City Host Dortmund, Brugge Face Barcelona as Champions League Returns with Key Clashes

Posted : 05 November 2025

A thrilling night of UEFA Champions League action awaits as Europe’s elite clubs battle for vital points in the group stage. The spotlight shines brightest on Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge vs Barcelona, but every fixture brings its own storyline and statistical intrigue.

At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City renew their rivalry with Borussia Dortmund for the seventh time in the competition. Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in their last 22 home group-stage games and have turned the Etihad into a fortress since 2018. Dortmund, however, come into the clash in prolific form, having scored four goals in each of their last three outings.

City striker Erling Haaland, a former Dortmund star, could make history by scoring in five consecutive Champions League appearances for a third different club. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva is set to make his 100th appearance in the tournament, joining Portuguese greats Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, and Luis Figo.

In Belgium, Club Brugge welcome Barcelona for their first meeting in over two decades. Barcelona have struggled in recent trips to Belgium, losing five of nine away games there, including a 3-2 defeat at Royal Antwerp last season. Club Brugge are unbeaten in their last four home group-stage games and boast one of their strongest squads in recent years, led by young talents like Christos Tzolis. For Barcelona, 18-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí could make his 20th Champions League appearance before turning 19, while Marcus Rashford aims to continue his hot streak after scoring four goals in three European matches.

Elsewhere, Chelsea look to maintain momentum against Qarabag after dominating previous meetings, winning 10-0 on aggregate in 2017-18. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have scored in every international match they’ve played, averaging nearly three goals per game. Qarabag, though, have already secured two wins in this year’s campaign—triple their total from their last appearance in the competition.

Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Manchester City aren’t the only English team in action—Newcastle United will seek a third straight European win when they face Athletic Club, having already recorded their biggest Champions League victory earlier in the season. Forward Anthony Gordon has been a breakout star, becoming the first Newcastle player to score in three consecutive appearances in the competition.

Elsewhere across Europe, Inter Milan meet Kairat Almaty in the first-ever European clash between Italian and Kazakh clubs. Inter are aiming for a fourth straight win without conceding, while Lautaro Martínez looks to add to his tally of 24 goals in the competition. Marseille host Atalanta in a rematch of last year’s Europa League semifinal, with the French side unbeaten at home in eight European matches, while Atalanta have lost only two of their last 11 Champions League games.

In Portugal, Benfica face a stern test against Bayer Leverkusen as José Mourinho seeks to end the Eagles’ five-game losing streak in Europe. Leverkusen, however, are still reeling from a 7-2 thrashing by PSG on Matchday 3. Meanwhile, Ajax will aim to end a six-game European losing streak when they host Galatasaray, who have found form with consecutive wins and hope to extend their best Champions League run since 2012.

Every match carries weight as teams fight for qualification spots, history, and pride in a night that promises drama, goals, and records.

City Host Dortmund, Brugge Face Barcelona as Champions League Returns with Key Clashes

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