UEFA Champions League: Betting Tips

The extended format of the UEFA Champions League is bringing even more action across Europe. Bet Central explores five exciting fixtures to look forward to on this matchday.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

It’s been hardly five months since these two European giants met at Wembley Stadium to decide last season’s Champions League winners, and now they face off again in Europe’s top-tier club competition. This is the first of the Spanish powerhouse vs German powerhouse clashes of the matchday, and it promises to be a classic.

Last time out, Dortmund demolished Celtic 7-1 and remain unbeaten since, while Real Madrid suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of French side LOSC Lille in their last Champions League fixture. Nuri Sahin will be hoping striker Serhou Guirassy continues his goal-scoring form, especially with Karim Adeyemi injured. For Carlo Ancelotti, the performance of Jude Bellingham against his former club will be key.

Best Bet: Both teams to score

PSG vs PSV

Both PSG and PSV lead their respective domestic leagues and have had near-perfect starts. However, their Champions League campaigns have been less straightforward. PSV has yet to win, having lost and drawn their previous games.

PSG, on the other hand, lost to Arsenal in their last Champions League match and will be looking to redeem themselves in this intriguing fixture. For PSV, the experienced Luuk de Jong will be key, while for PSG, Portuguese midfield maestro Vitinha will play a crucial role.

Best Bet: PSG to win.

Aston Villa vs Bologna

This fixture brings together two exciting squads making their way into Europe’s elite competition. Both Aston Villa and Bologna secured their spots in the Champions League by clinching the final qualification places in their respective leagues last season. Villa has started strong, winning both of their opening games, including a shock 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich.

Bologna, meanwhile, has lost one and drawn the other. They’ll believe they can challenge Unai Emery’s side, with young striker Santiago Castro being key to their chances. For Villa, the emergence of Morgan Rogers has added advanced midfield potency.

Best Bet: Over 2.5 goals

RB Leipzig vs Liverpool

RB Leipzig has struggled to find the consistent form they showed under Ralph Hasenhuttl and later Julian Nagelsmann. However, under Marco Rose this season, they look like they could return to their best. Currently sitting second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern, they will face Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Despite their good form in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig is yet to earn points in the Champions League and faces an uphill battle against Liverpool. Xavi Simons is the key man for Leipzig’s attack, while Virgil van Dijk will add stability to Liverpool’s defense with Alisson Becker out injured.

Best Bet: RB Leipzig to either win or draw

Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

This fixture sees two teams that haven’t lived up to their powerhouse status in recent years, but both are showing promise under new coaches. Vincent Kompany is proving to be a shrewd appointment for Bayern, while Hansi Flick, a former Bayern coach, is helping Barcelona rediscover an identity that their fans can be proud of.

Harry Kane, fresh off scoring a hat trick, will be tough to contain, while Robert Lewandowski will want to make his mark against his former club.

Best Bet: Both teams to score