UEFA Champions League Matchday 1 Predictions Including Real Madrid vs Inter Milan

The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League returns Tuesday with the league phase beginning, featuring Real Madrid hosting Inter Milan and FC Porto welcoming Manchester City. Aston Villa starts its Champions League campaign away in Belgium against Club Brugge, winners of the 2025-26 Europa League, with Unai Emery’s side leaning on a stable spine featuring goalkeeper Yann Sommer and midfielder captain Hans Vanaken. Brugge will miss defender Joel Ordonez, while Villa may include goalkeepers Zion Sukuzi in line for a start, with Leon Goretzka also potentially debuting. The preview projects a 2-2 draw. Other matchday 1 picks include AEK Athens beating LASK 2-0 at home and a Madrid clash where Real Madrid faces Mourinho’s Inter, though Madrid is expected to be short-handed by suspensions and fitness issues.