The Champions League returns with a compelling match-up as Chelsea hosts Benfica, featuring former manager José Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge. For fans worldwide, accessing the live stream can be tricky due to regional restrictions, but several options exist. This guide outlines how to watch the game legally, whether you’re in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, and how a VPN can bypass geo-blocks when necessary.
Where to Watch Legally by Region
United States: Paramount Plus holds exclusive English-language broadcast rights for the Champions League in the US. Subscriptions start at $8/month for the Essential plan (with ads) or $13/month for the Premium plan. A 30-day free trial is available, and students may qualify for discounts. Paramount Plus now offers a multiview feature, allowing viewers to watch up to four matches simultaneously.
United Kingdom: TNT Sports will broadcast the majority of Champions League games, including this match, on TNT Sports 1. Access is available via Sky Q or direct streaming apps for £31/month, bundled with Discovery Plus content.
Canada: DAZN Canada has exclusive broadcast rights for every Champions League match, costing CA$35/month or CA$250/year. This subscription also includes Europa League, EFL Championship soccer, and other sports.
Australia: Stan Sport provides exclusive live coverage of all 189 Champions League matches in Australia. A subscription costs AU$20/month on top of a base Stan subscription (starting at AU$12). Stan Sport offers a seven-day free trial.
Why Streaming Restrictions Matter
Regional broadcast rights are a common practice in sports, but they often create frustration for fans. Broadcasters pay large sums for exclusive rights, which is why they enforce geo-blocking to prevent viewers outside designated regions from accessing streams. This forces fans to rely on VPNs to bypass restrictions, even though doing so might violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms.
Using a VPN to Bypass Geo-Restrictions
If you’re unable to access the game due to incorrect location detection, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and allows you to virtually change your location, accessing streams as if you were in an authorized region.
ExpressVPN is a top-rated VPN known for its reliability and speed, starting at $3.49/month on a two-year plan. Other VPNs include NordVPN and Surfshark, but ExpressVPN consistently ranks highest in performance and security.
Important Considerations:
- Legality: Using a VPN to stream sports is generally legal in countries where VPNs are permitted, as long as you have a valid subscription to the streaming service.
- Account Verification: Some services may require address verification. Ensure your registered address matches the VPN location.
- Device Compatibility: Smart TVs may not support VPN apps directly. Install the VPN on your router or mobile hotspot for full network protection.
Match Details
Chelsea faces Benfica at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, September 30th. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT, 9 p.m. CEST, 5 a.m. AEST). The match marks José Mourinho’s return to Chelsea as Benfica’s manager, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture. Chelsea’s start to the season has been underwhelming with just two wins in six Premier League matches, while Mourinho’s Benfica has seen two wins and a draw under his leadership.
Quick VPN Troubleshooting Tips
- If your VPN doesn’t show the correct location, use the search function.
- Verify your streaming account address matches the VPN location.
- Install the VPN on your router for broader device coverage.
- Use privacy-focused browsers like Brave to prevent location leaks.
The Champions League continues to captivate global audiences, but accessing the content legally requires navigating a complex landscape of regional restrictions. By utilizing VPNs and understanding the available streaming options, fans can ensure they don’t miss a single moment of the action.
