When and Where Is It Being Played?

The 2025/26 Champions League continues with a top-level clash. Manchester City will host Napoli this Thursday, September 18, at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, with German referee Felix Zwayer in charge of the match.

Manchester City Preview

City begins this Champions League campaign hungry for revenge. After enduring their worst season under Pep Guardiola, finishing without silverware, the Manchester side is determined to rewrite the story and chase their second European crown. The squad has kept its core intact and aims to regain the dominance that once made them one of Europe’s most feared teams.

Napoli Preview

On the other hand, Napoli enters the competition as reigning champions of Italian football. Although international trophies have eluded them, this could be their year after heavy investment in the transfer market. The star signing is Kevin De Bruyne, who left City this summer and has already established himself as the heartbeat of the Italian side’s midfield. The Belgian will be extra motivated to face the club that parted ways with him just a few months ago.

Key Players

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian striker remains unstoppable in the Premier League, but still has unfinished business in Champions League knockout moments. This season, he hopes to deliver.
• Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli): The Belgian playmaker is the creative force of the Azzurri, contributing goals and assists in Serie A. Facing his former club makes this clash even more special.

Final Outlook

Manchester City comes in as the favorite, but not by a wide margin. Oddsmakers believe Napoli has a real chance to cause an upset at the Etihad or at least secure a valuable point in the group stage. A matchup loaded with intrigue and quality, perfectly set to ignite this Champions League campaign.