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

The best of the best are competing on the ultimate stage as the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage approaches its midway point; get all the key information on the second batch of fixtures coming up on Matchday 3.

Wednesday 25 October

Feyenoord vs Lazio (18:45)

"It's better when you get a late winner like that because it shows you have a strong mentality," said midfielder Matteo Guendouzi after Lazio struck in added time for the second Champions League game in a row to win 2-1 at Celtic. The midfielder added: "We played against a very strong team at a difficult away stadium." It will be more of the same when the Italian side head to Stadion Feijenoord 'De Kuip', where the hosts beat Celtic in their opener before losing 3-2 at Atlético de Madrid on Matchday 2.

Did you know?
Pedro Rodríguez (36 years and 68 days) became the oldest scorer for Lazio in the Champions League when he grabbed the last-gasp winner at Celtic.

Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk (18:45)

The Catalan club had to dig deep to edge past Porto 1-0 on Matchday 2 and João Cancelo summed up that victory by saying: "It was a difficult game. We knew that if we lost balls, we would suffer counterattacks. We haven't conceded a goal yet in this competition, which is good, but we can still improve." In Shakhtar, they face another side prepared to bide they time – just ask Antwerp after the Belgian side surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 last time out.

Did you know?
Shakhtar have won only two of their last 15 Champions League group stage matches (D6 L7) – both victories did come away from home though.

Celtic vs Atlético de Madrid (21:00)

"Atlético is the lord of chaos" claimed Marca after Diego Someone's side came out on top in a topsy-turvy contest with Feyenoord. The Scottish side could make a case for that title after losing to the Eredivisie club with nine men before their late heartbreak at home to Lazio. "It's fine margins at this level and we got punished," summarised midfielder Matt O'Riley. "We've got to learn quickly because we only have four games left now. I think we're more than good enough to play at this level but we have to get results to prove that." A victory against Simeone's men would certainly provide evidence.

Did you know?
Celtic have won only one of their last 23 Champions League group stage matches (D5 L17).

Paris vs Milan (21:00)

"We should have done better in possession and needed to take our chances. At this level, you can't afford to miss chances," said defender Davide Calabria after Milan's second goalless draw in the section, this time at Dortmund. "It's one of the toughest groups ever in the Champions League so we'll fight until the very end." Paris know that as well as anyone after they conceded four in a group match for the first time since 2001 in their 4-1 reverse at Newcastle.

Did you know?
Milan have not conceded a goal in their last four Champions League group stage matches.

Newcastle vs Dortmund (21:00)

Magpies defender Kieran Trippier was bullish after Eddie Howe's men eased past Paris, saying: "We had to put a marker down to show everyone where we are. We're a team who play on the front foot, we press well and we needed to do that. We needed to test their defenders and put the keeper under pressure." Dortmund will be under no illusions as to what they can expect at St James' Park then, but Edin Terzić's men will be determined to make a statement themselves having failed to score in their first two group games.

Did you know?
Newcastle have lost only one of their last 29 UEFA club competition matches at home (W21 D7).

Leipzig vs Crvena zvezda (21:00)

Despite a 3-1 defeat at home to Manchester City on Matchday 2, the German side remain second in the section and drew positives from their situation. "We managed a few good ball recoveries, but then failed to play a good final pass," said defender Lukas Klostermann. "We defended with lots of passion, however we were a bit hectic on the ball, in the first half in particular." Marco Rose's men will hope to polish their performance against their Serbian visitors, who got off the mark in the section courtesy of a 2-2 draw with Young Boys last time around.

Did you know?
Leipzig have scored two or more goals in 12 of their last 16 Champions League group stage matches.

Young Boys vs Man City (21:00)

City have had plenty of injury problems this season but that has given a chance for less regular starters to step up. Julián Álvarez has seized that opportunity and is the joint-top scorer in the competition after two games following a vital strike in their 3-1 win at Leipzig. "Julián has been top this season," said midfielder Phil Foden. "He's been scoring a lot of goals and he's someone we look to for the big goals. He's a really important player for us." Can he add to his tally in the double-header with Young Boys?

Did you know?
YB defeated City's rivals Manchester United 2-1 in Switzerland in their last Champions League group stage campaign in 2021/22.

Antwerp vs Porto (21:00)

"We showed that we are very strong and have what it takes to get to the next stage of this competition," said defender Wendell, despite Porto slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Barcelona on Matchday 2 that left them with three points in the section. Antwerp's situation is more precarious though, after their 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 home defeat by Shakhtar. "We have only ourselves to blame, and in the coming days we'll take the time to evaluate everything," said defender Owen Wijndal after that game. Will their forensic analysis bear fruit here?

Did you know?
Antwerp have kept four clean sheets in their last six UEFA club competition home matches.