The group stage of the 2016-17 Champions League offers up some intriguing match-ups.
Here are eight games to keep an eye out for during the first round.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal: This is easily the marquee clash of Group A, as both PSG and Arsenal are favoured to progress to the Round of 16. However, their matches against one another on Matchday 1 and 5 will likely determine who will win the group.
Dynamo Kyiv vs. Napoli: Every team in Group B has a shot at qualifying for the knockout stage. One of the tougher away trips will be Dynamo Kyiv, though, and that is where Napoli has to travel for its first match. Dynamo only lost once at home in the Champions League last season (vs. Manchester City in the Round of 16).
Manchester City vs. Borussia Monchengladbach: These teams met in the group stage last year, with City taking all six points. However, both matches were hotly contested. Gladbach was leading 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium until City scored three times in the final 10 minutes to win 4-2.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Atletico Madrid: The Round of 16 match between these teams went to a penalty shootout at the Vicente Calderon last year. Each match finished in a 0-0 draw, but with Group D on the line this time around, there will surely be goals in their two games.
Tottenham vs. AS Monaco: Group E is one of the most balanced groups in the Champions League. Tottenham will be favoured to win it, but Monaco is loaded with young talent. A couple of its players have been linked to the Premier League, so if you are a fan of an English club, this is a game you have to watch.
Real Madrid vs. Sporting CP: Cristiano Ronaldo will face the club who launched him onto the big stage as a teenager. Madrid should be victorious, but Sporting has some intriguing attacking players in Joel Campbell and Bas Dost. Portugal internationals Adrien Silva and William Carvalho will also be starting in midfield.
Club Brugge vs. Leicester City: The Premier League champions were seeded in the draw and were handed a capable group as a result. In fact, Leicester could realistically reach the Round of 16. If anything, it will be interesting to see how the Foxes perform in their Champions League debut, whether it’s Matchday 1 or 6.
Juventus vs. Sevilla: There are many juicy storylines in this game. The tactical battle between Jorge Sampaoli and Massimiliano Allegri alone is going to be a must-watch clash. Sampaoli encourages a fast-paced attack and it could cause some problems for Juve.
