Europe’s top leagues are practically kicking off, but hold up, because the real fireworks already exploded with UEFA Champions League qualifiers returning this week. Forget easing into the season, we’re talking about straight-up do-or-die matches for a shot at the group stage. The stakes are through the roof, and it’s happening right now!
Early Season Brawls: Coppa Italia and Championship Kicking Off Strong
Before the UCL madness fully grips us, the season in Italy is already underway with the Coppa Italia. We’ve got Cremonese battling Sampdoria on Monday, August 17, at 2:45 p.m. ET, live on Paramount+. Seriously, Italy jumps straight into it, no messing around! And across the pond, if you’re looking for more Monday action, the Championship is bringing it with Cardiff City facing Wrexham at 3 p.m. ET, also on Paramount+. These early fixtures are giving us a taste of what’s to come, and after the Community Shield already offered a glimpse of Europe’s top teams, you know things are about to get wild.
The UCL Qualification Gauntlet Is Set
Then comes the main event for the week: the final batch of UEFA Champions League qualifiers hit the pitch on Tuesday, August 18. This is where dreams are made or crushed. We’ve got Levski Sofia going head-to-head with AEK Athens at 3 p.m. ET. At the exact same time, Fenerbahce battles Lyon in what’s bound to be a classic, and Dinamo Zagreb takes on Viking. All these massive qualification showdowns are streaming on Paramount+. You simply can’t miss these matches, because for these teams, it’s not just another game, it’s their entire European campaign on the line from day one.
Never Miss a Single Kick With Golazo Network
And hey, if you’re like me and can’t get enough soccer, the CBS Sports Golazo Network has your back. Wanna start your day informed? Check out *Morning Footy* weekdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., packed with highlights, killer interviews, and all the biggest storylines. You can even catch it as a podcast! For the women’s game, *Attacking Third* is now a live studio show, bringing you the best NWSL coverage, breaking down the USWNT, NWSL, and European domestic season. Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola are dishing on all things USMNT and the state of the game in the U.S. on *Call it What You Want*, live on the Golazo America YouTube channel. And for daily updates on everything global football, *Scoreline* is your newest go-to, starting Thursday and airing seven days a week, giving you match highlights and all the can’t-miss goals. You can stream it all for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
What a start to the season, right? With these high-stakes UCL qualifiers already in full swing and Europe’s biggest leagues just days from returning, the soccer world is absolutely buzzing. Get ready for an insane few months, kicking off with these crucial matches and all the incredible, non-stop coverage from CBS Sports Golazo Network. It’s go time, soccer fans, don’t miss a thing!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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