For the first time in the Champions League on Thursday, Atalanta challenges Arsenal, Barça and Atletico are also on the field

With the new format, the calendar and days of the Champions League have also changed. Contrary to what we were used to until now, after Tuesday and Wednesday, the matches of the most important continental event will also be played on Thursday. The most important challenge is the one between Atalanta and Arsenal. The Blues are the current winners of the Europa League, while the Gunners are one of the strongest teams of this edition.

"We have been playing in Europe for years, this experience has helped us as we have passed the difficult groups in the Champions League. Last year's performance was fantastic, but now the level of opponents is higher. Arsenal is a strong and organized team. There are no favorites, the field will speak. As usual, we play only to win", said Gian Pierogasperini, coach of Atalanta.

"I admire Atalanta and Gasperini, because they have created a beautiful team to watch. Last year they accomplished something extraordinary. We will not have it easy, they have given us some information about their players. Continuity is required from us, we are clear that it is a very difficult tournament", said Mikel Arteta, coach of Arsenal.

Hansi Flick's Barcelona, ??one of the best teams this season, will be involved in the transfer with Monaco. The objective of the Catalans is clear.

"We can win the Champions League. Big clubs like Barça always aim for trophies and this is the most important tournament in the world. We are ready to play against the best teams. I don't see the past, I focus on the present. We have confidence and we are maximally focused", said Hansi Flick, coach of Barcelona.

In the other matches of the first day, Atletico Madrid play against Leipzig, while Feyenoord take on Bayer Leverkusen. Benfica is engaged in the transfer with Cervena Zvezda and Brest meets Sturm Graz./a2