Matchday 3 of the Champions League brings a handful of must-see matches to American television. The teams are looking to position themselves strongly for the second half of the group stage.
As such, this week could see some absolutely classic matches, and you’ll be able to follow them in the US.
Graham Potter has work to do to get Chelsea’s continental campaign back on track. Meanwhile, Liverpool are hoping Joel Matip’s late goal against Ajax has breathed new life into their Champions League hopes.
Going into matchday three, it’s a turning point for the rest of the campaign. In each of these games, the reverse encounter is only a week away. The value of finishing in the top two is incomparable.
With every UEFA Champions League match broadcast on Paramount+, here are five games to watch on Matchday 3.
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The best Champions League matches of the third day
1. Marseille vs Sporting CP – Group D (Tuesday, October 4 – 12:45 pm ET / 9:45 am PT)
Marseille’s meeting with Sporting on Tuesday is the perfect early start to set the tone for Matchday 3 of the Champions League. If you are looking for a match with two well trained and entertaining teams then this is perfect.
Marseille have an element of chaos to their game, although that hasn’t helped them in the Champions League. The French giants have not won or scored a goal in their first two games. For its part, Sporting has won both games without conceding a goal.
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is expected to be Wolves’ favorite choice to replace Bruno Lage. This could be his last game in charge of him at Sporting. He looks to show his best attacking game in the possible expulsion of him.
2. Inter vs. Barcelona – Group C (Tuesday, October 4 – 3 pm ET/ noon PT)
This is a clash of giants in the European game, both showcasing success on the biggest stage in laden success stories. Inter and Barcelona will be looking to take a decisive step to secure second place in Group C.
Bayern Munich already look insurmountable at first, especially with back-to-back games against Viktoria Plzen.
Inter’s poor domestic form has left Simone Inzaghi in danger of losing his job. Barcelona will have to take advantage of this. The Blaugrana have been impressive domestically and will almost certainly score goals at the San Siro.
3. Ajax vs. Napoli – Group A (Tuesday, October 4 – 3 pm ET/ noon PT)
If you like entertaining football, then Tuesday’s match between Ajax and Napoli is the game for you. The two teams are the top scorers in Group A and the excitement will not be lacking in this match.
Napoli could be very close to qualifying with an away win in the Netherlands.
4. Chelsea vs. AC Milan – Group E (Wednesday, October 5 – 3 pm ET/ noon PT)
90+2: Empoli 1-1 Milan 90+4: Empoli 1-2 Milan 90+6: Empoli 1-3 Milan
RAFAEL LEÂO ADDS THE THIRD BY STYLE! ???? pic.twitter.com/oTEw4IyuRe
– CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 1, 2022
Chelsea’s poor start to the Premier League season has spilled over into the Champions League. The Blues have just one point from their first two games.
Worryingly, those poor results came against the two weakest teams in Group E.
Italian champions AC Milan now await Graham Potter’s side, who limped past Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Rossoneri don’t have those problems at home. Stefano Pioli’s team is in top form with Rafael Leao scoring for fun.
5. Sevilla vs. Borussia Dortmund – Group G (Wednesday, October 5 – 3 pm ET/ noon PT)
Anything short of a win for Sevilla will pretty much end their Champions League campaign for the 2022/23 season. The Spanish team is having serious problems mixing a new group of players. The domestic results have been below average, and Julen Lopetegui is on the verge of expulsion ahead of Wednesday’s game.
Borussia Dortmund are performing steadily after losing Erling Haaland. The goals do not come in the same way, and that gives Sevilla a chance to strike.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ActionPictures
