Match Preview: Real Madrid Face Inter Milan, Liverpool Meet Atletico Again, Barcelona Aim for Five Straight Wins

Welcome to the sixth edition of the 2026-27 season Match Preview, which covers major football events around the world from September 9 to September 11 Beijing time:

September 9, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Porto vs Manchester City

Manchester City have recorded 3 wins and 1 draw in four European meetings with Porto. Both teams have made strong starts this season. Porto have won six straight matches and have conceded only one goal so far, sitting top of the Portuguese league; Manchester City have won three consecutive Premier League matches and have also conceded only one goal, sitting top of the English league. In this match, Porto defender Benaderek is suspended, which will affect the team to some extent. However, Porto have shown strong attacking power, with four players scoring at least two goals, while team assist leader Pepe has already provided four assists. This attacking group could cause major problems for Manchester City's defense. For Manchester City, the attack mainly relies on Haaland, who has been in good form and scored in each of his last two matches.

September 9, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Real Madrid vs Inter Milan

Real Madrid have won their last four matches against Inter Milan. Last weekend, Real Madrid lost 0-1 away to Betis in the league; Inter Milan are in impressive form, earning three straight wins after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli. In this match, Real Madrid coach Mourinho will face his former club. If he cannot lead the team to victory against Inter, his position could come under scrutiny. In attack, Mourinho will likely continue to rely on Mbappe, who has scored four goals in four matches this season and is the team's top scorer. The €100 million signing Diomande has still not scored after four matches, and many fans have questioned him; he needs to prove himself quickly. For Inter, Lautaro and Calhanoglu have both shown excellent form this season and will be key players in helping the team earn points away from home.

September 10, 00:45 UEFA Champions League Barcelona vs Feyenoord

Barcelona have been very strong this season, winning all four opening matches and scoring 17 goals. Feyenoord remain unbeaten this season, with three wins and two draws from five matches. Although Feyenoord have also achieved good results, getting points at Camp Nou will be extremely difficult. Barcelona are expected to continue with the Raphinha, Yamal and Fermin combination, which has already scored 14 goals together. Gordon is still waiting for his first goal despite having provided four assists. For Feyenoord, Zechiel, with four goals and three assists, is a major threat and a player Barcelona must closely monitor.

September 10, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid

Liverpool have won their last four matches against Atletico Madrid, including a 3-2 home victory over them last season. Last weekend, Liverpool beat Ipswich Town 2-0 away in the league to secure their first win of the season; Atletico Madrid lost 0-3 away to Athletic Bilbao, suffering their first defeat of the season. The two teams are in noticeably different form, and Liverpool are expected to win again. In this match, Liverpool's €100 million new signing Barcola could start, forming a star-studded attack with Wirtz and Isak. Isak has scored three goals in his last two matches and is in excellent form. For Atletico, Baena has been performing well and has scored three goals this season, while former star Alvarez has fallen out with the club due to transfer issues and his starting role remains uncertain.

September 10, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Napoli vs Arsenal

The two teams are showing completely different forms. Napoli have suffered two consecutive defeats, while Arsenal have won four straight matches after coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and have conceded only one goal. Whether Napoli can stop their decline will be crucial for Allegri; another defeat could put his position in serious doubt. Arsenal's defense has been extremely solid, and their attacking players are also in good form, with Saka, Tsolis, Havertz and Odegaard all performing well. However, last season's leading striker Gyokeres has struggled this season and is still searching for his first goal.

September 11, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt

Bayern were held by Schalke in their last league match, ending their winning streak at the start of the season. For a Bayern side known for producing high-scoring games, this match could be an opportunity to respond strongly. This season, the trio of Olise, Kane and Diaz have all performed reasonably well, scoring six goals combined. Against Bodo/Glimt, who are considered a weaker opponent, at Allianz Arena, they are expected to find the net again. For Bodo/Glimt, avoiding a heavy defeat away from home would be a positive result.

September 11, 03:00 UEFA Champions League Manchester United vs Baku

Manchester United have returned to the Champions League after two seasons, and their first opponent is Baku, who are making their Champions League main-stage debut. Although Manchester United's form has been inconsistent, beating a Champions League newcomer like Baku at home should not be particularly difficult. Manchester United manager Carrick may continue with the regular league lineup, using Bruno Fernandes to support forwards Mbeumo and Sesko. Mbeumo in particular has scored in his last two matches, showing excellent form. Since Baku are not considered a strong team, Manchester United could record a big win, giving players such as Cunha and Rashford a chance to score their first goals of the season.

(Original article by Sohu Sports, Gerard)