Champions League: Exciting clashes as the tournament kicks off in its new format

Italian club Atalanta and German club Bayer Leverkusen face new challenges on Thursday after reaching the Europa League final last season.

Bayer Leverkusen's only loss in their impressive first full season under coach Xabi Alonso came in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

But Leverkusen now return to the Champions League to face hosts Feyenoord.

In contrast, Atalanta host Arsenal, who are without captain Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury playing for Norway.

Barcelona, the leaders of the Spanish league, led by its young star Lamine Yamal, also heads to face Monaco.

In the remaining matches, Serbian Crvena Zvezda will play against Portuguese Benfica, Spanish Atletico Madrid against German Leipzig, and French Stade Brest will play against Austrian Sturm Graz.

(German)