The second round of the Champions League group stage might only just be over, but it's not slowing down. The third round of fixtures is set to take place on the 20th and 21st of October, just one week on from the second set of games. It comes thick and fast for the teams, who will not have much time to build on, or improve on, their past results.
Matchday 3 has some mega clashes on the slate too. There’s giants meeting giants, Davids meeting Goliaths, and some incredible footballing ability bound to be on display. Here’s the best games to watch on Champions League matchday 3.
PSG vs Barcelona (20 October, 20:00 BST)
This one’s a real marquee matchup, the kind of game the Champions League is all about. Both PSG and Barcelona are heading into the Champions League as one of the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy. In fact, Bet365 has Barcelona as favourites, with PSG as the fourth most likely behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Barcelona arrive with momentum following a 4–1 comeback over Galatasaray. Hansi Flick’s aggressive high defensive block faces a major speed test against PSG’s wide forwards at the Parc des Princes. The primary battle will center around midfield control: whoever limits central turnovers will set the tempo and create transition overload opportunities. Expect a real battle of wits between two great managers, as well as two great teams.
Como vs Manchester United (21 October, 17:45 BST)
Manchester United’s season so far has been nothing short of a disaster. Players are in open revolt of the ownership and board, the results have been poor, and optimism is hard to come by. It’s night and day compared to the mood at Como, in the Champions League for the first time and flying high.
Cesc Fàbregas’ side favors patient, fluid buildup, which could play into United’s strengths, but it all depends on which Manchester United turn up. With Leny Yoro serving a suspension following his red card in Madrid, Michael Carrick will need disciplined defensive organization to avoid an Italian upset.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal (21 October, 20:00 BST)
Another of the two favourites for the entire tournament meet head-on on Wednesday night. Bayern Munich avoided disaster in a crazy 3-3 draw with Viking FK, and will be looking to get back on track, while Arsenal are looking hungry after last year’s loss in the Champions League final.
Arsenal travel to Bavaria with significant confidence off the back of a 3–0 shutout of Lille. Mikel Arteta’s defensive framework will prioritize cutting off service lines into Harry Kane, while Arsenal's set-piece efficiency will test Bayern's box coverage and defensive discipline.
Real Madrid vs RB Leipzig (21 October, 20:00 BST)
If the complex chess match of Bayern vs Arsenal isn’t to your liking, how about a chaotic brawl starring Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid. It seems like Madrid can’t go a week without some level of chaos, which makes their games real box office viewing.
Leipzig demonstrated their tactical discipline with a 1–0 clean sheet against PSV on Matchday 2. Madrid will command the majority of possession, meaning Leipzig will rely on quick release balls into Brajan Gruda on the break. Madrid will look to isolate defenders 1v1 on the flanks to unlock Leipzig’s mid-block before counter-attacks can materialize.
