The wait is over. The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with Matchday 1 fixtures running from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18. Europe’s biggest clubs return to the spotlight, and for American fans, the intrigue is doubled: a number of USMNT players will be on show, some facing dream opportunities, others […]
In its second season under the expanded format, the eight-game, League-Phase slates for the Champions League were drawn today, setting up a number of highlights and tough pairings for participating Americans like Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie on the long road to next years knockout round and final in Budapest.
The playoff round of European competitions showcased several Americans’ performances. Erik Palmer-Brown scored for Panathinaikos, aiding their 2-1 victory. Dante Polvara’s goal helped Aberdeen draw 2-2. Celtic drew 0-0 with Kairat Almaty despite dominating possession, while other Americans like Leon Flach and Chris Richards contributed in various matches.
A wasteful PSV Eindhoven was spared from facing a deficit after the first leg of their Round of 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund, with Malik Tillman drawing a key penalty in a game that also saw Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi get in on the action.
Another strong performance from Malik Tillman gave PSV Eindhoven a puncher’s chance of still advancing out of Group B, while Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah couldn’t prevent AC Milan from inching closer to an embarrassing last-place finish in Group F.
Malik Tillman’s drawn penalty for PSV helped the Dutch team fight back to earn a point against Sevilla, while Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah could only help AC Milan maintain a draw at BVB as Gio Reyna watched from the bench.
Sergiño Dest’s quick introduction to the PSV starting lineup saw the American impress in the team’s otherwise mixed draw in Glasgow, while Sam Vines helped Antwerp near the group stage, and Erik Palmer-Brown missed out for Panathanakios due to a last-minute injury
Christian Pulisic has traded fish and chips for pizza, pasta, and espresso as his long-rumored to Serie A team AC Milan was finally confirmed on Thursday by the 19-times league champions.
The 15-point deduction announced on Juventus by the Italian Football Federation for financial violations has added a complicated degree of uncertainty to Weston McKennie’s long-term future with the club.
Either Gio Reyna or Christian Pulisic will see their Champions League campaign come to an end in February, as Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea are set to face off in the final 16 of the competition.
