UEFA Champions League Matchday 3: Real Madrid vs Juventus & New League Format

UEFA Champions League action returns this week, with 15-time winners Real Madrid once again headlining the schedule as they host Juventus in the most anticipated fixture of Matchday 3.

The UEFA Champions League resumes this week with thrilling fixtures, including a highly anticipated Matchday 3 clash where Real Madrid hosts Juventus. Real Madrid, coached by Xabi Alonso, have made a near-perfect start to the season and look to continue their dominance. The tournament features top European clubs competing in the newly expanded "League Phase" format, bringing enhanced excitement and new challenges as teams vie for knockout stage qualification and ultimately the coveted trophy.

Key points: - Real Madrid aims to extend their winning streak against Juventus, led by star Kylian Mbappe with 14 goals so far this season. - Six teams, including Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, remain unbeaten in the Champions League group stage. - New expanded league phase format with 36 teams in a single table replaces traditional groups, introducing a knockout playoff stage for teams ranked 9-24. - Matchday 3 is widely available on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network, featuring multiple key fixtures. - Premier League teams face testing challenges this week, including Arsenal versus Atletico Madrid, Newcastle against Benfica, and Liverpool visiting Eintracht Frankfurt.

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Champions League returns with marquee matchups and evolving format

Real Madrid targets another triumph against Juventus

The spotlight lands firmly on Real Madrid as they host Juventus in the most eagerly awaited game of Matchday 3. Xabi Alonso’s team is off to an impressive start, having suffered only one defeat across all competitions. Central to their success is Kylian Mbappe, who has netted five goals in the Champions League and totals 14 across all tournaments this season. Real Madrid’s offensive options are varied, with the key question being the inclusion of Vinicius Junior in the starting lineup. Alonso’s rotation strategy has come under discussion, especially after the differing outcomes when Vinicius started or was benched in earlier matches.

Strong group form among Europe’s elite teams

Real Madrid is among six teams with a perfect 2-0 record to launch their Champions League campaigns. These sides include European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Arsenal—each seeking to distance themselves from rivals in this expanded league-table format. The group also features Qarabag, an Azerbaijani team making history with their first-ever wins, against Benfica and Copenhagen, now facing Athletic Club in their next match.

How to watch Matchday 3

Football fans can catch all Matchday 3 matches on Paramount+. Select games will simulcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Coverage starts midday with "Champions League Matchday" and continues with pre-match, live game, and post-match shows to provide comprehensive analysis and highlights.

Tuesday’s results set the stage

Tuesday featured some dramatic results: - Barcelona’s commanding 6-1 victory over Olympiacos - Arsenal’s dominant 4-0 win against Atletico Madrid - Paris Saint-Germain’s prolific 7-2 rout of Bayer Leverkusen - Newcastle’s 3-0 success versus Benfica - Borussia Dortmund’s 4-2 win at Copenhagen

These outcomes shaped the group standings ahead of a packed Midweek of fixtures.

Premier League clubs face critical Champions League matches

Arsenal v Atletico Madrid: Arsenal chase their 100th Champions League win, boasting an unbeaten home run against Spanish clubs and a flawless defensive record so far. Atletico Madrid have struggled away from home this season and hold a poor record against English teams. Despite a strong 5-2 win over Real Madrid last month, Atletico has shown inconsistency in LaLiga and faces a tough test.

Newcastle United v Benfica: Newcastle looks to build on a commanding 4-0 win in their last European outing. Benfica, under new management with Jose Mourinho, remain pointless after initial group losses and have not beaten Premier League opposition in 11 Champions League matches, a challenging statistic ahead of this matchup.

Villarreal v Manchester City: Manchester City aims to reach its 13th straight knockout stage, despite a troubling away record recently. Erling Haaland continues his goal-scoring frenzy, and City’s possession dominance contrasts with Villarreal’s struggles, including poor recent form and a history of losses against English clubs.

Chelsea v Ajax: Chelsea, recovering from earlier setbacks, faces an Ajax squad enduring a bleak European and domestic campaign with no points or goals in the Champions League so far. Ajax’s pressure mounts with recent poor results, while Chelsea looks to capitalize on momentum gained from recent Premier League wins.

Eintracht Frankfurt v Liverpool: Liverpool encounters a critical juncture, having lost four straight games—their worst streak in 11 years. Frankfurt brings an exciting, goal-rich style of play but has had mixed results domestically. Liverpool, still strong historically against German clubs, must arrest their decline to remain competitive.

Monaco v Tottenham Hotspur: Monaco’s woes continue following a coaching change, underwhelming recent results, and injuries, including the absence of Eric Dier. Tottenham also grapple with defensive injuries following recent domestic defeats, setting the stage for a challenging contest.

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The new league phase format brings fresh dynamics

Overview of the expanded competition

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League enters its second season under the "League Phase" format, featuring 36 teams competing in a single extensive league table rather than divided groups. Each team plays eight matches across home and away fixtures against a variety of opponents from different nations.

Qualification and knockout progression

• Teams ranked 1-8 after the league phase qualify directly for the Round of 16.
• Teams ranked 9-24 enter a knockout playoff in February for the remaining Round of 16 places.
• Teams finishing 25-36 are eliminated from the competition.

This structure marks a significant departure from previous seasons, eliminating the possibility of dropping down to the Europa League and increasing the stakes in every match.

Scheduling and broadcast details

The league phase runs over eight matchdays from September through January, with matches typically scheduled for 19:00 GMT, translating to 3 p.m. ET in the U.S. UEFA has extended the European midweek calendar, now spanning ten weeks rather than six, allowing dedicated slots for the Europa League and Conference League.

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Knockout rounds and home advantage adjustments

Draws reduced for knockout rounds

The new format streamlines the draw process, with only two draws performed—one for the knockout phase playoffs in late January and one for the Round of 16 in late February. This reduces uncertainty and allows the bracket to be fully set ahead of time.

No country protection and implications

The removal of country protection means domestic rivals can meet earlier, increasing the likelihood of high-profile clashes like Liverpool vs. Chelsea in the Round of 16. The expanded tournament depth means some traditional giants might miss the top eight, leading to marquee ties earlier than usual.

Home advantage now merit-based

UEFA introduced a rule that the second leg of the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals is granted based on league phase ranking, rewarding the highest-performing teams with home advantage later in ties. This modifies prior practices of open draws, aiming to incentivize strong league phase performance, though some complications and perceived imbalances remain.

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Financial stakes and tournament legacy

Prize money and rewards

The 2025-26 competition distributes an estimated $2.6 billion among participating clubs, with winnings tied to individual match results as well as final tournament placement. An undefeated champion can earn upwards of 100 million euros, making the Champions League not only prestigious but highly lucrative.

Historic venue and upcoming fixtures

The final will be hosted at Budapest's Puskas Arena in May 2026, continuing the legacy of iconic European football events. The detailed full schedule ensures fans and teams can plan ahead for this season’s thrilling storylines across multiple stages.

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The UEFA Champions League’s return brings heightened excitement with its revamped format, historic clubs battling to extend dominance, and emerging teams striving for breakthrough success. As Real Madrid and Juventus lead the charge this week, football fans worldwide are set for high drama and exceptional quality from Europe’s top competition.

Questions and answers

Q: How to watch UEFA Champions League Matchday 3

A: To watch UEFA Champions League Matchday 3, you can tune into official broadcasters that hold the rights in your region, such as BT Sport, CBS Sports, or beIN Sports. Matches are also available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ or the official UEFA website and app. Checking your local listings and subscribing to these services will ensure you don't miss any live action.

Q: Real Madrid vs Juventus preview

A: The Real Madrid vs Juventus match is a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter featuring two of Europe's most storied clubs. Real Madrid, known for their strong defense and prolific attack, will face Juventus, who rely on tactical discipline and experienced players. Key matchups, player form, and recent performances will play crucial roles, making this fixture a must-watch for football fans.

Q: UEFA Champions League new format 2025-26

A: Starting from the 2025-26 season, the UEFA Champions League will adopt a new format featuring a single league phase with 36 teams, replacing the traditional group stage. Each team will play 8 matches against different opponents, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds. This change aims to increase competition and provide more high-quality games for fans across Europe.

Q: Top scorers Champions League 2025 season

A: The top scorers of the UEFA Champions League 2025 season are highlighted by leading forwards from Europe's elite clubs, who consistently deliver goals throughout the campaign. Players such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah often feature prominently due to their scoring prowess. Official UEFA statistics track these players' goal tallies as the season progresses.

Q: Schedule and fixtures UEFA Champions League

A: The UEFA Champions League schedule includes group stage matches typically held from September to December, followed by knockout rounds starting in February. Fixtures are announced before each phase, with matches usually played midweek on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For the latest schedule and fixtures, fans should consult UEFA's official website or authorized broadcasters.

Key Entities

Real Madrid: Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, known for its success in domestic and international competitions. The club has won numerous UEFA Champions League titles, establishing itself as one of Europe’s most prestigious teams.

Juventus: Juventus is a top-tier Italian football club from Turin with multiple Serie A championships. The club frequently competes in the UEFA Champions League, aiming to assert dominance in European football.

Xabi Alonso: Xabi Alonso is a retired Spanish midfielder who played for top clubs including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. He was known for his passing accuracy and tactical intelligence, contributing significantly to both club and Spain’s national team successes.

Kylian Mbappe: Kylian Mbappe is a French forward renowned for his speed and goal-scoring ability, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain. He is considered one of the leading young talents in world football and has won the FIFA World Cup with France.

UEFA Champions League: The UEFA Champions League is an annual football competition featuring the top clubs from European leagues. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious club competition in European football.

External articles

• 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase
• Champions League: a reminder of how the new format works
• Competition format | UEFA Champions League

Articles in same category

• UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 Preview: Arsenal vs Atletico & Real Madrid vs Juventus

YouTube Video

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