Champions League Showdowns: Fixtures and Predictions

The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage reaches its dramatic conclusion on Wednesday, with 18 simultaneous fixtures set to determine the fate of several teams. Only six of the 36 clubs have secured their positions in the Round of 16, leaving six more spots to contest and another eight clubs facing the heartbreak of elimination. With so much at stake, the final gameweek promises chaos, excitement, and high drama.

Ajax have recovered from a difficult campaign with consecutive wins that put them in contention despite their -12 goal difference, the second-worst in the group. Olympiacos, also on a two-game winning streak, will arrive in Amsterdam confident of claiming a playoff spot. The clash promises to be tight, with both sides needing victory to secure their ambitions.

Prediction: Ajax 1–2 Olympiacos

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a perfect league phase record, having won all seven games, including victories over Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, and Inter. Hosting Kairat Almaty, the Gunners are expected to cap their campaign with another routine win, while the visitors aim to enjoy the experience and gain exposure on the European stage.

Prediction: Arsenal 3–0 Kairat

Both Athletic Club and Sporting CP enter the final day with playoff hopes intact. Sporting, level on points with eighth-place Chelsea thanks to Luis Suárez’s late winner against PSG, require a win to keep their top-eight ambitions alive. Athletic, after a slow start, have climbed to 23rd with recent positive results, making this an evenly poised encounter.

Prediction: Athletic Club 1–1 Sporting CP

Bodø/Glimt’s maiden The Champions League campaign has seen ups and downs, including a notable win over Manchester City. They must now produce a remarkable performance to upset Atlético Madrid in Spain. The hosts, strong at home, are expected to assert control and secure the points needed to advance.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3–1 Bodø/Glimt

Barcelona have been imperious under Hansi Flick after a mixed start to the season. Copenhagen, needing a near-miracle to qualify, face an uphill battle in Catalonia. With Barcelona still chasing automatic qualification, the hosts are expected to dominate proceedings.

Prediction: Barcelona 4–0 Copenhagen

Villarreal, already eliminated after six league phase losses, visit Leverkusen looking to salvage pride. The Yellow Submarine have struggled in Europe despite decent domestic form, while Leverkusen aim to secure a win to guarantee playoff qualification.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 Villarreal

José Mourinho faces Real Madrid for the first time since 2003. Benfica, desperate for a result, host a Madrid side seeking to finish strongly. A win for Los Blancos should secure automatic progression, while the Portuguese team needs all three points to remain in contention.

Prediction: Benfica 0–2 Real Madrid

Both teams enter the final day as outsiders for top-eight qualification but are assured of playoff involvement. Dortmund, recovering from recent defeats, host an Inter side also struggling for consistency. This encounter could be decisive for the playoff seeding.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1–2 Inter

Club Brugge, following a strong 4–1 win over Kairat, remain in contention, while Marseille hope to build momentum after their win over Lens. This high-scoring, competitive fixture could determine who progresses, with both sides capable of claiming the win.

Prediction: Club Brugge 2–3 Marseille

Frankfurt, with little to play for, hosts a Spurs team aiming to secure a spot in the Round of 16. Tottenham have taken advantage of a favourable group schedule, and their experience should give them the edge over a struggling Frankfurt side.

Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 1–2 Tottenham

Liverpool, fourth in the table, face the competition’s surprise package, Qarabağ. The Reds must navigate a tricky encounter at Anfield, where Qarabağ have shown resilience. A narrow home win is expected to maintain Liverpool’s strong position.

Prediction: Liverpool 2–1 Qarabağ

City, aiming to avoid extra playoff matches, welcome Galatasaray. With key players returning, Pep Guardiola’s side must secure a win and hope results elsewhere favour them to guarantee automatic progression.

Prediction: Manchester City 2–1 Galatasaray

Monaco, on a poor run, face an in-form Juventus side that recently thrashed Napoli 3–0. Juve have an outside chance of top-eight qualification, while Monaco look to halt their slide in a crucial fixture.

Prediction: Monaco 0–2 Juventus

Napoli, dealing with a depleted squad, host Chelsea. Both teams are fighting to keep their Champions League dreams alive, with a draw likely to favour Chelsea’s progression.

Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Chelsea

Pafos, on six points, face winless Slavia Prague. A home victory could see the Cypriots maintain a faint hope of advancing, while Slavia aim to end their campaign on a positive note.

Prediction: Pafos 1–0 Slavia Prague

PSV host a Bayern Munich side with little at stake in terms of placement. The Dutch side aim to secure second place for knockout-stage benefits, while Bayern may rotate their squad, making this a potential high-scoring draw.

Prediction: PSV 2–2 Bayern Munich

PSG, the defending champions, welcome Newcastle, who are chasing a playoff spot. Both teams are capable of winning, but the hosts’ experience and quality give them the edge in a tightly contested match.

Prediction: PSG 2–1 Newcastle

Atalanta, needing points to secure a top-eight finish, face a Union side struggling at home. La Dea’s recent road form suggests they are favourites, with a draw likely insufficient for the hosts to make the playoffs.

Prediction: Union Saint-Gilloise 1–1 Atalanta