Europe’s top football clubs are gearing up for an exhilarating new chapter in the UEFA Champions League, thanks to a revamped format that promises increased excitement and drama.
With more matches, heightened intensity, and a slew of unforgettable moments expected, the opening matchday is set to launch this thrilling new era in the pursuit of club football’s most coveted trophy.
As the eagerly awaited 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season begins today, September 17, 3Sports is highlighting the fresh contenders poised to make a significant impact on Europe’s premier football stage.
SK Slovan Bratislava
SK Slovan Bratislava, Slovakia’s football powerhouse, is set to make its UEFA Champions League debut after a commanding 15-point lead in their domestic league. With a storied history that includes 22 league titles since 1926 and eight Czechoslovakian League championships, the ‘Belasi’ bring a legacy of European experience and a tradition of winning.
The club’s European pedigree is impressive, with numerous appearances in the UEFA Europa League and recent participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Their crowning achievement came in 1969, when they triumphed over Barcelona 3-2 to win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, establishing themselves as European champions.
Slovan Bratislava will kick off their Champions League journey with a challenging away match against Scottish champions Celtic, followed by their UCL home debut against former champions Manchester City.
Girona
In a stunning development, Girona FC, last season’s La Liga sensation, has made their debut in the UEFA Champions League. Once in the shadow of Catalan giants Barcelona, Girona has now carved out their own success story, establishing themselves as a rising force in Spanish football.
Their 2023/24 season was extraordinary. Guided by Michel Sanchez, Girona emerged as unexpected title challengers, maintaining their impressive form until February. Although they narrowly missed out on the title, they achieved a historic third-place finish, surpassing Atletico Madrid and marking their highest league position ever.
For their inaugural Champions League campaign, Girona faces a challenging start. They will begin with an away fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, followed by their first home UCL match against Feyenoord, the 2023 Eredivisie champions.
Brest
French club Stade Brestois 29 is set to make its historic Champions League debut following an impressive 2023/24 Ligue 1 season. Finishing third behind the giants PSG and Monaco, the Brittany-based team has secured a coveted spot among Europe’s elite.
Brest’s inaugural Champions League campaign begins on Thursday with a home match against reigning Austrian champions Sturm Graz. They will follow this up with an away game against RB Salzburg in Game Week 2.
As the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season kicks off, a fresh wave of newcomers is set to leave their mark on the competition. Teams like Girona, Brest, and others will bring a renewed sense of excitement and unpredictability to Europe’s premier club competition. With their inaugural campaigns underway, these debutants will aim to defy expectations, spring surprises, and etch their names in Champions League history.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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