UEFA Champions League 2025-26 – Matchday 1: Predicted Scores
The UEFA Champions League is back and the 2025-26 season kicks off with a stacked Matchday 1. From debutants like Union Saint-Gilloise and Kairat Almaty to heavyweight clashes such as Bayern vs Chelsea and Liverpool vs Atlético, there’s drama everywhere. Using Opta’s probabilities and team form, here are my predicted scores for every game this week.
Athletic Club 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal face a tough opener at San Mamés but should have enough quality to get the job done. Athletic will push hard, but the Gunners’ attack should see them over the line.
PSV 2-0 Union Saint-Gilloise
PSV are heavy favorites and should control the match from start to finish. USG will fight, but their Champions League debut is likely to end in defeat.
Real Madrid 3-1 Marseille
Los Blancos have a brilliant record in opening home games and should maintain it here. Expect a commanding display with plenty of attacking flair.
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Tottenham 2-1 Villarreal
Spurs return to the Champions League in style and should edge Villarreal in a lively contest. The Yellow Submarine might get on the scoresheet but fall just short.
Juventus 1-1 Borussia Dortmund
This clash should be tight with Juve slightly favored, but Dortmund can grab a point. Expect a hard-fought midfield battle with few chances.
Benfica 3-0 Qarabag
Benfica are overwhelming favorites and should cruise to victory. Qarabag will struggle to create danger in Lisbon.
Slavia Prague 2-1 Bodø/Glimt
Slavia are expected to start well at home, but the Norwegian visitors will likely keep it close. A narrow home win feels like the most likely outcome.
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Olympiakos 3-0 Pafos
Olympiakos are strong in Piraeus and should have little trouble with the Cypriot side. Expect an early goal to set the tone for a dominant win.
PSG 2-1 Atalanta
The defending champions begin their campaign with a tricky tie but should have enough firepower. Kylian Mbappé will likely be the difference-maker once again.
Liverpool 2-0 Atlético Madrid
Anfield will be bouncing and Liverpool’s intensity should be too much for Atlético. Expect a professional performance and a clean sheet.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea
Bayern have been nearly unbeatable at home in the group stage and should deliver another statement win. Chelsea could score but won’t keep pace.
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Ajax 1-2 Inter Milan
Inter remain the stronger side and should win despite Ajax’s home advantage. The Nerazzurri’s attack could prove decisive late on.
Copenhagen 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen may still be adapting under Kasper Hjulmand but should edge it. Copenhagen will battle hard but fall just short.
Club Brugge 1-2 Monaco
This is one of the most evenly balanced ties, but Monaco’s quality could see them snatch an away win. Expect goals on both ends.
Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona
St. James’ Park will be electric, but Barcelona’s experience should tell. Newcastle may score first but Barça’s attack can turn the tide.
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Manchester City 3-1 Napoli
City are favorites at home and should begin with a confident display. Expect Pep’s side to dominate possession and create plenty of chances.
Sporting CP 4-0 Kairat Almaty
Sporting are overwhelming favorites and should produce a big win in Lisbon. Kairat are unlikely to threaten much in their first-ever group-stage appearance.
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Galatasaray
Frankfurt are slight favorites and should grab three points in front of their home crowd. Expect a competitive game but with the Germans doing just enough.
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