• 15 Oct, 2024

Why are Champions League games being played on Thursday? Official reason explained

Why are Champions League games being played on Thursday? Official reason explained

The Champions League returns this week, with the opening group stage fixtures set to be played across three days - but why are games being played on Thursday?

The UEFA Champions League is back with a bang, and it's bringing some significant changes along with it. Arsenal fans may have been surprised to find that their opening fixture - a challenging away game against Europa League winners Atalanta in Italy - won't be taking place in the usual Tuesday or Wednesday slot.

Instead, the Gunners will play on Thursday evening, just three days before they head to the Etihad to take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash. This also comes hot on the heels of their 1-0 victory in the north London derby.

Fans of other clubs might be wondering if they'll also have to adjust to watching their teams play on Thursdays - a day typically reserved for Europa and Conference League matches. However, this isn't the case.