Arsenal Opens Champions League Campaign Against Napoli

Arsenal begins its Champions League campaign on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with an away fixture against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The match marks the opening fixture of the league phase for both clubs, with Arsenal entering the competition as Premier League champions and last season's beaten finalists, while Napoli seeks to rebound after failing to advance from the group stage in the previous campaign. Arsenal has started the current season with a perfect four-game winning streak, including victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and league wins against Coventry, Aston Villa, and Chelsea. The team has demonstrated a strong defense, conceding only one goal while scoring nine. Manager Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to consecutive improvements in the Champions League over the past three seasons, culminating in a final appearance last term. Napoli, conversely, has faced recent challenges, losing two consecutive Serie A matches against Como and Inter Milan. The club was dethroned as Italian champions last season and finished 30th overall in the Champions League league phase.