The UEFA Champions League 2025–26 season kicks off with Matchday 1 from September 16 to 18, and the revamped league-phase format means every point counts. With 36 teams facing eight different opponents across the campaign, the opening round is packed with high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and star-studded lineups. Whether you’re tracking fantasy picks, betting odds, or just soaking in the action, here’s your full fixture-by-fixture prediction guide.

Athletic Club vs Arsenal

Arsenal head to San Mamés missing key starters like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. Expect Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira to lead the attack, while Athletic Club rely on Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet to exploit transitions. The Basque side’s home form could tilt the balance.

Prediction: Athletic Club win 2–1

PSV Eindhoven vs Union Saint-Gilloise

PSV’s front line of Ricardo Pepi, Johan Bakayoko, and Malik Tillman looks sharp heading into this fixture. Union SG, making their Champions League debut, will aim to stay compact and counter through Mathias Rasmussen and Cameron Puertas.

Prediction: PSV win 3–1

Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund

Juventus, now under Igor Tudor, field Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz up front, while Dortmund counters with Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. With both teams favoring attacking transitions, expect goals on both ends.

Prediction: 2–2 draw

Real Madrid vs Marseille

All eyes are on Kylian Mbappé’s Champions League debut for Real Madrid. With Rodrygo and Arda Güler supporting, and Camavinga anchoring midfield, Madrid should dominate. Marseille’s new-look squad, led by Aubameyang and Ndiaye, may struggle to contain the firepower.

Prediction: Real Madrid win 3–0

Benfica vs Qarabağ

Benfica’s attack features Vangelis Pavlidis and Casper Tengstedt, with João Neves controlling midfield. Qarabağ will rely on Kady Borges and Yassine Benzia, but the Portuguese side’s depth and home advantage should be decisive.

Prediction: Benfica win 4–0

Tottenham vs Villarreal

Tottenham, fresh off their Europa League triumph, field Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, and Richarlison. Villarreal’s technical midfield may cause problems, but Spurs’ pressing and pace should see them through.

Prediction: Tottenham win 2–1

Olympiacos vs Pafos

Olympiacos, led by Ayoub El Kaabi and Daniel Podence, are expected to dominate at home. Pafos, making their UCL debut, will need a disciplined defensive effort to stay competitive.

Prediction: Olympiacos win 2–0

Slavia Prague vs Bodø/Glimt

Slavia Prague’s structured midfield and high pressing should control the game. Bodø/Glimt’s attack, led by Albert Grønbæk and Faris Moumbagna, could threaten on the break but may lack consistency.

Prediction: Slavia Prague win 2–1

PSG vs Atalanta

PSG’s attacking trio of Mbappé, Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos faces Atalanta’s aggressive press and counterplay. But with Atalanta’s long list of injuries that includes Ademola Lookman, this may turn into a one-sided clash

Prediction: PSG win 3–0

Ajax vs Inter Milan

Ajax’s youthful squad, featuring Carlos Forbs and Kristian Hlynsson, faces Inter’s experienced core of Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Barella, and Marcus Thuram. Inter’s tactical discipline should give them the edge.

Prediction: Inter Milan win 2–1

Bayern Munich vs Chelsea

Bayern Munich’s attack led by Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané, and Harry Kane will test Chelsea’s evolving backline. Chelsea counters with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Enzo Fernández. Expect a tactical battle with late drama.

Prediction: Bayern win 2–1

Liverpool vs Atlético Madrid

Liverpool’s front three of Salah, Núñez, and Díaz will look to break down Atlético’s deep block. Griezmann and Ángel Correa remain threats on the counter. Expect intensity and late goals.

Prediction: Liverpool win 2–1

Club Brugge vs Monaco

Club Brugge’s wing play through Andreas Skov Olsen and Ferran Jutglà will clash with Monaco’s midfield transitions led by Ben Yedder and Minamino. This could be one of Matchday 1’s highest-scoring fixtures.

Prediction: Monaco win 3–2

Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen’s attacking depth, featuring Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, should overwhelm Copenhagen. Expect dominance in possession and clinical finishing.

Prediction: Leverkusen win 2–0

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray

Frankfurt’s attack led by Omar Marmoush and Jessic Ngankam will face Galatasaray’s experienced front line of Mauro Icardi and Wilfried Zaha. Expect a physical battle with goals on both ends.

Prediction: Frankfurt win 2–1

Sporting CP vs Kairat Almaty

Sporting CP, led by Viktor Gyökeres and Francisco Trincão, should dominate against Kairat Almaty. The Portuguese side’s technical superiority and depth will likely result in a comfortable win.

Prediction: Sporting CP win 4–1

Manchester City vs Napoli

Manchester City’s front line of Haaland, Foden, and Doku will test Napoli’s defense. Napoli counters with Kvaratskhelia and Kevin De Bruyne, now wearing blue after a shock summer move. Expect fireworks.

Prediction: Manchester City win 3–2

Newcastle United vs Barcelona

Newcastle host Barcelona in a thrilling finale. Alexander Isak and Harvey Barnes lead the attack, while Barça counters with João Félix, Lamine Yamal, and Pedri. St. James’ Park will be electric.

Prediction: Newcastle lose 2–3