The UEFA Champions League returns for the 2026/27 season featuring a 36-team league phase, and according to content editor Pietro Guerrini of Libero Magazine, the opening round runs from Tuesday, September 8, to Thursday, September 10, 2026. Broadcasters across Italy and Europe have finalized their coverage plans for the 17 matches scheduled across the three-day opening stretch.
Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid Headlines Free-to-Air TV Coverage
According to Libero Magazine, the marquee fixture selected for free-to-air broadcast is Liverpool against Atletico Madrid. The match takes place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with a 21:00 kickoff at Anfield. Viewers in Italy can watch the game for free on TV8 (digital terrestrial channel 8) or via the channel’s official website streaming service.
Broadcasting Rights and Exclusive Match Schedules on Sky Sport
According to Libero Magazine, Sky holds exclusive broadcast rights for 185 of the 203 total matches in the tournament leading up to the June 5, 2027 final. Subscribers can watch games through Sky Go, NOW, and dedicated satellite channels, alongside the “Diretta Gol” simultaneous broadcast program and pre- and post-match analysis on Sky Calcio Show.
Tuesday, September 8 Match Schedule
- 18:45: AEK Athens vs. LASK — Sky Sport Arena (channel 204), Sky Sport 254; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Real Madrid vs. Inter — Sky Sport Uno (channel 201), Sky Sport 252, Sky Sport 4K; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Porto vs. Manchester United — Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202), Sky Sport 253; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal — Sky Sport Mix (channel 203), Sky Sport 254; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Lille vs. Real Betis — Sky Sport 255; SkyGo and NOW.
Wednesday, September 9 Match Schedule
- 18:45: Barcelona vs. Feyenoord — Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202), Sky Sport 253; SkyGo and NOW.
- 18:45: Stuttgart vs. Viking FK — Sky Sport Mix (channel 203), Sky Sport 254; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid — Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202), Sky Sport 252, TV8; SkyGo, NOW, and TV8 website.
- 21:00: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Slovan Bratislava — Sky Sport Arena (channel 204), Sky Sport 253; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Napoli vs. Arsenal — Amazon Prime Video streaming.
Thursday, September 10 Match Schedule
- 18:45: Fenerbahçe vs. Roma — Sky Sport Uno (channel 201), Sky Sport 253; SkyGo and NOW.
- 18:45: PSV Eindhoven vs. Shakhtar — Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202), Sky Sport 254; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Como vs. Leipzig — Sky Sport Uno (channel 201), Sky Sport 4K, Sky Sport 252; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Bayern Munich vs. Bodø/Glimt — Sky Sport Calcio (channel 202), Sky Sport 256; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Slavia Prague vs. Lens — Sky Sport 254; SkyGo and NOW.
- 21:00: Manchester United vs. Sabah FK — Sky Sport 255; SkyGo and NOW.
Italian Clubs Facing Paid Platforms and Streaming Services
According to Libero Magazine, Italian clubs outside the free-to-air broadcast require paid subscriptions. Inter travels to face Real Madrid on Tuesday, while Napoli hosts Arsenal on Wednesday via Amazon Prime Video. On Thursday, Roma visits Fenerbahçe and Como plays Leipzig.
Pro Tip: Check your regional provider listings ahead of kickoff. While TV8 provides free access to Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid, all other fixtures require either a Sky Sport subscription with SkyGo/NOW access or an Amazon Prime Video account for selected Wednesday matches like Napoli-Arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase start?
According to Libero Magazine, the first matchday runs from Tuesday, September 8, to Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Which match is broadcast for free on TV8?
According to Libero Magazine, Liverpool versus Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 21:00 is available for free on TV8 and its official website.
Where can viewers watch Napoli vs. Arsenal?
According to Libero Magazine, Napoli vs. Arsenal streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
How many total matches does Sky broadcast in the 2026/27 tournament?
According to Libero Magazine, Sky broadcasts 185 of the 203 total matches up to the final on June 5, 2027.
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