Champions League: 8 first round matches to watch

Francesco-Totti-Roma-Serie-A

Roma's Francesco Totti. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The group stage of the 2015-16 Champions League campaign gets underway Tuesday, and it doesn’t lack for intriguing matchups.

Here are eight first-round must-watch clashes:

PSV vs. Manchester United: Back in the Champions League after a year out of Europe, Louis van Gaal’s revamped Manchester United side face a tough Group B test in Memphis Depay’s (pictured right) former team. PSV vs. Manchester United: Back in the Champions League after a one-year absence, Louis van Gaal’s revamped Manchester United side face a tough Group B test in Memphis Depay’s (pictured right) former team. (Laurent Dubrule/AP)

Juventus vs. Manchester City: It’s fair to label Group D as the “Group of Death,” and its best matchup pits the reigning Italian champions (and Champions League finalists last season) against the current Premier League leaders. Juventus vs. Manchester City: It’s fair to label Group D as the “Group of Death,” and its best matchup pits the reigning Italian champions (and Champions League finalists last season) against the current Premier League giants. (Jon Super/AP)

Barcelona vs. Roma: The defending champions drew what is a group they should win without issue, but Rudi Garcia’s Roma side has gotten off to a solid Serie A start and should pose Barcelona its greatest Group E battle.Barcelona vs. Roma: The defending European champions drew what is a group they should win without issue, but Rudi Garcia’s Roma side should pose Barcelona its greatest Group E battle. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Bayern and Arsenal have seen a lot of each other in Champions League of late, with the German side eliminating the Gunners from the tournament in 2013 and 2014. The winner of these matches will take Group F.Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Bayern and Arsenal have seen a lot of each other in Champions League of late, with the German side eliminating the Gunners from the tournament in 2013 and 2014. The winner of these matches will take Group F. (Matthias Schrader/AP)

Chelsea vs. Porto: Chelsea’s struggles in England are becoming a trend and could transfer into European competition if Jose Mourinho’s squad takes the unbeaten Primeira Liga leaders lightly.Chelsea vs. Porto: Chelsea’s struggles in England are becoming a trend and could transfer into European competition if Jose Mourinho’s squad takes the unbeaten Primeira Liga leaders lightly. (Matt Dunham/AP)

Real Madrid vs. PSG: In another clash of the titans, these European superpowers face off for Group A supremacy. It should create a pair of stunning games as both teams look to bounce back after Champions League disappointment last season.Real Madrid vs. PSG: In another clash of the titans, these European superpowers face off for Group A supremacy. It should create a pair of stunning games as both teams look to bounce back after Champions League disappointment last season. (Christophe Ena/AP)

Atletico Madrid vs. Benfica: It wasn’t long ago that Diego Simeone’s Atletico group fell just short of Champions League glory. Similarly, Benfica have experienced their own European heartbreak recently, losing the Europa final in 2013 and 2014.Atletico Madrid vs. Benfica: It wasn’t long ago that Diego Simeone’s Atletico group fell just short of Champions League glory. Similarly, Benfica have experienced their own European heartbreak recently, losing the Europa League final in 2013 and 2014. (Francisco Seco/AP)

Valencia vs. Lyon: What Group H lacks in big-club stature, it will make up for with this showdown between the two clubs that should be vying for top spot. Valencia is back in European competition after a year out, while Lyon returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2011-12.Valencia vs. Lyon: What Group H lacks in big-club stature, it will make up for with this showdown between the two clubs that should be vying for top spot. Valencia is back in European competition after a year out, while Lyon returns to the Champions League for the first time since 2011-12. (Laurent Cipriani/AP)

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