Colombians In European Competitions
This season of European football is packed with Cafetero talent across all three major UEFA competitions — the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. From star names like Luis Díaz at Bayern Munich to rising prospects like Juergen Elitim at Legia Warszawa, Colombian players will be representing in some of the biggest matches on the continent. Each team faces its own unique challenges, with some squads fighting for the trophy while others simply hoping to make their mark on the stage. Here’s a full look at how the Colombians are set up heading into this year’s European journey, complete with fixtures, predictions, and what we can expect from our Cafeteros abroad.
Champions League
Bayern Munich – Luis Díaz
- Vs Chelsea (H)
- Vs Pafos FC (A)
- Vs Club Brugge (H)
- Vs PSG (A)
- Vs Arsenal (A)
- Vs Sporting CP (H)
- Vs Union St. Gilloise (H)
- Vs PSV (A)
Bayern Munich face a tough set of fixtures in the opening stage of the Champions League, including a showdown with fellow Cafetero Luis Suárez of Sporting CP. Even so, I fully expect them to qualify comfortably. I’m projecting 19 points, which based on last year’s tally would send them straight into the third phase of the tournament. From this list, Bayern are the clear favorites to lift the trophy, and Luis Díaz will be a key figure in that pursuit. He’s already been decisive this season, with 4 goals and 2 assists in just 5 matches, and Bayern look every bit a force to be reckoned with. Their first match comes against Chelsea Wednesday, September 17.
Benfica – Richard Ríos
- Vs Qarabağ (H)
- Vs Chelsea (A)
- Vs Newcastle (A)
- Vs Leverkusen (H)
- Vs Ajax (A)
- Vs Napoli (H)
- Vs Juventus (A)
- Vs Real Madrid (H)
Benfica and Richard Ríos were handed a brutal draw. Aside from Qarabağ and maybe Ajax, every other opponent is at or above Benfica’s level. I’m predicting 10 points, which would likely leave them just short of qualifying. Hopefully I’m wrong, but it will take something special for Benfica to get through. If they are to surprise everyone, Ríos will need to continue his great form — he’s already been fantastic to start the season. Benfica themselves have been strong as well, unbeaten since their 4-1 loss to Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup, though they did slip in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Santa Clara on Friday, September 12. Now they’ll have the chance for revenge against Chelsea. Their first match is on Tuesday, September 16, where they’ll also face Cafeteros Kevin Medina and Camilo Durán.
Galatasaray – Dávinson Sánchez
- Vs Frankfurt (A)
- Vs Liverpool (H)
- Vs Bodø/Glimt (H)
- Vs Ajax (A)
- Vs Union St. Gilloise (H)
- Vs Monaco (A)
- Vs Atlético Madrid (H)
- Vs Manchester City (A)
Unlike Benfica, Dávinson Sánchez and Galatasaray have a fairer draw with several winnable games. I’m projecting 12 points, which would be enough to reach the second round. Domestically, Galatasaray have started on fire — unbeaten and conceding just one goal in five league matches. The question is whether this form will translate against Europe’s elite. One thing is certain: they’ll need Dávinson’s defensive brilliance to make a deep run. Their first match is on Thursday, September 18.
Sporting CP – Luis Javier Suárez
- Vs Kairat Almaty (H)
- Vs Napoli (A)
- Vs Marseille (H)
- Vs Juventus (A)
- Vs Club Brugge (H)
- Vs Bayern Munich (A)
- Vs PSG (H)
- Vs Athletic Club (A)
Sporting CP have plenty of quality, but this draw is brutal. I project them to finish with 11 points, which was the cut-off last season. Depending on goal difference, they could just scrape through. With Colombia’s most in-form striker leading the line, I’ll back them to make it. Luis Javier Suárez has been outstanding to start the season, with 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 matches. They’ll need him at his very best to advance. Sporting’s first game is on Thursday, September 18.
Juventus – Juan Cabal
- Vs Dortmund (H)
- Vs Villarreal (A)
- Vs Real Madrid (A)
- Vs Sporting CP (H)
- Vs Bodø/Glimt (A)
- Vs Pafos (H)
- Vs Benfica (H)
- Vs Monaco (A)
Juventus were handed a very challenging draw, but they still have enough quality to push into the latter stages of the tournament. I’m projecting 15 points, which based on last year’s standings would comfortably see them through to the second round. Domestically, Juve have started the season in excellent form, sitting joint-top of the league with Napoli and coming off an impressive 4-3 win over rivals Inter.
For Cafeteros, the big story is Juan Cabal. After a long injury layoff, he finally made his return, playing 20 solid minutes and helping Juventus secure the win. Hopefully, he can use this competition to gain more minutes and maybe even push for a starting spot. Their first match is on September 15.
Qarabağ FK – Kevin Medina & Camilo Durán
- Vs Benfica (A)
- Vs Copenhagen (H)
- Vs Athletic Club (A)
- Vs Chelsea (H)
- Vs Napoli (A)
- Vs Ajax (H)
- Vs Frankfurt (H)
- Vs Liverpool (A)
Qarabağ are nowhere near favorites to escape the first stage, but they’ll look for memorable moments for their fans. For Colombians, this side features two Cafeteros — defender Kevin Medina and forward Camilo Durán. I predict 4 points total, which is respectable considering some teams finished with zero last season. Hopefully Medina can help with clean sheets and Durán can get himself on the scoresheet. Their first match is against Richard Ríos and Benfica on September 16.
Europa League
Bologna – Jhon Lucumí
- Vs Aston Villa (A)
- Vs Freiburg (H)
- Vs FCSB (A)
- Vs Brann (H)
- Vs Salzburg (H)
- Vs Celta Vigo (A)
- Vs Celtic (H)
- Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (A)
Bologna’s draw is tough but manageable, and they should be considered one of the favorites to go far — maybe even win it. I’m projecting 17 points, the same tally Tottenham (last year’s champions) managed in this stage. Bologna’s defense is a big strength, and Jhon Lucumí is a huge part of that. Their Serie A start hasn’t been great, with losses to Milan and Roma, but this competition could be their chance to shine. Their first match is on Thursday, September 25.
FC Midtjylland – Pedro Bravo
- Vs Sturm Graz (H)
- Vs Nottingham Forest (A)
- Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (A)
- Vs Celtic (H)
- Vs Roma (A)
- Vs Genk (H)
- Vs Brann (A)
- Vs Dinamo Zagreb (H)
Midtjylland are talented, with plenty of South American quality, including promising Cafetero Pedro Bravo. Still, it’ll be tough for them to advance. I predict 10 points, which was last year’s cutoff. Their league start has been solid, and Bravo himself has impressed — shining in qualifiers and in the league so far. This tournament is a great chance to catch Néstor Lorenzo’s eye. Their first match is on September 24.
Fenerbahçe – Jhon Durán
- Vs Dinamo Zagreb (A)
- Vs Nice (H)
- Vs Stuttgart (H)
- Vs Viktoria Plzeň (A)
- Vs Ferencváros (H)
- Vs Brann (A)
- Vs Aston Villa (H)
- Vs FCSB (A)
After narrowly missing out on the Champions League, Jhon Durán and Fenerbahçe will look to dominate in the Europa League. I predict 16 points, enough for the third round. Fener have started the league well, sitting second, and boast a strong squad. Durán is currently sidelined with a head injury, but once back, he’ll be key to their success. Their first game is September 24.
Real Betis – Nelson Deossa & Cucho Hernández
- Vs Nottingham Forest (H)
- Vs Ludogorets (A)
- Vs Genk (A)
- Vs Lyon (H)
- Vs Utrecht (H)
- Vs Dinamo Zagreb (A)
- Vs PAOK (A)
- Vs Feyenoord (H)
Betis have a difficult group but are still among the tournament favorites. I predict 16 points, enough for a direct path to the third round. Their start to La Liga has been mixed, but their talent is undeniable. Nelson Deossa debuted on September 14 vs Levante, impressing with creativity and defensive contributions. Meanwhile, Cucho Hernández scored his first goal of the season in the same match. If both deliver, Betis could easily reach another final. Their first game is on September 24.
Aston Villa – Yeimar Mosquera
- Vs Bologna (H)
- Vs Feyenoord (A)
- Vs Go Ahead Eagles (A)
- Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv (H)
- Vs Young Boys (H)
- Vs Basel (A)
- Vs Fenerbahçe (A)
- Vs Salzburg (H)
Villa are heavy favorites with their Premier League squad depth. I predict 20 points, which would top the table. Despite a poor league start (just 2 points in 4 matches), it’s worth noting Tottenham won last year’s Europa League while sitting 17th domestically. Yeimar Mosquera is a young prospect and may not see many minutes, but hopefully he gets opportunities to prove himself.
AS Roma – Devis Vázquez
- Vs Nice (A)
- Vs Lille (H)
- Vs Viktoria Plzeň (H)
- Vs Rangers (A)
- Vs Midtjylland (H)
- Vs Celtic (A)
- Vs Stuttgart (H)
- Vs Panathinaikos (A)
Roma are one of the bigger sides in this tournament, but their draw wasn’t too kind, with several tough opponents in this first phase. I think they’ll finish with 16 points, which should send them directly through to the third round. Roma have also started the season well with 6 points from their first 3 matches, and they’ll definitely be among the favorites to go far. No doubt they’ll be aiming to replicate their 2022/23 Europa League run, where they made it all the way to the final before falling to Sevilla.
As for Devis Vázquez, although he is a Roma player, he wasn’t listed in the squad for at least the first stage of this tournament. Still, it’s something to keep an eye on if he’s registered later on. Roma’s first match is on September 24.
FK Crvena Zvezda – Keimar Sandoval
- Vs Celtic (H)
- Vs Porto (A)
- Vs Braga (A)
- Vs Lille (H)
- Vs FCSB (H)
- Vs Sturm Graz (A)
- Vs Malmö (A)
- Vs Celta Vigo (H)
The Serbian champions enter as clear underdogs, with a very difficult set of fixtures in the opening round. I’m projecting 5 points, which would be respectable but not enough to see them advance. Domestically, though, they’ve started strongly, remaining unbeaten in the league so far.
For Cafetero fans, the player to watch is Keimar Sandoval, a young Colombian center-back on loan from Real Betis. So far, he’s only featured once this season, playing just seven minutes, so it’s unlikely he’ll have a major role in this competition. Still, tournaments like this are perfect opportunities for young players to surprise, and we can only hope he gets his chance. Their first match is on September 24.
Conference League
Crystal Palace – Daniel Muñoz & Jefferson Lerma
- Vs Dynamo Kyiv (A)
- Vs AEK Larnaca (H)
- Vs AZ Alkmaar (H)
- Vs Strasbourg (A)
- Vs Shelbourne (A)
- Vs KuPS Kuopio (H)
Crystal Palace are one of the clear favorites to win the Conference League, and the Colombians most likely to lift this trophy. I predict 16 points, good enough to top their section. Palace have had a solid Premier League start with 6 points from 4 matches and remain unbeaten. Their strength lies in being tough to beat, with Muñoz and Lerma key to their defensive solidity while offering danger on the break. Already winners of the FA Cup and Community Shield (for more – https://cafeterodelnorte.com/how-colombians-feel-crystal-palace-community-shield/), Palace are building a strong reputation as a tournament side. Muñoz has been excellent so far this season and essential to their system, though some rest wouldn’t hurt given how much he runs. Lerma, meanwhile, could become a key starter in this competition. Their first match is on October 2.
Legia Warszawa – Juergen Elitim
- Vs Samsunspor (H)
- Vs Shakhtar (A)
- Vs Celje (A)
- Vs Sparta Praha (H)
- Vs Noah (A)
- Vs Lincoln Red Imps (H)
Legia aren’t contenders but should still compete well. I project 10 points, likely enough for the second stage. Domestically, they’ve taken 10 points from 6 matches while balancing qualifiers. Juergen Elitim has been outstanding — already with 3 goals and 3 assists across competitions. This past weekend he scored a beauty, and with more strong showings here, he could push himself onto Colombia’s radar. Their first match is on October 2.
Final Thoughts
Colombian footballers are once again making their presence felt across Europe’s biggest stages. From Bayern Munich’s push for Champions League glory with Luis Díaz, to the gritty battles awaiting Richard Ríos and Benfica, to the underdog stories of Kevin Medina and Camilo Durán with Qarabağ — there’s no shortage of Cafetero storylines to follow. The Europa and Conference Leagues also provide platforms for players like Jhon Lucumí, Daniel Muñoz, and Jefferson Lerma to showcase their quality and push their clubs deep into tournament runs. No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Colombian players will continue to leave their mark in Europe, and fans back home will be watching every step of the way.
which team/player are you most excited to watch? do you think any of these players will lift a trophy? please leave your thoughts in the comments.
to see all the fixtures for Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League visit – https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/fixtures-results/#/d/2025-09-16
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