Sports Illustrated Boldly Forecasts Every Champions League Matchday 1 Result

The Champions League makes its return on Tuesday as six matches get the latest edition of the league phase underway.

While most of the competing sides are embarking on their campaigns this week, some clubs had to grind through several qualifying rounds just to reach this point. Newcomers Sabah from Azerbaijan, for instance, were already battling it out as far back as July 7.

Many have criticized UEFA's new format for lacking tension at this early stage, yet there remains a sense of freshness that naturally generates excitement. There are compelling stories to follow and unfamiliar matchups to savor. So settle in, everyone, and prepare to be swept away by that iconic anthem once more.

Here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts the opening round of Champions League fixtures for the season to unfold.

AEK Athens vs. LASK Prediction

Prediction: AEK Athens 3–1 LASK

While AEK Athens are gearing up for their first Champions League football since 2018, remarkable underdogs LASK have waited more than 60 years to return to Europe's elite stage. Their only appearances in this tournament date back to 1965, when they were eliminated over two legs by Polish club Górnik Zabrze in the opening round of the European Cup.

LASK pulled off a stunning upset against Celtic in the playoffs, overcoming a 3–0 first-leg deficit with a 5–1 win in the second leg after extra time. They're simply delighted to be here, though the Austrian champions do have a chance to claim their first-ever Champions League win right out of the gate.

Greek Super League champions AEK come into this competition refreshed, with a striking duo in Luka Jović and Barnabas Varga who have the quality to punish their less experienced opponents.

Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa Prediction

Prediction: Club Brugge 1–1 Aston Villa

These two sides have crossed paths frequently in recent times, and Aston Villa endured a Club Brugge-style dismantling of their squad over the summer transfer window.

Consequently, the Villans are finding their footing at the start of the new campaign, with Unai Emery integrating a host of new signings. Villa have managed just a single point from three Premier League outings and are still searching for their first goal of the season.

Brugge suffered a loss to Gent at the end of August but have claimed victory in their other four Belgian Pro League matches. They have proven themselves competitive against top European clubs in recent years, having smoothly transitioned following Nicky Hayen's departure last season.

Ivan Leko has been in the dugout since last December, guiding Brugge into the knockout playoff round with wins over Kairat Almaty and Marseille. They are establishing themselves as one of the most reliable clubs outside Europe's top leagues.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal Prediction

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2–0 Villarreal

Villarreal were the standout underperformers of last season's league phase, finishing with a paltry single point.

Despite another solid domestic season, Marcelino chose to step away from the Yellow Submarine after three years at the helm. Villarreal have since turned to Iñigo Pérez — Andoni Iraola's trusted assistant during the now-Liverpool manager's time at Rayo Vallecano — and are eager to make a real statement on the continental stage.

They head into this fixture without a La Liga win in four matches, and a trip to Signal Iduna Park to open the league phase is far from an easy assignment. Borussia Dortmund hammered Villarreal 4–0 at home in last season's competition and have lost just two of their previous 23 Champions League games at Signal Iduna Park.

The hosts arrive at this game lifted by their comeback victory at Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Porto vs. Manchester City Prediction

Prediction: Porto 0–1 Man City

Life as Pep Guardiola's replacement has gotten off to a relatively smooth start for Enzo Maresca in Manchester, particularly following a difficult Community Shield defeat.

The Cityzens boast a perfect Premier League record through three matches, sitting level with the champions at the top of the table.

They were consistent contenders for European glory under Guardiola, and some argue that the Spaniard departing after a decade in Manchester with only one Champions League title represented an underachievement.

City have fallen well short in back-to-back seasons, but a busy summer overhaul following the loss of several key figures in the wake of Guardiola's exit has led many to predict a swift revival under Maresca in his first campaign.

On Tuesday, they return to the venue of their 2021 Champions League final defeat.

Lille vs. Real Betis Prediction

Prediction: Lille 2–2 Real Betis

Lille face Real Betis for the very first time, with the La Liga club marking their first Champions League appearance since 2005–06. A fifth-place finish in the Spanish top flight was sufficient for Manuel Pellegrini's side to earn a spot in the prestigious competition, and the Chilean tactician is back on the biggest stage after a ten-year hiatus.

Pellegrini is now managing his fifth different club in this competition, having previously taken charge of Villarreal, Real Madrid, Malaga, and Man City.

He faces a familiar name on Tuesday, as Davide Ancelotti makes his debut as a Champions League manager. His father, Carlo, holds the record as the most decorated coach in the tournament's history.

Lille, appearing in Europe for the fourth straight season, have made a reasonably encouraging start under Ancelotti.

Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan Prediction

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Inter Milan

It promises to be a sentimental league phase for José Mourinho, who tasted defeat for the first time since returning as Real Madrid manager on Friday evening. A dramatic finish to Madrid's match against Real Betis saw Carlos Espí have a goal disallowed for offside and Kylian Mbappé squander a stoppage-time penalty.

Beyond that, it has been an encouraging and upbeat start to the season for Los Blancos, who are record 15-time winners of this competition but have endured back-to-back quarterfinal eliminations.

Mourinho undoubtedly has the talent at his disposal to inspire a 16th triumph, but the Portuguese coach faces the challenge of ensuring his squad is well-balanced enough to overcome Europe's best.

Tuesday's clash with Inter Milan will surely stir fond memories for Mourinho of his time managing the Nerazzurri, particularly with one of his key players from the 2009–10 treble-winning side, Cristian Chivu, now occupying the visitors' technical area.

Champions League Predictions: Sept. 8