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Ultimate Champions League Matchday One Preview

By Orri Benatar

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 01: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his teams opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 1, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 01: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his teams opening goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and CD Leganes at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 1, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: David Silva of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: David Silva of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Fulham FC at Etihad Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Ajax vs. AEK Athens (Group E)

Two notable players for each team

AJX: Dusan Tadic & Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

AEK: Ezequiel Ponce & Viktor Klonaridis

How are they doing in league play?

Ajax (NED): 2nd place (13 pts in 5 matches)

Athens (GRE): 2nd place (9 pts in 3 matches)

Expectations

This game will get national coverage in the United States being the early game on TNT. Ajax’s attack is really good with Dusan Tadic. They have scored 14 goals in five Eredivisie games.

Benfica vs. Bayern (Group E)

Two notable players for each team

BEN: Pizzi & Eduardo Salvio

BAY: Robert Lewandowski & James Rodriguez

How are they doing in league play?

Benfica (POR): 1st place (10 pts in 4 matches)

Bayern (GER): 1st place (9 pts in 3 matches)

Expectations

These two teams are Champions League regulars and have started their season really well. Bayern should win though even without Corentin Tolisso in midfield.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Hoffenheim (Group F)

Two notable players for each team

DON: Junior Moraes & Taison

HOF: Adam Szalai & Reiss Nelson

How are they doing in league play?

Donetsk (UKR): 1st place (21 pts in 8 matches)

Hoffenheim (GER): 11th place (3 pts in 3 matches)

Expectations

Donetsk has been successful in the Champions league recently while Hoffenheim is not familiar with European play. Donetsk will be the favorites at Stadion Metalist in Ukraine.

Man City vs. Lyon (Group F)

Two notable players for each team

MCI: Sergio Aguero & Raheem Sterling

LYN: Nabil Fekir & Memphis Depay

How are they doing in league play?

Man City (ENG): 3rd place (13 pts in 5 matches)

Lyon (FRA): 7th place (7 pts in 7 matches)

Expectations

Nabil Fekir will show off his skill against the EPL champions. Man City will be the heavy favorites at the Etihad against the second best team in Group F.

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