01 
Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
26 Sept 2025 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Forecast: Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 Season
All predictions for Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 Champions League: current form, background insights, and exciting duels at a glance. Top information on Europe’s elite competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Forecast: Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 Season
The Champions League matchday forecast for the second round once again promises excitement and drama. Bayern travel to the underdog in Cyprus, while Dortmund are finally hoping to pick up more than just one point against Athletic Bilbao. Special attention is on Qarabağ: will the team from Azerbaijan, after their sensational win against Benfica, also manage to beat Copenhagen? And how will Galatasaray respond after their debacle in Frankfurt? Manchester City and PSG, on the other hand, both want to consolidate their roles as favourites – but should not underestimate their opponents. With 18 matches in just two days, fans can expect thrilling attacking duels, tactical subtleties, and certainly a few surprises that will shape the further course of the group stage.
MERKUR Quick Tips for Matchday 2 of the Champions League
Bergamo vs. Club Brugge
Atalanta Bergamo opened with a clear 4-0 defeat against defending champions PSG. Now they face Club Brugge, who impressed with a 4-1 victory over Monaco. It won’t be as tough for the Italians as it was against Paris, but players like Tresoldi, Onyedika, and Vanaken also promise dangerous attacking power.
Tip: Both teams to score
Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid
Kairat Almaty made a disappointing start to the competition with a 4-1 defeat against Sporting and now face Real Madrid. Although Carvajal is suspended after a red card, the Spaniards showed composure. Two Mbappé penalties secured their opening win – an almost impossible challenge for Almaty. Real want to underline their favourite status.
Tip: Real Madrid to win + Mbappé to score
Inter Milan vs. Slavia Prague
Inter Milan celebrated a comfortable 2-0 opening win over Ajax, relying on defensive stability and clever counterattacks. Slavia Prague showed determination but revealed weaknesses when Bodø/Glimt equalised twice. Without real cutting edge in attack, the team places high hopes on 21-year-old Mbodji to provide creativity.
Tip: Under 3.5 goals
Chelsea vs. Benfica
The Club World Champions failed to maintain their confident run against Bayern and rarely found answers on matchday one. Carrying a 3-1 defeat, they now need points against Benfica. The Portuguese side also suffered a setback with a narrow loss to Qarabağ. Pressure is high on both sides.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Atlético vs. Frankfurt
Atlético Madrid showed resilience after an early two-goal deficit against Liverpool, only to concede a late winner. Coach Diego Simeone will have to lead from the stands due to suspension and faces an in-form Frankfurt, who thrashed Galatasaray 5-1 in their opener.
Tip: Both teams to score
Bodø/Glimt vs. Tottenham
Bodø/Glimt showed fighting spirit with their draw against Prague. Now they host a strong Tottenham side. The Norwegians already lost to Spurs in the Europa League semi-finals. Tottenham only scored once against Villarreal in their opener but impressed with solid defending.
Tip: Tottenham to win + over 3.5 goals
Olympique Marseille vs. Ajax Amsterdam
Timothy Weah put Marseille ahead against Real on matchday one. However, even with a man advantage, they ended up with no points. Now they host Ajax, who looked insecure in attack after losing to Inter. The Dutch want to correct their weaknesses, drawing confidence from solid league form.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals
Galatasaray vs. Liverpool
Galatasaray are in crisis: although they took an early lead against Frankfurt, they collapsed and suffered a bitter 5-1 defeat. At home to Liverpool, they seek redemption. The Reds, led by new signing Alexander Isak, are in strong form and narrowly beat a combative Atlético.
Tip: Liverpool to win + over 3.5 goals
Pafos vs. Bayern
Pafos celebrated their Champions League debut with a respectable 0-0 against Olympiakos. Against Bayern Munich, however, this defensive strength is unlikely to be enough. The German record champions opened with a confident 3-1 win over Chelsea, extending their streak to 22 opening wins. Striker Harry Kane once again confirmed his outstanding form.
Tip: Bayern to win 4-0
Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle
Newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise started their campaign with a sensational 3-1 win in Eindhoven. Efficient on the counter and bold in play, they now host Newcastle with confidence. The English side missed out on victory against Barcelona despite a decent performance at St. James’ Park and now face pressure in Brussels.
Tip: Both teams to score
Qarabağ vs. Copenhagen
After Qarabağ’s surprising 3-2 win over Benfica, the Azerbaijani side now host Copenhagen in Baku. Whether the debutants can once again exploit their opponents’ weaknesses remains to be seen. The Danes earned a convincing draw against Leverkusen, showing spirit by coming back twice.
Tip: Draw
Dortmund vs. Bilbao
Borussia Dortmund delivered a real spectacle to open their Champions League campaign. After a goalless first half, they took the lead against Juventus – only for the Italians to snatch a dramatic 4-4 draw. Against Bilbao, Dortmund’s chances look good – the Basques suffered a heavy defeat to Arsenal.
Tip: Dortmund to win + over 3.5 goals
Barcelona vs. PSG
Rashford scored twice away to Newcastle, giving Barcelona three points. The former United player will also need to perform against PSG, the defending champions. PSG dominated their opening match against Atalanta, scoring four goals and impressing in both attack and defence, which will make life difficult for the Spaniards.
Tip: Both teams to score
Arsenal vs. Olympiakos
After a 2-0 away win at Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal host Olympiakos at the Emirates. Super subs Martinelli and Trossard provided the goals. Olympiakos, meanwhile, were uninspired in a 0-0 against Pafos. Against the in-form Gunners, this looks like a real test.
Tip: Arsenal to win + over 3.5 goals
Leverkusen vs. PSV
Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 0-0 draw against Copenhagen but showed control and defensive stability. Now they face PSV Eindhoven, who are under pressure after a 3-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise. The Dutch must react, but with attacking strength and home advantage, Leverkusen have a good chance.
Tip: Leverkusen to win
SSC Napoli vs. Sporting Lisbon
Napoli must cope without captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo in their second group match but hope for more control at home. Against Manchester City, their possession was only 30%, and the English ruthlessly exploited gaps. Sporting, however, travel with confidence after a convincing 4-1 over Kairat Almaty. Pace and precision make the Portuguese a dangerous opponent.
Tip: Correct score bet – 2:2
Villarreal vs. Juventus
Villarreal struggled against Tottenham, failing to convert chances after the break despite improving. Can they rediscover their strength against Juventus? The Italians opened with a 4-4 thriller against Dortmund, inspired by Yıldız, Vlahović (2x), and Lloyd Kelly. Against the Spaniards, they want to build on that point.
Tip: Correct score bet – 1:2
AS Monaco vs. Manchester City
The top favourites started with a 2-0 win over Napoli and now face a promising fixture against struggling AS Monaco. The French side had to endure a 4-1 defeat against Club Brugge and need motivation quickly. Haaland scored his 50th Champions League goal against Napoli and shows no signs of stopping.
Tip: City to win + over 3.5 goals
