A streamlined UEFA Europa League kicks off this week, with 32 teams ready to battle in a quest for continental glory.
The tournament has been reduced in size due to the creation of the Europa Conference League, a tertiary competition under UEFA's auspices. What that should mean for the Europa League is increased quality and competitiveness, and several of Europe's big clubs are ready to prove their worth.
As usual, the bulk of the matches will fall on Thursdays, including this week. The sole exception is Spartak Moscow vs. Legia Warsaw, which kicks off early on Wednesday in the Russian capital.
Elsewhere, a pair of veteran Canadian players hope to take part in Matchday 1. Milan Borjan will likely be given the nod in goal for Red Star Belgrade, who welcome Braga for an early kick off Thursday. In Glasgow, midfielder Scott Arfield is part of the Rangers squad that will face visiting Lyon in a crucial Group A encounter.
Here's the full schedule for Matchday 1 of the Europa League season, plus how to watch every game live.
Europa League Matchday 1: Schedule, fixtures
| Date | Time (ET) | Fixture | Stream |
| Sept. 15 | 10:30 a.m. | Spartak Moscow vs. Legia Warsaw | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Leverkusen vs. Ferencvaros | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Galatasaray vs. Lazio | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Midtjylland vs. Ludogorets | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Lokomotiv Moscow vs. Marseille | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Rapid Wien vs. Genk | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Dinamo Zagreb vs. West Ham | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Real Betis vs. Celtic | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 12:45 p.m. | Red Star Belgrade vs. Braga | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Monaco vs. SK Sturm Graz | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Olympiacos vs. Antwerp | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Rangers vs. Lyon | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | PSV vs. Real Sociedad | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Brondby vs. Sparta Prague | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Leicester City vs. Napoli | DAZN |
| Sept. 16 | 3:00 p.m. | Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Fenerbahce | DAZN |
How to watch Europa League in Canada: TV and live stream
Europa League matches stream exclusively live and on-demand on DAZN in Canada.
DAZN, the first global pure sport live and on-demand streaming service, has the streaming rights for the Europa League in Canada for the 2021-22 season.
DAZN is available on web browsers at DAZN.com and also has apps available for many TV and streaming devices, including:
- iPhone, iPad
- Android phones and tablets
- Amazon Fire Tablet
- Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV
- Android TV
- Google Chromecast
- LG, Panasonic, Sony and Samsung smart TVs
- Playstation 3, 4 and Pro, Playstation 5
- Xbox One, One S and One X, Xbox Series X | S
A subscription to DAZN is $20 CAD a month or $150 CAD a year.
Can I watch Europa League games in Canada for free?
In Canada, DAZN offers new customers a 30-day free trial period. You can learn how to sign up for a free trial here.
The free-trial period includes access to all of DAZN's live and on-demand programming, including Premier League, Champions League, the NFL and more.