The Champions League is back, with the first match kicking off on September 16, and that also means UCL Fantasy is here again.
The Champions League Fantasy Season Kicks Off
Matchday 1 is always exciting but can also be tricky as we’re still figuring out how teams will shape up this season. My goal this week is to start strong with a balanced squad, mixing proven stars with a few players who could spring a surprise.
I’ve focused on players with good home fixtures while taking a couple of calculated risks on those playing away. With Kylian Mbappe
wearing the captain’s armband, I’m hopeful this team can kick off the campaign with a strong score. With the countdown now on, here’s my team for Matchday 1.
Leading my attack is Kylian Mbappe, one of my premium picks. He scored 64 points last season and was unstoppable, hitting 44 goals in all competitions.
He’s already started this campaign well with two goals in his first three La Liga matches, so including him in my team was an easy choice. Alongside him, I’ve gone for Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokores. He managed 46 points for Sporting CP last season and scored six times in the league phase.
He’s already settled in well at Arsenal, scoring two goals in his first three appearances, and he looks like an exciting option even though his first UCL game away to Athletic Bilbao could be a tricky one.
My final forward is Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy. He was the top-scoring forward last season with 103 points, and as the highest goal scorer among all strikers, he was an obvious first-choice pick for me heading into Matchday 1.
With this trio leading my frontline, I’m hopeful they can bring in plenty of points to get my UCL Fantasy campaign off to a strong start.
UCL 1 MD1 Fantasy team
In midfield, I’ve gone for a mix of creativity and goal threat. Lamine Yamal was one of Barcelona’s standout performers last season, finishing with 75 points, five goals, and three assists.
He’s already started this season strongly, with two goals and two assists in just three La Liga games. With a home game against Newcastle up next, he feels like a great pick and someone who could make a big impact in Matchday 1.
Next up is Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise. He had five goals, 24 ball recoveries, and 61 fantasy points last season, and his creativity and set-piece ability make him a real threat. Bayern face Chelsea in their opening game, and I’m backing him to play a key role in that match.
Vitinha also makes my team after being a vital part of PSG’s Champions League-winning side last season, scoring four goals and ending the campaign with 80 points.
My final midfielder is Mikel Merino, who picked up 50 points last season with two goals and four assists. Together, this group gives me a strong balance of flair, consistency, and players who can deliver when it matters most.
At the back, I’ve gone with Achraf Hakimi, priced at 6m. He was one of the best fantasy defenders last season, scoring four goals, keeping eight clean sheets, and making 74 ball recoveries on his way to an impressive 125 fantasy points. PSG start their campaign at home to Atalanta, and I’m expecting him to play a big role again this year.
Joining him is Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s new signing from Bayer Leverkusen. He comes in at 5.5m after earning 49 points last season and will get a tough first test when Liverpool faces Atleti.
My third defender is Nicolas Otamendi, who picked up 63 points last season with four clean sheets and a goal. He’s a steady and reliable option who can chip in at both ends of the pitch.
In goal, I’ve gone for David Raya as my premium goalkeeper. He was brilliant in last season’s Champions League, keeping six clean sheets, saving two penalties, and finishing with 63 fantasy points.
With those numbers, he feels like a safe and dependable choice to round off my defense heading into Matchday 1.
On my bench, I’ve got Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin as my backup. He made 18 saves in last season’s competition, so he’s a solid cover if needed.
I’ve also included Sacha Boey for defensive support, Federico Valverde, who was one of Real Madrid’s standout players last season, and PSV defender Ryan Flamingo, a budget pick who gives me some extra cover at the back.
The countdown to Matchday 1 is on, and the excitement is building! Who are you planning to include in your squad? Share your thoughts and teams in the comments below as we get ready for the start of the competition.
