European Football Preview: Chelsea Hosts Barcelona As Arsenal Faces Bayern Munich

‎After the final international break of 2025 wrapped up last week, attention swings firmly back to club football and to the league phases of UEFA’s three major competitions.

‎With international fixtures on pause until March, Europe’s elite now enter a crucial stretch in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, promising a gripping run into the end of the year.

‎Here are the standout fixtures to watch out for this week.

‎Tuesday, November 25: 

‎Chelsea vs Barcelona (21:00 WAT) 

‎European football returns in blockbuster fashion at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea and Barcelona renew one of the Champions League’s most historic rivalries.

‎From the drama in the 2008/09 semifinal to Fernando Torres’ unforgettable breakaway goal in 2012, clashes between these two have produced some of the competition’s most iconic moments.

‎Their meetings have been rare in recent years, making this latest chapter feel long overdue.

‎Barcelona arrive as favourites, coming off a confidence-boosting domestic win that saw them rediscover the intensity and fluidity that defined last season’s run to the semifinals.

‎With Joan Garcia back in goal after a long injury, Raphinha returning to fitness, and Lamine Yamal showing flashes of brilliance, Hansi Flick finally has his squad close to full strength even if their high defensive line has shown vulnerability.

‎Chelsea, meanwhile, is revived under Enzo Maresca. Four straight Premier League wins have pushed them into second place, though their European form remains less convincing.

‎A win would strengthen their push for a top-eight finish but stopping Barcelona at full force may require the performance of their season.

‎Wednesday, November 26

‎Arsenal vs Bayern Munich (21:00 WAT) 

‎Another London heavyweight hosts European royalty, as Premier League leaders Arsenal welcome Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich. This may be the most anticipated fixture of the week and perhaps of the season so far.

‎Bayern remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga after 11 matches, scoring freely and overwhelming opponents with a fearsome front three of Luis Díaz, Harry Kane, and Michael Olise. Their attacking power has made them the benchmark across Europe.

‎But Arsenal are matching them stride for stride. The Gunners’ only defeat this campaign came against Liverpool, and they boast astonishing defensive numbers: just six goals conceded in the Premier League, 13 clean sheets in all competitions, and none conceded in Europe so far.

‎Sunday’s explosive derby performance showed they can hurt teams in attack as well.

‎With home advantage and full of confidence, Mikel Arteta’s side have the perfect platform to make a statement, though Vincent Kompany’s Bayern represent their toughest test yet.

‎Atletico Madrid vs Inter (21:00 WAT) 

‎The final Champions League headliner of the week brings Inter to Atletico for a tense and high-stakes encounter. Atletico have been inconsistent in Europe, winning two and losing two in the opening matches, and find themselves under pressure to take points at home.

‎Recent form offers encouragement five straight wins in all competitions have steadied Diego Simeone’s men, and Antoine Griezmann’s return to scoring form could not come at a better moment.

‎Inter, however, have been near flawless in Europe, winning all four matches so far with eleven goals scored and just one conceded. A derby defeat at the weekend has shaken momentum slightly, opening the door for Atletico to pounce.

‎Still, Inter remain favourites and Simeone will need one of his trademark European masterclasses to tilt the balance.

‎Thursday, November 27 Europa League

‎AS Roma vs Midtjylland (18:45 WAT) 

‎Attention shifts to the Europa League on Thursday, where Serie A leaders Roma face surprise table-toppers Midtjylland. The Danish side has stunned observers with four wins from four in Europe, even as their domestic form has been less consistent.

‎Roma, meanwhile, is thriving under new boss Gian Piero Gasperini, sitting atop Serie A after 12 games.

‎However, their European campaign has been shakier, with two wins and two defeats including a shock home loss to Viktoria Plzen.

‎With contrasting form patterns and unpredictable momentum, this early kick-off in Rome is one of the week’s most intriguing fixtures.

‎Strasbourg vs Crystal Palace (21:00 WAT)

‎Thursday concludes with an unexpectedly compelling encounter between two clubs unfamiliar with regular European campaigns.

‎Strasbourg last appeared in continental competition nearly two decades ago, while Crystal Palace is enjoying its maiden European adventure after last season’s sensational FA Cup triumph.

‎Strasbourg holds a slight edge, unbeaten with two wins and a draw in the league phase, and with home advantage.

‎Palace, though, has hit form domestically, rising into the Premier League’s top five and Oliver Glasner will believe his side can translate that momentum abroad.

‎Strasbourg’s recent dip to three defeats in six adds another layer of unpredictability.

‎With this being the first competitive meeting between the clubs, everything is set for a memorable night.