Champions League Season Begins September 8

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League season is set to commence with two high-profile fixtures on Tuesday, September 8. Record 15-time winners Real Madrid will begin their European campaign at home against Serie A champions Inter Milan, while Liverpool will host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, September 9. Real Madrid's match against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu marks the start of a new era under manager Jose Mourinho, who is beginning his second spell in charge of the Spanish club. The Portuguese coach previously led Inter to a historic treble in 2010, culminating in a Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu. Mourinho stated that his current task at Madrid is separate from his past achievements. The club is looking to rebound after a recent 1-0 league defeat to Real Betis on September 5, which ended their perfect start to the domestic season under Mourinho. Star striker Kylian Mbappe acknowledged the team's need for improvement, particularly in front of goal.