Last of their group E with a surprise defeat in Zagreb (1-0), a pretext for the dismissal of coach Thomas Tuchel, and a draw (1-1) against Salzburg, Chelsea, now coached by Graham Potter, must beat the AC Milan to keep a hope of seeing the eighth.

Winner of the competition two years ago, quarter-finalist last season before falling to Real Madrid, future European champions, the London club will be opposed to the reigning Italian champions.

The Milanese, who largely beat Zagreb (3-1) on the last day, have to deal with a defense decimated by injuries, including those of French internationals Mike Maignan (goalkeeper) and Théo Hernandez.

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In the same group, Dinamo Zagreb, second thanks to its prestigious victory against Chelsea, moves to Salzburg.

Juventus under pressure against Haifa

In Group H, Juventus Turin is also in a complicated situation after two 2-1 defeats in two games against Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica, and is in penultimate place.

The "Old Lady", only seventh in the league after eight days, must win at home against Maccabi Haifa, the weakest team in the group, to avoid elimination from the pools, which has not happened to her since. 2013.

Victorious over Juventus (2-1) then Maccabi Haifa (3-1), Paris Saint-Germain are in the lead but are preparing for a perilous trip to Porto, against Benfica, author of an excellent start to the season.

Leader of its championship thanks in particular to the offensive efficiency of its young striker Gonçalo Ramos, the Portuguese club has only suffered one defeat this season, and a victory against PSG would allow it to take the lead of the group.

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Real Madrid, leaders of group F, host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Bernabéu, and can count on the return to C1 of their star striker Karim Benzema, after a right thigh injury.

The opportunity to react after the draw against Osasuna on Sunday (1-1) in the league, coach Carlo Ancelotti hoping for "another attitude" from his men.

Led by his serial scorer Erling Haaland (14 goals in the Premier League and 3 in the Champions League this season), Manchester City is widely favored for the reception of Copenhagen, to consolidate its lead in Pool G after two victories against Sevilla and Dortmund, who also face off on Wednesday.

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Program

matches of the 3rd day of the Champions League on Wednesday October 5

(in Paris time, GMT+2):

Group E

(6:45 p.m.) RB Salzburg (AUT) - Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)

(21h00) Chelsea (ENG) - AC Milan (ITA)

Group F

(6:45 p.m.) RB Leipzig (GER) - Celtic (SCO)

(21:00) Real Madrid (ESP) - Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)

Group G

(21:00) Sevilla FC (ESP) - Dortmund (GER)

Manchester City (ENG) - Copenhagen (DEN)

Group H

(21h00) Juventus Turin (ITA) - Maccabi Haifa (ISR)

Benfica (POR) - Paris SG (FRA)

© 2022 AFP