With the UEFA Champions League group stage now in full swing, Matchday 2 is crucial as teams vie for early dominance. Accumulating nine points can significantly boost a team`s chances of progressing to the knockout stages. For clubs that secured a victory on the opening day, this round offers a prime opportunity to gain a substantial advantage over their rivals before Matchday 3, when the stronger contenders truly start to emerge.
A major highlight sees José Mourinho lead Benfica in his first Champions League match since taking over from Bruno Lage. He makes a much-anticipated return to Stamford Bridge to face his former club, Chelsea. Tuesday`s action also features Galatasaray clashing with Liverpool and Eintracht Frankfurt visiting Atletico Madrid. Wednesday promises an equally thrilling encounter, with Barcelona hosting Paris Saint-Germain in a high-profile battle between two tournament favorites.
How to Watch UEFA Champions League Matchday 2
All Matchday 2 fixtures, spanning Tuesday and Wednesday, will be broadcast live on Paramount+. Additionally, selected matches and extensive studio coverage will be available on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Pre-match analysis kicks off daily at 12 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, leading into matches at 12:45 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. ET. Post-match analysis then shifts to Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Viewers can also catch The Golazo Show on Paramount+, with further wrap-up and discussion on CBS Sports Golazo Network`s The Champions Club (also streamed on YouTube) and Scoreline.
Matchday 2 TV Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
| TUESDAY, SEPT. 30 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Matchday | 12 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Atalanta vs. Club Brugge | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Kirat Almaty vs. Real Madrid | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today | 2:00 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Pafos vs. Bayern Munich | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| Inter vs. Slavia Praha | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Chelsea vs. Benfica | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Galatasaray vs. Liverpool | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Marseille vs. Ajax | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Atletico Madrid vs. Eintracht Frankfurt | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| WEDNESDAY, Oct. 1 | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League Matchday | 12 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Qarabag vs. Copenhagen | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle United | 12:45 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today | 2 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| The Golazo Show | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Borussia Dortmund vs. Athletic Club | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
| Villarreal vs. Juventus | 3 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Arsenal vs. Olympiacos | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Monaco vs. Manchester City | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs. PSV | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Napoli vs. Sporting Club Portugal | 3 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| UEFA Champions League Today post-match | 5 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Network |
Key Storylines for Tuesday`s Matches
`The Special One` Returns to Stamford Bridge
José Mourinho, famously known as `The Special One`, is set to make a nostalgic return to Stamford Bridge. During his two stints with Chelsea, he led the Blues to numerous titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield. Now, he faces the challenge of guiding Benfica through the Champions League group stage. Chelsea, currently hampered by Cole Palmer`s groin injury, has struggled recently, failing to win four of their last five matches. Both teams suffered defeats on Matchday 1, making this fixture crucial for securing vital three points.
Atletico Madrid Aims to Build Momentum
Atletico Madrid looks to capitalize on their recent derby triumph. Following a brace from Julián Álvarez, Atleti convincingly defeated Real Madrid 5-2 at home over the weekend. They now host Eintracht Frankfurt, considered a dark horse in the tournament, in a match that promises plenty of goals. Frankfurt showcased their attacking prowess by scoring six goals against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Nineteen-year-old sensation Can Uzun, with six goals and four assists this season, is emerging as one of the world`s brightest young talents. After finishing third in the Bundesliga last season, Frankfurt has high expectations, aiming for a top-eight finish in the league phase, a goal that an away win against Atleti would significantly boost.
Key Storylines for Wednesday`s Matches
Lamine Yamal Leads Barcelona Against PSG
Lamine Yamal`s return, highlighted by a game-winning assist against Real Sociedad, provides a timely boost for Barcelona. Without Raphinha, they face Paris Saint-Germain in a fixture that could easily be a knockout-stage encounter. PSG`s aggressive pressing strategy, orchestrated by Luis Enrique, might challenge Barcelona`s potent attack. However, with Ousmane Dembélé also absent, neither team will be at full strength. This intriguing imperfection sets the stage for a captivating match. Barcelona has exhibited defensive vulnerabilities, while PSG has shown inconsistency in finding the net in league matches. The question remains: which contender will prevail?
American Talent on Display as Leverkusen Host PSV
An exciting matchup awaits as Bayer Leverkusen hosts PSV, potentially featuring a clash of three American players. Malik Tillman will have the opportunity to face his former club, PSV, after his summer move to Leverkusen. Although Leverkusen`s form has improved after moving on from Erik ten Hag, they dropped points in their opening Champions League fixture. PSV suffered a disappointing loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, notably with Ricardo Pepi conceding a penalty. Both teams will be eager to demonstrate significant improvement, especially as this was a game from which both were expected to secure maximum points according to the initial schedule.
