The third week of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 arrives with great expectations, after two days full of emotions and results that left seven teams with a perfect score: Borussia Dortmund, Stade Brestois, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool . , Aston Villa and Juventus. Now, on this new date of the continental competition, six Colombian players could be the main characters, focusing on their respective teams and wishing to leave their mark in the main European club competition.
On Tuesday, October 22, there will be a special confrontation in the Champions League, and two Colombian figures will face each other. Aston Villa will host Bologna in a game central to the ambitions of both in their group. Jhon Jader Durán, a forward who has just scored for the Colombian National Team in the South American Qualifying Games against Chile, is to start on the bench. Despite not being a starter, Durán is an important boost to the England team.
On the other side will be Jhon Janer Lucumí, one of Bologna’s defensive pillars. The central defender, who was also central to the Colombian National Team, is expected in the Italian team’s opening match, who will try to stop Aston Villa’s offensive momentum and score crucial points.
Both teams have shown a good level in the competition, and this clash will not only be an important test for their aspirations to progress, but also a situation that will test Colombia’s figures in the context of maximum demand.
Juan David Cabal, and the possibility of adding minutes at Juventus
In another of the duels on Tuesday, Juventus will face Stuttgart in Turin. La Vecchia Signora, who had a good start in this group stage, could count on the presence of Colombian defender Juan David Cabal, who seeks to consolidate himself within the scheme of the Italian team. Although not a regular starter, Cabal could see action in this game, and his defensive offense will be key to keeping the team solid.
Wednesday: Luis Díaz and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado in action
Wednesday, October 23, also promises great emotions for Colombian players. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado will be the first to take the field, as Atalanta host Celtic in Bergamo. Cuadrado, who is expected from the bench, could add his experience and speed in a game that will be crucial for the Italian team as they try to qualify for the next stage.
Later, all eyes will be on Luis Díaz, who will start Liverpool’s clash against RB Leipzig on German soil. Díaz, established as one of the Reds’ most important players, continues to show his class in the Champions League and will be a key piece in his team’s attack. With his inconsistency and ability to make a difference, Colombia will look to keep Liverpool unbeaten and continue to add points in a difficult group.
Juan José Córdoba and Salzburg against Dinamo Zagreb
Juan José Córdoba will also be in action on Wednesday, who will be part of the RB Salzburg team that will face Dinamo Zagreb. Although Córdoba will start as a substitute, he may have important minutes depending on the development of the game. The Austrian team looks to continue climbing positions in a very tight group, and Colombia’s performance could be key to a good result at home.
Colombia in the Europa League
In addition to the action in the Champions League, another Colombian will play a dominant role in the Europa League. Galatasaray defender Davinson Sánchez will start the Turkish team’s clash against Elfsborg of Sweden on Wednesday, October 23 at 9:30 am (Colombian time). Galatasaray, with four points in two dates, looks to consolidate itself in its group and continue to progress in the competition. Davinson’s presence in the heart of the defense will be vital to maintain stability and ensure a positive result at home.
In addition to Dávinson, three other Colombian players could take action on the third day of the Europa League: Jhon Mosquera with Viktoria Plzen, Kevin Medina with Qarabag, and Pedro Antonio Bravo with Midtjylland. These three players have had excellent participation in the previous stages and will look to continue to add minutes in a competition that offers a great showcase for Colombia’s talent.
Meanwhile, Óscar Cortés, who plays for Rangers, continues to recover from injury and will not be available for the match against Steaua Bucharest.
Colombia’s schedules and matches this week in the Champions League
Tuesday 22 October
Jhon Jader Durán and Jhon Janer Lucumí: Aston Villa vs. Bologna – 2:00 pm (Colombian time)
Juan David Cabal: Juventus vs. Stuttgart – 2:00 pm (Colombia time)
Wednesday 23 October
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado: Atalanta vs. Celtic – 11:45 am (Colombian time)
Luis Díaz: RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool – 2:00 pm (Colombia time)
Juan José Córdoba: RB Salzburg vs. Dinamo Zagreb – 2:00 pm (Colombian time)
This week is likely to be crucial for Colombian teams and players in the Champions League and Europa League, with games full of emotions and opportunities to enjoy the highest stage of European football.
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