Champions League Matchday 3: Wednesday game-by-game preview

Brace for intrigue aplenty as the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage resumes; get abreast of the second batch of fixtures coming up on Matchday 3.

Wednesday 5 October

Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb (18:45 CET)

Austria's Kronenzeitung newspaper called Salzburg's 1-1 draw at Chelsea last time out a "sensation in London", and their unbeaten start to Group E has put them in a strong position. Zagreb downed Chelsea on Matchday 1 but then lost in Milan, with defender Stefan Ristovski acknowledging, "When we make a mistake, we get punished – the Champions League is very unforgiving." He and his team-mates will look to keep errors to a minimum in Austria.

Did you know?
Salzburg's only defeat in six encounters with Dinamo came at home: they lost 2-1 to the Croatian club in the decisive leg of the 2016/17 Champions League play-offs.

Leipzig vs Celtic (18:45)

The German hopefuls prop up Group F after two defeats and need a home win. New coach Marco Rose has made a difference, though; Dortmund were beaten in his first Bundesliga game and they played well in their 2-0 loss to Real Madrid last time out. "I think we deserved more," Rose lamented. Celtic also impressed against Shakhtar but could only draw, captain Callum McGregor saying, "We want to arrive and the only way to do that is to get points."

Did you know?
These teams traded home wins in the 2018/19 Europa League group stage; Leipzig beat the Hoops 2-0 at home but lost 2-1 at Parkhead.

Chelsea vs AC Milan (21:00)

On their new boss's Champions League debut, Graham Potter's Chelsea could only draw 1-1 against Salzburg, meaning the two-time winners have made their worst start to a Champions League campaign since 1999/2000. For their part, Milan won a Champions League match at the San Siro for the first time in nine years last time out, with coach Stefano Pioli saying, "We deserved to win a game in the Champions League. The fans deserve it. And we can do even better.”

Did you know?
These teams met in the 1999/2000 Champions League group stage that began so badly for Chelsea. They drew twice, but the Blues ended up top of the section and Milan bottom.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar (21:00)

These sides are meeting for a third group stage in succession, but if logic suggests a win for the European champions, it is worth noting that Shakhtar beat Madrid home and away at this stage in 2020/21. Deputising for the injured Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde has stood out so far, with coach Carlo Ancelotti saying: "I told him that if he doesn't score ten in this campaign given how he hits a ball, he should cut up my coaching certificates."

Did you know?
Shakhtar's lone away win against Madrid was at the more modest Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, where they played their 2020/21 home games. No Ukrainian club has won at the Santiago Bernabéu in eight visits (D2 L6).

Man City vs Copenhagen (21:00)

Erling Haaland has now scored 26 goals in 21 UEFA Champions League matches (group stage to final), his effort last time out helping Pep Guardiola's men to see off Dortmund. New signing Manuel Akanji said, "We've set the tone that we are now leader of this group, but the work doesn't stop." Copenhagen have yet to win, but after a draw against Sevilla, winger Viktor Claesson promised, "We will make it difficult for [City]."

Did you know?
City and Copenhagen have met before, in the 2008/09 Europa League round of 32. After a 2-2 draw in Denmark, City won 2-1 at home, Craig Bellamy scoring both goals.

Sevilla vs Dortmund (21:00)

After taking just one point from their opening games, Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui said, "There are 12 points to play for. Evidently, the double-header against Dortmund is going to be very important." Dortmund put in a valiant losing performance at Manchester City last time out and can take some solace from past performances: they have yet to lose in two previous away games against Sevilla: a 2-2 draw in 2010 and a 3-2 win in 2021.

Did you know?
Sevilla have not scored in three European games, a run that began with a 2-0 loss at West Ham in last season's Europa League round of 16.

Juventus vs Maccabi Haifa (21:00)

For the first time ever, Juventus have lost their opening two group stage games, with coach Massimiliano Allegri eager to steady the ship. "These moments happen in football," he said. "All is not lost." This game looks like a mismatch on paper, but while they lost 3-1 to Paris on Matchday 2, Barak Bakhar's men took an unexpected lead and looked very capable. "With a bit of luck we could have scored another goal," the coach said.

Did you know?
Juventus beat Maccabi Haifa 1-0 home and away in the 2009/10 group stage, Giorgio Chiellini getting the only goal in Turin.

Benfica vs Paris (21:00)

Both sides have a maximum six points going into their back-to-back encounters, prompting Benfica coach Roger Schmidt to note, "Winning is very good for our confidence. Finishing top of the section? We will see." Paris were made to work hard by Maccabi Haifa before their superstar front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé all scored. "I hope all three of us continue to score because it means we'll win games," said the France striker.

Did you know?
Lionel Messi has become the first player to score in 18 successive UEFA Champions League seasons, though Karim Benzema could yet match him.