After the qualifying rounds, we now have the 36 teams confirmed for the Champions League league phase. In this new stage, Europe’s passions truly ignite on the pitch as the battle begins to determine which 16 teams will advance to the Round of 16.
How does this league phase work?
The Champions League league phase involves 36 teams playing eight matchdays, each facing different opponents at home and away. Matchday 1 takes place between 16 and 18 September 2025.
Each team plays 8 different matches without repeating opponents, in a single league table. After these eight matchdays, the top 8 automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
Teams finishing between 9th and 24th place will contest two-legged play-offs to progress. The remaining teams are eliminated from the competition.
Champions League: Featured Matches on Matchday 1
Each matchday includes 18 games, a true spectacle for football fans. Below are the most enticing fixtures for the first matchday, with brief analysis and smart betting suggestions based on each team’s reality:
Juventus v Borussia Dortmund
Projection: Juventus, playing at home in Turin, start as favourites, especially against a Dortmund defence weakened by injuries.
🔥Betting suggestion: Juventus to win @2.03
Real Madrid v Olympique Marseille
Projection: Real Madrid, with a strong European pedigree, hold a clear advantage over an Olympique Marseille side likely to primarily adopt a pragmatic approach.
🔥Betting suggestion: Under 3.5 goals @1.78
Bayern Munich v Chelsea
Projection: A clash between Bavarian attacking power and English resilience. Bayern are generally more consistent at home.
🔥 Betting suggestion: Over 3.5 goals @2.29
Liverpool v Atlético Madrid
Projection: An intense game, with Liverpool at home and Atlético typically defensive. There could be a clear scoreline.
🔥 Betting suggestion: Liverpool to win @1.66
Manchester City v Napoli
Projection: A high-level technical encounter. City may dominate possession at home, but Napoli are combative.
🔥 Betting suggestion: Over 3.5 goals @2.65
Newcastle v Barcelona
Projection: Newcastle have been improving in the Premier League, but Barcelona remain strong offensively.
🔥 Betting suggestion: Draw @3.80
PSG v Atalanta
Projection: PSG, the current champions, have more individual quality, but Atalanta are combative and creative. An open match is expected.
🔥 Betting suggestion: Both teams to score: No @1.89
This opening matchday of the Champions League officially launches the league phase, marking the beginning of eight decisive rounds for those aspiring to go far in the competition and reach the Puskás Arena in Budapest for the final. With 36 teams competing, every match carries significant weight: there are evenly matched duels, clear favourites and surprises lurking. Use the betting suggestions to add even more excitement to the electrifying matches of Europe’s biggest club competition!
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