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UEFA Champions League preview: Liverpool face Basel, Arsenal defend the Emirates

Paris Saint-Germain v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League

PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 30: Lionel Messi of Barcelona scores his teams first goal of the game during the Group F UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain v FC Barcelona held at Parc des Princes on September 30, 2014 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

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Take a look at the eight Champions League matches taking place throughout Europe on October 1st.

Group A:

Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus

Domestic champions square off as Juventus travel to Spain where Atletico Madrid awaits a crucial Group A match. After losing their opening match to Olympiacos 3-2, Atletico will look to rebound against their toughest competition. Juventus sits atop the Serie A table, and will look to continue their unbeaten run in Madrid.

Malmo vs. Olympiacos

Greek giants Olympiacos travel to Sweden to take on a Malmo side that hasn’t conceded a home goal in seven matches of UEFA play. Olympiacos is riding high after a massive win over Atletico and will look to remain atop the group with a win in Malmo.

Group B:

Basel vs. Liverpool

Liverpool travel to Switzerland where they face a Basel side that was dominated in their opening match against Real Madrid. Brendan Rodgers’ team would love to earn three points, but Basel are a tricky side not to be overlooked, despite their 5-1 loss in Madrid. Look for a close match with Basel possibly stealing a point.

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Ludogorets vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid will look to spoil Ludogorets’ first home match in Champions League play as the Spanish giants should easily handle their Bulgarian opposition. Another massive win for Madrid wouldn’t surprise anyone around here.

Group C:

FC Zenit St. Petersburg v FC Krylia Sovetov Samara - Russian Premier League

Andre Villas-Boas has helped Zenit rebuild into a contender.

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Zenit vs. Monaco

In one of the toughest groups, Russian side Zenit play host to Monaco in a key Group C battle. Andre Villas-Boas has developed a strong Zenit squad that is looking to stake their claim as a major European power.

Leverkusen vs. Benfica

Two teams looking for their first points in group play kick-off in Germany as Leverkusen welcomes Portuguese champions Benfica. Both teams have looked strong domestically and will hope their play carries over to Europe.

Group D:

Arsenal vs. Galatasary

A depleted Arsenal lineup must defend the Emirates as Turkish club Galatasary try to take advantage of a Gunners’ squad riddled with injuries. Arsenal was embarrassed in their first match against Dortmund, making all three points massive to stay alive in the group.

[RELATED: Latest Champions League news]

Anderlecht vs. Dortmund

Anderlecht was outscored 11-2 in their three home matches in Champions League play last season, a statistic they hope to change against Dortmund. Although Dortmund has struggled in the Bundesliga, they manhandled Arsenal in a lopsided 2-0 victory earlier in group play.