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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
24 Jan 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Predictions Matchday 8 25/26
All predictions for Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Champions League. Current form, background information and exciting fixtures at a glance. Top insights into Europe’s premier club competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Predictions Matchday 8 25/26
This Champions League matchday preview is all about decision time: with the conclusion of the league phase and the imminent start of the knockout stage, qualification for the top 24 teams is within reach.
On the final group matchday, every single point counts for many teams. While Arsenal and FC Bayern have already secured their place in the round of 16, numerous high-profile clubs behind them are battling either for an optimal starting position or at least for a spot in the play-off phase.
MERKUR Quick Tips for Matchday 8 of the Champions League
Paris vs Newcastle United
Despite the defeat at Sporting, Paris head into the home match as favourites. The defending champions are already assured of a place in the knockout phase but are eager to make a statement by finishing in the top eight and thus qualifying directly for the round of 16. Newcastle have also safely secured qualification for the top 24 and travel with confidence after a 3–0 win against PSV. Spectators can expect an exciting encounter in which PSG are likely to dominate possession, while Newcastle will look to strike with quick attacking forays.
Prediction: 1
Manchester City vs Galatasaray Istanbul
Despite the slip-up in Bodø/Glimt, City are safely through, but have dropped significantly in the table and now need to show a clear response against Galatasaray. The Turkish side have good chances of reaching the play-offs and demonstrated their mentality against Atlético. City will look to impose dominance and tempo, while Gala are expected to defend deep and counter-attack. It will come down to whether Manchester can capitalise on their superiority or suffer another collapse.
Prediction: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Liverpool FC vs Qarabag FK
Liverpool have also safely reached the knockout phase after a commanding 3–0 win in Marseille and can now carry this upward momentum into the match against Qarabag. Their 3–2 victory over Frankfurt once again highlighted the surprising strength of the Azerbaijani side. At Anfield, however, they will need plenty of courage and pace to cope with Liverpool’s aggressive pressing.
Tip: 1
Borussia Dortmund vs Inter Milan
After the bitter home defeat against Tottenham and a red card for Svensson, Dortmund are still fighting to secure qualification for the knockout rounds. Inter have already wrapped it up and looked strong in play despite their defeat against Arsenal. Now BVB must urgently rediscover their stability and use the home match to take control of the game. A single point is enough for Dortmund to finish in the top 24.
Prediction: Under 3.5 goals
FC Barcelona vs FC Copenhagen
Apart from a single slip-up in La Liga, Barcelona’s winning streak continues and was underlined by an attack-minded 4–2 victory in Prague. The Catalans are safely through and now host the significantly lower-placed Copenhagen. After their 1–1 draw against Napoli, the Danes are likely to be put under heavy defensive pressure. Barça will dominate and do everything possible to break into the top eight in order to avoid the intermediate round.
Prediction: 1
Ajax Amsterdam vs Olympiakos
Ajax knocked Villarreal out with a narrow victory on matchday seven. However, the historically heavy 6–0 cup defeat against Alkmaar also showed that the Dutch side are far from out of the woods. Olympiakos recently caused a surprise with their win against Leverkusen and have a good chance of progressing if their physical presence and transition play are on point.
Prediction: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Arsenal FC vs Kairat Almaty
The contrast could hardly be greater. While Arsenal are already sitting at the top of the table and safely through to the round of 16, the Kazakhs know that they have been eliminated. This was underlined by the 1–4 defeat against Brugge. The Gunners, meanwhile, also looked dominant and solid against Inter. With their pace down the flanks and the quality within the squad, the difference in class should be clearly evident.
Prediction: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Atlético Madrid vs Bodö/Glimt
Despite the rather disappointing draw against Galatasaray, Atleti are safely through to the play-offs. However, the team cannot afford to switch off against Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegians caused a minor sensation with their 3–1 win against Manchester City, but overall remain inconsistent in their performances. Qualification for the knockout phase is not necessarily within close reach. Atlético head into the match as clear favourites.
Prediction: 1
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Villarreal
Both teams have been rather disappointing of late: Villarreal are already out, while Leverkusen urgently need points to secure a place in the play-offs. Nevertheless, Villarreal might still manage their first Champions League win against the wobbling Werkself. The key factor will be which side can better conceal their defensive weaknesses and gain control early on. Home advantage lies with Leverkusen.
Prediction: 1
Benfica vs Real Madrid
After the defeat in Turin, Benfica must urgently rediscover their former strength in order to compete with an in-form Real. The Royals sent Monaco packing with six goals – thanks in part to Vinícius Júnior – and have already secured qualification. Now, everything is on the line in Lisbon. Benfica will need to rely on transition moments, but could come under pressure early on.
Prediction: X
Club Brugge vs Olympique Marseille
After the convincing 4–1 win away at Kairat, Brugge head into the home match with boosted confidence, but have repeatedly shown weaknesses on the international stage. Like their opponents Marseille, the team are still battling for a place in the knockout phase. Brugge have the home advantage, while Marseille boast the better position in the table. Following their defeat against Liverpool, the French side now need to take the initiative.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
The balance of power in this fixture appears clear: Frankfurt are out, while Tottenham have already secured qualification. Spurs arrive with greater momentum and quality, while Eintracht are still searching for defensive stability. The English side also demonstrated their clinical edge in the 2–0 win against Dortmund. Their transition play could once again cause problems for defensively vulnerable Frankfurt.
Prediction: 2
PSV Eindhoven vs Bayern Munich
After the 0–3 defeat in Newcastle, everything is on the line for Eindhoven. However, the match against title contenders Bayern will be a major challenge. Bayern remain in top form – well structured, defensively solid and dangerous going forward. The Dutch side continue to be strong domestically, but look vulnerable on the international stage. Bayern’s pressing, experience and quality point to a clear picture.
Prediction: 2 + under 3.5 goals
SSC Neapel vs Chelsea FC
After the 1–1 draw in Copenhagen, Napoli will look to approach the home match with a solid basic structure, but unlike Chelsea are not yet assured of a place in the play-offs. Their attacking weakness could prove costly for the Italians, even though the Blues are currently only convincing in phases. Whichever side can best mask their fluctuations in form is likely to come away with the win.
Prediction: Under 1.5 goals
AS Monaco vs Juventus
A heavy 1–6 defeat in Madrid has further unsettled an already shaken Monaco side. They are under pressure and must rediscover defensive stability. Juventus, by contrast, are on the up and travel with boosted confidence after a commanding 2–0 win against Benfica. The Old Lady have already secured qualification for the knockout phase.
Prediction: X
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Atalanta Bergamo
Sitting in 31st place in the table, things are currently not looking good for the Belgian newcomers. Saint-Gilloise remain under pressure after their defeat in Munich and now face the significantly better-placed Atalanta. Although the Lombards were recently slowed down by Athletic, they have already secured qualification. The Belgians urgently need all three points to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Prediction: 1
Athletic Bilbao vs Sporting Lisbon
The surprise away win in Bergamo is likely to have restored confidence in Bilbao after the 0–5 defeat against Barcelona. However, in the home match against Sporting, the currently rather inconsistent side will once again need to show stability. Sporting have already successfully qualified for the knockout round and recently even recorded a victory against defending champions PSG.
Prediction: X
Pafos FC vs Slavia Praha
Languishing in 30th place, newcomers Pafos face already eliminated Slavia Prague after their narrow defeat at Chelsea. The Czechs showed great fighting spirit even in the 2–4 loss against Barcelona and are now aiming for a conciliatory finish. If Pafos use their home strength wisely, a second Champions League win in their history is certainly realistic.
Prediction: 1
