Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat in Monaco after playing most of the match with 10 men following an early red card for defender Eric Garcia. Hansi Flick has made an impressive start at Barcelona after taking over in May, winning their opening five LaLiga fixtures to sit top of the table.

Bayer Leverkusen get their UEFA Champions League campaign underway against Feyenoord on Thursday and come into this year's new-look edition as German titleholders. Xabi Alonso's side dislodged Bayern Munchen from the summit and will open their quest against last year's Eredivisie runners-up at De Kuip in one of the early kick-offs.

Bayer Leverkusen's Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso reacts from the sideline during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 7, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) Feyenoord welcome Bayer Leverkusen in their UEFA Champions League opening match on Thursday.