The UEFA Champions League is back with a blockbuster evening of football. Fans can expect drama right from the early kickoffs as Olympiacos Piraeus welcome Pafos, while Slavia Prague clash with the Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt at 18:45.
Later, the spotlight shifts to the heavyweight ties at 21:00. Ajax face a stern test against Italian giants Inter, while Bayern Munich and Chelsea renew their famous rivalry in Munich. Over at Anfield, Liverpool take on Atlético Madrid in what promises to be another fiery showdown. Meanwhile in Paris, PSG look to outclass the attacking flair of Atalanta.
With big names, passionate fans, and high stakes, tonight’s Champions League action is set to deliver excitement, goals, and unforgettable moments across Europe.
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Olympiacos Piraeus vs Pafos
Olympiacos is traditionally a strong club in the Greek league. The team is experienced in European competitions and has a lineup that combines fighting spirit and international experience. El Kaabi is the main goal scorer, with a lot of experience in these kinds of matches, and Chiquinho knows how to contribute from the midfield. At home, they play with aggressive pressing and many crosses into the box.
The team is led by the Spaniard Jose Luis Mendilibar. Last season, they were part of the Europa League, performed well in the league phase, and finished in 7th place. They couldn’t get past the first hurdle after being outplayed by Bodo/Glimt.
Pafos, a team from Cyprus, is a relatively new name in the European scene. Even though they don’t have a lot of experience, they are a well-organized team with a strong collective. Most of the players are international and are in great physical shape. The team is led by the Spaniard Juan Carcedo, who had complete dominance in the league last season, and given their current form, they are expected to repeat that success this year.
Last season, they couldn’t reach the advanced stages of the Conference League when they were stopped by Djurgarden. The team has an excellent attack made up of the Brazilian trio Anderson, Bruno, and Jaja, while Pepe and Sunjic are in the midfield.
We expect Olympiacos to take the initiative from the start, with possession and high pressing. Pafos will try to defend and strike with quick counters, and we expect at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Slavia Prague vs Bodo/Glimt
Slavia Prague is a regular participant in European cups and is always a threat at home. They play with high intensity, disciplined pressing, and direct football. Schranz is expected to lead the attack, while the midfield with Zafeiris is solid.
The team is managed by Jindrich Trpisovsky and they have started their domestic league excellently, remaining unbeaten in 8 matches with 6 wins. Last season, they were part of the Europa League but performed poorly in the league phase, achieving only one victory out of 8 matches played.
Bodo/Glimt from Norway is known for its offensive play and quick transitions from defense to attack. Jorgensen and Hauge are the key players in the attack, and the team is creative, capable of surprising with long shots and fast combinations. However, they often lack stability when playing away.
The team is led by Kjetil Knutsen and has significant experience in European competitions. In this stage of the tournament, they advanced by outplaying Sturm Graz. Last season, they reached the semifinals of the Europa League, where they were defeated by Tottenham.
We expect Slavia Prague to start offensively, and Bodo/Glimt also plays openly with quick breaks. We anticipate at least 3 goals during the match.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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Ajax vs Inter
Ajax is going through a tough transition in recent seasons. The team is young, but they lack experience at the highest level. At the Johan Cruyff Arena, they have strong support from their home fans. Weghorst is the main striker, while Taylor and Berghuis provide creativity. The defense is a problem, as it often makes mistakes.
The team is led by Johnny Heitinga, and last season they lost the title due to poor performance in the last 5 matches of the season. Last season, they were part of the qualifying cycle for the Europa League and were stopped by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Inter is seen as the strongest team in Serie A, with Lautaro Martinez in excellent form, supported by Barella and Calhanoglu who manage the midfield. Their defense, featuring Bastoni and Acerbi, is among the best in the league. In recent games, they have shown maturity, knowing when to press and when to slow down the game.
Last season, they performed well and reached the final of this competition where they were completely outplayed by PSG. The team is now under Cristian Chivu, who is expected to bring the team back to top form.
Ajax plays an offensive style of football, but Inter will use their physical strength and maturity. We expect a match with at least 3 goals.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:3
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Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
Bayern Munich, led by Vincent Kompany, is starting a new chapter. The team is often the strongest in the league and is once again considered the top favorite for the title. In goal is the experienced Manuel Neuer, while Harry Kane is the key player in the attack, a classic goal scorer who moves well in the box. Olise and Goretzka control the midfield and provide stability.
Last season, they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League but were defeated by Inter. In the Bundesliga, they have played 3 matches so far and have shown how dangerous they are in attack, scoring 14 goals and conceding 2.
Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, has many talented young players, with Palmer being the creative star, but he won’t play in the match because of an injury. Still, Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are available for midfield passes. Pedro Joao is the main offensive threat, along with Pedro Neto.
After 4 matches this season, they are still unbeaten, having only let in 3 goals while scoring seven. Last season, they won the Conference League by defeating the Spanish team Betis 4:1 in the final, and they also completely dominated the league phase, winning all 6 matches they played.
Bayern will play with high possession and pressure, while Chelsea will try to use the speed of their wingers on the counter. We expect a dynamic match with plenty of chances and at least one goal from both sides.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 3:1
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Liverpool vs Atl. Madrid
Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, plays with a well-known high intensity. Salah is still the main leader in attack, while Ekitike and Gakpo bring directness to the game. The midfield, featuring Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Wirtz, adds creativity and balance. The team excels during transitions, quickly taking advantage of the space behind the defense.
At the beginning of the season, they played like true champions, winning all 4 of their matches, scoring 9 goals and allowing 4. Last season, they won the Premier League, but in the Champions League, they were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to PSG in a penalty shootout. Earlier in the league phase, they finished in first place with 7 wins and only one loss.
Atl. Madrid hasn’t kicked off LaLiga as they hoped. Their offense isn’t very effective, and at times, the team looks like they have no ideas when trying to get past a solid defense. But their defense is still strong, and Oblak is performing well in goal. Diego Simeone will have to make some adjustments to get their first win of the season.
Last season, they were in better form, finishing the Champions League group stage in 5th place, but they were outplayed in the round of 16 by Real Madrid after a penalty shootout.
We expect Liverpool to control the pace and apply pressure from the start, while Atletico will defend and hope for quick counterattacks. We give the advantage to the home team, who seem much more confident on the field.
1 (Liverpool to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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PSG vs Atalanta
PSG under Luis Enrique is trying to keep the perfect form they had last season. They secured the title in the Champions League, won Ligue 1, and were part of the final in the Club World Cup. Dembele is still the biggest star, and for this match, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia, and Ramos will support him in attack. The midfield with Vitinha and Neves provides balance, and Lucas Chevalier will replace Donnarumma.
They started the season excellently in Ligue 1, achieving 4 wins, in this 4 matches, they scored 10, and conceded 3 goals.
Atalanta didn’t kick off the season as they hoped and ended up drawing both of their games so far. Under Ivan Juric’s leadership, they play quickly and with an attacking style. In their offense, Scamacca and Krstovic are always a danger, while Pasalic is the one who controls the pace.
Last season, they were part of this competition and finished in 7th place in the League phase, but they were defeated by Club Brugge KV in the first round.
PSG comes in as the favorite and will take the initiative, while Atalanta will try to play openly and might create some chances. We expect the home team to win and score two goals during the match.
1 & T1 2+ (PSG to Win & PSG Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 2:0
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This article is part of Champions League Matchday 1.
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