest trios in European football that will decide the outcome of the match. Salah, Firmino and Mane on one side, while the free scoring Neymar, Mbappe and Cavani on the other. It can be a goals galore at the Anfield this Wednesday.
The stage is set for the Reds to show that they can be the dominating force in Europe again, while PSG will fancy their chances to win the ever so evading Champions League this time around. But who will draw the first blood, we will find out on Wednesday.
