All predictions for Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 Champions League: current form, background insights, and exciting duels at a glance. Top information on Europe’s elite competition.
It’s getting serious in Europe’s elite competition 2025/26: Matchday 4 promises pure excitement and could shake up the standings considerably. Our latest Champions League Matchday Forecast shows: while some favourites are likely to consolidate their dominance, others are ready to upset the balance of power. Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan continue to march on confidently, whereas traditional clubs like Juventus, Leverkusen and Ajax are still searching for rhythm. Meanwhile, shaky contenders such as Galatasaray and Eindhoven have bounced back from rough starts full of energy and new-found confidence.
Both teams must get their defensive issues under control by Matchday 4. Antonio Conte will demand more structure from his team after the debacle against Eindhoven, while Toppmöller also has to react after the 1:5 defeat to Liverpool. Overall, Napoli have more individual quality and the home advantage.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Spectators in Prague can expect Slavia’s passion and fighting spirit. However, their chances against Arsenal are slim. The strong Londoners currently look dominant and punish defensive lapses ruthlessly. The team combines pace with precision in front of goal. Prague are unlikely to keep up.
Tip: Draw
A true top clash: Paris arrive with attacking power and showed great strength against Leverkusen. Bayern Munich, however, also impress this season – even more cohesive and efficient. An open encounter with a slight advantage for the German record champions.
Tip: Both teams to score
Liverpool were merciless in their 5:1 victory over Frankfurt. Unlike Real, the Reds have already suffered one defeat in this CL season. The Spaniards, meanwhile, celebrated their third win, staying patient against Juventus and increasing the pressure steadily. If Liverpool maintain intensity and tempo, they have a good chance of a narrow home win.
Tip: Over 3.5 goals
Juventus showed compact defence and strong transitions against Real, though without reward. The “Old Lady” urgently needs points after domestic setbacks in Serie A. Against Sporting, their chances are decent. The Portuguese side recently benefited from a sending-off but lacked creativity going forward. Juve’s experience and stability could make the difference.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
After the heavy 0:4 defeat to Arsenal, Atlético are seeking stability again. Simeone’s side will press aggressively and aim to avoid mistakes. Union St. Gilloise showed courage against Inter but lost structure and revealed defensive gaps. Atlético’s quality and reaction should prove decisive – clear favourite: the Spaniards.
Tip: 1
A tight affair: Tottenham looked unfocused and uninspired against Monaco but held firm defensively. Copenhagen showed fighting spirit against Borussia but completely lost control after the break. If Spurs show more cutting edge at home, they should break down the Danish defence and claim this expected win.
Tip: 1
Bodo/Glimt fought passionately but reacted too late against Galatasaray and remained harmless in attack. Monaco, in contrast, dominated Tottenham despite wasting many chances. In terms of structure and overall quality, the signs point clearly to a Monaco victory.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Olympiacos are under immense pressure after a heavy defeat to Barcelona. Four goals conceded in eleven minutes and a red card raised concerns. Mendilibar’s changes brought no stability. Eindhoven, by contrast, dominated Napoli at will and impressed with dazzling one-touch football in their 6:2 win.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
After a strong start to the season, Qarabag lost control against Bilbao after an early lead and showed weaknesses in build-up play. Chelsea, meanwhile, recovered from their defeat to Bayern and delivered a statement performance against Ajax with a heavily rotated squad. Everything points to a confident away win for the Premier League side.
Tip: 2
With plenty of determination, Pafos earned a point for the second time this CL season despite being down to ten men. Their finishing is efficient, but creatively they remain limited. Villarreal have also struggled to impress in the competition so far – clear defeats against Real and Man City revealed a lack of pace and purpose. Still, individual class favours the “Yellow Submarine.”
Tip: Both teams to score
After three games without a win, Benfica are under heavy pressure. Against Newcastle they started bravely but then fell apart defensively. Leverkusen are also in crisis – the 2:7 defeat to Paris exposed many individual errors and an unstable back line. Both sides must react, but Benfica appear more compact and aggressive on the break.
Tip: 1
Manchester City remain confident and dominant; their victory over Villarreal was never in doubt. Dortmund must give everything to build on their recent win over Copenhagen and maintain their positive run. However, City’s control and attacking power are dangerous.
Tip: 2
Inter Milan confirmed their top form with a clear win over Saint-Gilloise. After a shaky start, they dominated with pace, structure and efficiency. Even Esposito’s missed sitter couldn’t spoil their convincing display. Kairat, meanwhile, disappointed in their 0:0 draw with Pafos – too few ideas, weak build-up, and little creativity. The roles are clearly defined.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Despite a strong start to the Champions League, Bruges looked completely overwhelmed defensively against Bayern. The attack around U21 international Nicolo Tresoldi barely created chances. Barcelona, by contrast, cruised past Olympiacos 6:1, with Fermin netting a hat-trick and youngster Dro shining on his full debut. Everything points to the Catalans.
Tip: 1
After the unlucky 1:2 defeat with ten men against Sporting, Marseille need to react. The French side’s defence seems solid, but they lack precision up front. Atalanta also missed chances against Slavia but appear more stable and creative overall. A tight, tactical battle with a slight edge to Atalanta.
Tip: 2
Ajax are enduring a disappointing Champions League campaign. After a poor start and a heavy loss to Chelsea, confidence is clearly shaken. Galatasaray, on the other hand, have recovered from early struggles: Osimhen is scoring consistently and the team’s play is improving. The current form clearly favours the Turkish side.
Tip: 2
Newcastle return home with momentum after their first Champions League win against Benfica. Super sub Barnes decided the game with a brace, while further changes brought fresh energy. Bilbao also secured a deserved win over Qarabag but continue to show inefficiency in front of goal. With home advantage, the Magpies are clear favourites.
Tip: 1 + 3.5 goals
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