Defending champions Real Madrid travel to Celtic; Salzburg host Milan

(Football news) Real Madrid will begin their UEFA Champions League defence with a tricky away fixture against Celtic. Los Blancos have started the season well with a win in the UEFA Super Cup final and 4 wins in 4 La Liga games. Carlo Ancelotti has his entire squad available apart from Alvaro Odriozola and Jesus Vallejo who wouldn't have played anyway. Ancelotti benched Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Antonio Rudiger in their game against Real Betis on Saturday therefore the trio should start at Celtic Park. Madrid have been playing some really good football this season but Benzema isn't looking as potent as he normally is. This will be a good game for Benzema to dominate and get his form back.

Celtic have also won all their matches this season. On Saturday they defeated arch rivals Rangers 4-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table. On paper Real Madrid are favourites but Celtic Park is never an easy place to visit for any club. The Stadium will be absolutely buzzing considering the form the team is in. This is also their first appearance in the UCL group stage since 2017. Real Madrid has been prone to mistakes and that is something which Ange Postecoglou will be looking to exploit.

AC Milan won the Serie A last year after 10 years without winning it but their UCL campaign was a bit underwhelming as they finished rock bottom of their group and couldn't even get Europa League qualification. This season they will be looking to turn things around and make it to the knockouts. The Rossoneri will start their journey with an away fixture against RB Salzburg. Milan have the right momentum after their 3-2 win against rivals Inter Milan. The Italian champions have 2 draws and 3 wins so far this season but they cannot afford to slip up in the UCL. They are pitted in the same group as Chelsea who are a tough team to beat while Dinamo Zagreb and RB Salzburg are no pushovers either. 

Also read: Liverpool leave Naby Keita out of the UEFA Champions League squad

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