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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
16-Oct-2025 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Forecast: Matchday 3 2025/26
All predictions for Matchday 3 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 3 2025/26
The Champions League heads into the third matchday of the 2025/26 season, and the excitement could hardly be greater. Our Champions League matchday predictions show: after two matchdays full of spectacle and surprises, the outcome of many duels remains uncertain. While teams like Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich have impressed with confident performances so far, other traditional clubs such as Liverpool or Juventus are already under pressure.
Special attention is also on the German representatives: Borussia Dortmund travels to Copenhagen in good form, Bayern Munich hosts the combative Bruges, and Eintracht Frankfurt aims to redeem itself against Liverpool after the heavy defeat in Madrid. Leverkusen, meanwhile, faces a true test against PSG. Emotional highlights are also expected with old rivals and new challengers.
MERKUR Quick Tips for Matchday 3 of the Champions League
FC Barcelona vs. Olympiakos
Despite a long injury list, Barcelona enters the duel as the clear favorite. Even in their narrow 1–2 loss against PSG, the team impressed with strong positional play and individual quality. Olympiakos has been solid defensively but harmless in attack. Barça should claim a comfortable home win.
Tip: Barcelona to win
FC Kairat Almaty vs. Pafos
Both outsiders rely on compactness. Kairat showed defensive order but almost no attacking ideas. Pafos revealed major weaknesses in transitions and coordination during their 1–5 loss to Bayern. Expect a cautious game – goals will likely be scarce.
Tip: Draw
FC Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid
Arsenal has impressed in this CL season with creativity and efficiency but will now have to do without captain Ødegaard. Atlético travels confidently after their 5–1 victory over Frankfurt but has not beaten an English team in nine games. Expect a tactical battle on equal terms.
Tip: Arsenal to win
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Paris SG
Leverkusen put in a solid showing against PSV but must now cope with numerous absences, including Axel Tap. PSG, the defending champion, also has injury issues but remains stronger individually. Leverkusen will press high, but their defense may come under heavy pressure.
Tip: PSG to win
PSV Eindhoven vs. SSC Napoli
Two teams in good form but with different styles. Eindhoven impressed with effort and discipline but lacked cutting edge in the final third. Napoli plays efficiently, defends compactly, and uses De Bruyne and Højlund effectively in key moments. Expect a tight game where Napoli’s maturity could be decisive.
Tip: Napoli to win
FC Villarreal vs. Manchester City
Villarreal has shown attacking versatility but faded late against Juventus – a sign of stamina and defensive issues. Manchester City controlled games at times but failed to finish early. Both teams attack well, but City’s individual quality should make the difference.
Tip: Manchester City to win, over 3.5 goals
FC Copenhagen vs. Borussia Dortmund
Copenhagen looks well-organized defensively and disciplined in the competition, but their attacking ideas are inconsistent. That should change soon, as Dortmund has shown impressive early form and looked dynamic after the 4–1 win over Bilbao. The BVB should control the game and apply early pressure.
Tip: Dortmund to win
Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Inter Milan
Union SG seemed unsettled after their 0–4 loss to Newcastle – little structure, little creativity. Inter, after a 3–0 win over Slavia, arrives in top form: composed, efficient, and defensively stable. The difference in quality is clear – Inter should dominate and take their chances clinically.
Tip: Inter Milan to win, under 3.5 goals
Newcastle United vs. Benfica Lisbon
Two teams in good form – but Newcastle has the home advantage. The Magpies approach with power, pressing, and determination after their away win in Brussels. German newcomer Woltemade adds presence up front. Benfica narrowly lost to Chelsea but played well. Expect an intense game favoring the English side.
Tip: Newcastle to win
Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Bodo/Glimt
After their 1–0 win against Liverpool, Galatasaray has stabilized defensively and regained confidence. Bodo/Glimt have shown courage and attacking intent but remain defensively vulnerable. Gala’s home strength and individual quality should make the difference.
Tip: Galatasaray to win, over 3.5 goals
Athletic Bilbao vs. Qarabag FK
Bilbao is under pressure after two CL losses and aims for redemption at home with more attacking presence. Qarabag has surprised with two wins but remains shaky at the back. Whether the Azerbaijani side can keep their streak going is uncertain.
Tip: Bilbao to win, under 3.5 goals
Bayern Munich vs. Club Brugge
Bayern comes into the game full of confidence after their 5–1 win over Pafos. The offense around Kane is on fire, and the team looks sharp and ruthless. Brugge fought bravely but allowed too many chances against Atalanta. Despite missing Ludovit Reis (MF), Brugge will start boldly, but Munich should dominate early.
Tip: Bayern to win, over 3.5 goals
Real Madrid vs. Juventus Turin
Real Madrid currently looks dominant. Their 5–0 win at Kairat showed typical control and power. Juventus fought hard in Villarreal but displayed defensive weaknesses. Madrid has more control, depth, and finishing power – clear home advantage.
Tip: Real Madrid to win, over 3.5 goals
FC Chelsea vs. Ajax Amsterdam
Chelsea recently showed tactical maturity against Benfica – disciplined, secure in build-up, and efficient in front of goal, even without Cole Palmer. Ajax is in crisis and defensively shaky, as seen in their 0–4 loss to Marseille. The Blues should capitalize and win comfortably.
Tip: Chelsea to win, under 3.5 goals
Atalanta BC vs. Slavia Prague
Atalanta hosts Prague buoyed by their 2–1 win over Brugge. The team showed attacking drive and resilience. Slavia, meanwhile, is struggling after a clear 0–3 loss to Inter – spirited but limited and defensively weak. Atalanta’s pace and flexibility should cause major problems.
Tip: Atalanta to win, over 3.5 goals
Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Liverpool FC
Frankfurt’s performances fluctuate heavily – a 5–1 against Galatasaray followed by a 1–5 at Atlético. The team needs stability, as Liverpool seeks redemption after the 0–1 in Istanbul and clearly has the better structure. Still, Frankfurt often surprises at home.
Tip: Liverpool to win, both teams to score
Sporting Lisbon vs. Olympique Marseille
Sporting has one win and one loss so far in the competition. The last meetings with Marseille went in the French side’s favor. Marseille regained confidence with a commanding home win over Ajax. Expect a tight, tactical encounter.
Tip: Double chance X2
AS Monaco vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Two offensively strong teams meet in Monaco. Tottenham attacked boldly in Bodo but left defensive gaps. Monaco fought to a 2–2 draw at Man City, partly due to five changes in the starting XI. Despite attacking flair, defensive weaknesses on both sides mean goals are almost guaranteed.
Tip: Both teams to score
