The UEFA Champions League season is officially upon us, with Matchday 1 poised to deliver an exciting kickoff to what is anticipated to be a thrilling competition. The opening round of fixtures will span three days – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – shining a spotlight on Europe`s elite clubs as they commence their quest for the coveted trophy, culminating in the May 30 final at Budapest`s Puskas Arena.
A major highlight of the week is Chelsea`s return to the competition after a two-year absence, as they face Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated clash that features English attacking talents, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane. Beyond Munich, other compelling matchups include Real Madrid hosting Marseille on Tuesday and Barcelona traveling to Newcastle United on Thursday to round out the Matchday 1 schedule.
These initial matches will serve as an important gauge for many of the continent`s top teams, some of whom are under new leadership or experimenting with fresh tactical styles. For instance, Xabi Alonso will make his Champions League debut as Real Madrid`s coach, having already brought stability to the team. Meanwhile, Liverpool`s revamped, attack-oriented squad will have a chance to make a strong impression against Atletico Madrid. Below, the CBS Sports team offers their comprehensive expert picks and predictions.
Tuesday`s Matchups and Expert Picks
Experts have provided score predictions for the following Tuesday fixtures:
- PSV vs. Union S-G
- Athletic Club vs. Arsenal
- Juventus vs. Dortmund
- Benfica vs. Qarabag
- Tottenham vs. Villarreal
- Real Madrid vs. Marseille
Featured Match: Real Madrid vs. Marseille
- Player to Watch: Arda Guler (Real Madrid). Guler has flourished under Xabi Alonso`s management, accumulating significant playing time in La Liga (ranking fourth among outfield players) and contributing two goals and an assist. His involvement has also notably enhanced Madrid`s pressing game, making their defensive structure far more effective.
- Man of the Match: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid). With two goals in the opening four La Liga matches, the Brazilian striker is expected to make a substantial impact in Madrid`s Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, he faces French opposition, a type of match where Vinicius consistently showcases his world-class talent.
- Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Marseille 1. Xabi Alonso`s early tenure at Real Madrid has shown great promise, with the team demonstrating both efficiency and stability. They`ve begun the La Liga season flawlessly, outscoring opponents 8-2 in four games. Alonso`s tactical approach, including deploying Kylian Mbappe at the forefront of a 4-2-3-1 formation, has brought much-needed balance. Anticipate a disciplined performance against Marseille as Madrid aims for a deep run in the Champions League.
- Best Bet: Real Madrid to win UCL (+800). While direct match bets might offer less value given Real Madrid are strong favorites, their odds for winning the Champions League are compelling. Under Alonso, they have been formidable, even in the absence of Jude Bellingham. With Bellingham`s eventual return and the impressive development of Arda Guler, the squad gains even greater depth. Kylian Mbappe`s consistent goal-scoring further strengthens their chances of reaching and winning the final.
Wednesday`s Matchups and Expert Picks
Experts have provided score predictions for the following Wednesday fixtures:
- Olympiacos vs. Pafos
- Slavia Prague vs. Bodo/Glimt
- Bayern vs. Chelsea
- PSG vs. Atalanta
- Ajax vs. Inter
- Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid
Featured Match: Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea
- Player to Watch: Michael Olise (Bayern Munich). Olise has started the Bundesliga season with three goals and an assist, suggesting a potential breakout into superstardom. His dominant display against RB Leipzig, in particular, indicates his readiness. Facing his former club, Chelsea (whose academy he left at 14), will undoubtedly provide extra motivation.
- Man of the Match: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich). Kane is in exceptional form, having already scored five goals and provided three assists in just three Bundesliga matches. Including his contributions in the domestic cup and German Supercup, he has amassed eight goals in five appearances this season. Expect him to be on the scoresheet against Chelsea in their Champions League opener.
- Prediction: Bayern Munich 2, Chelsea 1. While Chelsea possesses plenty of potential, as evidenced by their recent UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup titles, Enzo Maresca`s side has grappled with inconsistency since his appointment a year ago. This season has seen several subdued attacking performances. Cole Palmer`s return from injury should provide a boost, but Bayern Munich is expected to be more clinical. Harry Kane`s prolific scoring ability is likely to be the decisive factor.
- Best Bet: Bayern Munich to Win and Both Teams to Score (+168). Chelsea has shown improvement, and Cole Palmer`s timely return is crucial. However, Bayern`s attacking strength presents a unique challenge for their defense. With Harry Kane and Michael Olise in superb form, Bayern possesses multiple ways to score. While their defense has room for improvement, suggesting both teams will find the net, Bayern is still favored to secure a home victory.
Thursday`s Matchups and Expert Picks
Experts have provided score predictions for the following Thursday fixtures:
- Copenhagen vs. Leverkusen
- Club Brugge vs. Monaco
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray
- Sporting vs. Kairat
- Newcastle vs. Barcelona
- Man City vs. Napoli
Featured Match: Newcastle vs. Barcelona
- Player to Watch: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona). Lewandowski was a prolific scorer in last season`s Champions League, and he enters this game well-rested, having played just 22 minutes against Valencia but still managing to score twice. Hansi Flick appears to be carefully managing the 37-year-old`s fitness for crucial encounters, and this match is certainly one of them.
- Man of the Match: Raphinha (Barcelona). Following a brace in Barcelona`s recent home game against Valencia, Raphinha is anticipated to deliver another strong performance against Newcastle. Even coming off the bench, the Brazilian winger immediately demonstrated his elite striking ability. His partnership with Robert Lewandowski, both of whom scored braces as substitutes, highlights the crucial squad depth available to coach Hansi Flick.
- Prediction: Newcastle United 1, Barcelona 2. Barcelona will experience a significant absence in Lamine Yamal, but Hansi Flick`s team is known for its distributed goal-scoring responsibilities, with players like Raphinha and Ferran Torres ready to step up. Expect a closely contested match against a Newcastle United side that is typically defensively sound. However, Newcastle might lack the attacking prowess needed to fully exploit Barcelona`s occasionally vulnerable backline. Nick Woltemade`s debut goal was promising, but filling Alexander Isak`s shoes is a demanding task, and the Champions League will be a true test of Woltemade`s adaptability in his new role.
- Best Bet: Raphinha to Score (+160). After being benched over the weekend for arriving late, Raphinha responded impressively with a brace from the bench. With Lamine Yamal absent, increased pressure will fall on the Brazilian to find the net, a task he has proven highly capable of. Barcelona`s deep squad is expected to pose a significant challenge to Newcastle United on Thursday.
