Valencia and Barcelona take their first step in the Champions League

After the matches played by the other three Spanish teams, comes the turn for FC Barcelona and Valencia CF in the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League. Both teams face their first matchday of the top European competition in different ways. Barça plays at Rome, while Valencia will not have to travel and plays at the Mestalla Stadium.

AS Roma - FC Barcelona

Barcelona could not come at a better time. They won in the last Liga BBVA matchday against Atlético de Madrid, getting the top of the competition. The Catalan side expects a difficult match, but confident they can overcome relying on its star trident formed by Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. 

The only news on the list of Luis Enrique is Gerard Pique, who replaces the injured Vermaelen. Meanwhile, Roma arrives with a lot of injured players, as the midfielder Miralem Pjanic. Rudi Garcia’s side won last weekend at home by 0-2 to Frosinone and is ranked fifth in the Serie A table. No doubt it will be a special clash to Luis Enrique, who will return to the stadium where he was to become a senior coach.

Luis Enrique: "Going back to Roma means remembering positive things. It will be special" #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/ZWKzRWwEhy

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 15, 2015

Valencia CF - FC Zenit

Valencia returns to the top European competition three years later with the intention to start on the right foot and lead its group. The victory in the last Liga BBVA matchday against R. Sporting served to gain confidence, so Nuno's team can deal more positively the first Champions match. 

To play at Mestalla is one of the advantages for the "Valencianistas" that will seek the support of the fans to get victory. The return of André Gomes is also a great news for the locals, although the skillful midfielder won't be in the starting lineup due to inactivity. Zenit will be in front with all squad available. The team of Villas-Boas will be presented at Valencia as the most dangerous team in the group.