Today's Champions League fixtures promise an exciting evening of European football, with defending champions PSG beginning their title defence alongside other heavyweight clashes across the continent.

Ajax vs Inter Milan (19:00 GMT)

The Johan Cruyff Arena hosts a fascinating tactical battle as Ajax welcome Inter Milan. The Dutch side's youthful exuberance and attacking philosophy will be tested against Inter's Italian pragmatism and defensive discipline. Ajax have rebuilt with promising young talent, but Inter brings invaluable European experience and organisational strength.

Prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 Ajax – Inter's defensive solidity and experience should prove decisive against Ajax's talented but inconsistent young squad.

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea (19:00 GMT)

A rematch of past European encounters sees Bayern Munich host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena. The German giants are eager to make an early statement, while Chelsea continues their rebuilding process under new management. Bayern's attacking firepower faces Chelsea's transitional phase, making this an intriguing tactical matchup.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea -With favourable positioning and home advantage, Bayern should dominate against a Chelsea side still finding their rhythm.

Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid (19:00 GMT)

Anfield welcomes Atlético Madrid in what could be the evening's most atmospheric fixture. Liverpool, rated as tournament favourites by the Opta supercomputer with a 20.4% chance of winning the Champions League, will rely on their "new sports car squad" to deliver. Manager Arne Slot continues placing faith in Mohamed Salah, consistently being rewarded for this trust.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Atlético Madrid -The Anfield atmosphere and Liverpool's current form should inspire victory over Diego Simeone's tactical setup.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Atalanta (19:00 GMT)

The defending champions begin their title defence at home against Atalanta in potentially the evening's most entertaining encounter. PSG faces their first genuine test of the season against an Atalanta side renowned for their high-intensity attacking football and never-say-die attitude.

Prediction: PSG 3-2 Atalanta - The champions' superior quality at home should prevail, though Atalanta's counter-attacking prowess will ensure a competitive affair.

Additional Fixtures

Olympiacos vs Pafos (16:45 GMT) - Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0

Slavia Praha vs Bodø/Glimt (16:45 GMT) – Prediction: Slavia Praha 1-1

Key Storylines

Clubs across Europe are united in their ambition to dethrone Paris Saint-Germain as continental champions, adding extra significance to every fixture in the new league phase format. The expanded tournament structure sees 36 teams competing in eight matches each – four home and four away – as they battle for knockout round qualification.

Tonight's matches carry particular weight, with defending champions PSG facing their opening test, Liverpool seeking to justify their favouritism, and Bayern Munich looking to reassert their European dominance.

The new format ensures every point earned holds crucial importance for final positioning, making each fixture a vital stepping stone toward Champions League glory.

The stage is set for an evening of high-quality European football, where tactical battles, individual brilliance, and team chemistry will determine who takes the early advantage in this season's most prestigious club competition.