Key events
GOAL! Shakhtar 0-3 Atalanta (Bellanova 48): Very much game over.
Nunez starts as the central striker after missing the weekend trip to Wolves. Jota is deemed fit enough for the bench after picking up a knock at Molineux.
Starting lineups: Liverpool v Bologna
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.
Subs: Jaros, Kelleher, Gomez, Endo, Jones, Gakpo, Jota, Tsimikas, Quansah Morton, Bradley, Nyoni
Bologna: Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumí, Miranda; Moro, Freuler, Urbanski; Orsolini, Dallinga, Ndoye
Subs: Bagnolini, Ravaglia, Holm, Erlic, Castro, Iling-Junior, Casale, Corazza, Aebischer, Odgaard, Lykogiannis, Fabbian
Half time scores from the early kick-offs:
Girona 1-2 Feyenoord
Shakhtar Donetsk 0-2 Atalanta
This is what the sport needs!
Summary
After a fine opening night win in Italy against Milan, this contrived new format means Liverpool are playing Italians again. This time, however, they are at home. Bologna are in town, having secured one victory in six Serie A games this season, offering little cause for optimism. Both teams had new coaches arrive over the summer but while Arne Slot has looked promising, Vincenzo Italiano is yet to make his mark.
Lille are hosting Real Madrid and I think Benfica v Atletico Madrid will be fun, while RB Leipzig v Juventus will be worth keeping half an eye on. Dinamo Zagreb face Monaco and Sturm Graz welcome Club Brugge. We will also carry out a quick roundup of the early matches.
Here is to a fun night!