The 2023-24 Champions League group stage is underway and Matchday 1 is wrapped up as Manchester City kick off their title defence, while Arsenal, Barcelona and Newcastle United return to the competition. After a thrilling first round of games, we asked our writers Gab Marcotti, Mark Ogden and Julien Laurens to answer some of our burning questions.
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Who are the players that impressed on Matchday 1?
Marcotti: Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, not just for his late goal-scoring heroics, but because he kept Lazio in the game with a string of saves against a dominant Atletico Madrid. Shoutout to Barcelona loanee João Félix too, of course, Man City midfielder Rodri (is there anything he can’t do?) and Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, who is quickly becoming one of the best in the world in his position.
Ogden: Aside from the obvious — Man City’s Julián Álvarez, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala — I’m going to go with Red Star Belgrade forwards Cherif Ndiaye and Osman Bukari. Bukari scored the opening goal in a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad and playing as a forward against Pep Guardiola’s side is a thankless task, but the duo’s pace and movement was a constant threat. Their partnership could yet see Red Star sneak second spot in Group G and a place in the round of 16.
Laurens: Felix. After two games for Barcelona, against Real Betis and Antwerp, he has two Man of the Match awards. On his Champions League debut for the Blaugrana against Antwerp on Tuesday, he contributed two goals and an assist. He is happy, free from the defensive restrictions he had under Atletico coach Diego Simeone. If he can sustain this level through the season, Barcelona will be brilliant.
