Champions League winners to begin defence with standalone home game

The 2027-28 Champions League will begin with a marquee fixture featuring the reigning champions in a home game, marking the first time the competition opens with a standalone match, UEFA said on Monday. Currently, the tournament's league phase begins with matchday one fixtures spread evenly over three days, but the change means just one game will take place on the first Tuesday, giving the title-holders maximum coverage. The remainder of the matches will then take place on Wednesday and Thursday. The move is similar to how the NFL season works in the United States, where, since 2004, the defending champions typically begin the following campaign with a home game, usually on the Thursday...