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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
24 Jan 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Predictions Matchday 8 25/26
All predictions for Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Champions League. Current form, background information and exciting fixtures at a glance. Top insights into Europe’s premier club competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Predictions Matchday 8 25/26
As we hit the final stretch of the league phase, this matchday preview focuses on the high stakes: the race to secure a spot among the top 24 teams to avoid early exit and reach the knockout stages.
For many clubs, every single point now carries immense weight. While Arsenal and FC Bayern have already booked their tickets for the round of 16, several other heavyweights are fighting hard—some to secure a top-tier seeding, others just to survive and make the play-off cut.
Quick Betting Tips by MERKUR for Champions League Matchday 8
Paris vs Newcastle United
Paris Saint-Germain enters their home game as the favorites, despite a recent setback against Sporting. Although the defending champs have already qualified for the next round, they are determined to finish in the top eight to bypass the play-offs. On the other hand, Newcastle arrives in high spirits following a dominant 3–0 victory over PSV and has also secured its spot in the top 24. Expect PSG to control the ball, while the Magpies will likely rely on clinical, fast-paced counter-attacks.
Prediction: 1
Manchester City vs Galatasaray Istanbul
City is safely through, but a surprising stumble against Bodø/Glimt has cost them valuable ground in the standings. They need a strong performance against Galatasaray to regain their momentum. The Turkish side, having shown great grit against Atlético, is well-positioned to reach the play-offs. While City will try to dictate the tempo and dominate the game, Gala will likely set up a deep defense and wait for their chance to strike. It's a question of whether City can break them down or if they'll falter again.
Prediction: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Liverpool FC vs Qarabag FK
Following a convincing 3–0 win in Marseille, Liverpool has comfortably secured a spot in the knockouts and looks to keep that momentum going against Qarabag. The Azerbaijani team proved they can be dangerous with a 3–2 win over Frankfurt, but playing at Anfield is a different beast. They'll need incredible bravery and speed to survive Liverpool's relentless high press.
Tip: 1
Borussia Dortmund vs Inter Milan
Dortmund is in a precarious position, still fighting for a knockout spot after a painful home loss to Tottenham and the loss of Svensson to a red card. Inter has already secured their progression and remains a formidable opponent, despite a recent loss to Arsenal. BVB must find their balance and dominate the game at home; a single point should be enough to keep them in the top 24.
Prediction: Under 3.5 goals
FC Barcelona vs FC Copenhagen
Barcelona is in stellar form, with only one domestic slip-up to mark their season, recently coming off a high-scoring 4–2 win in Prague. With qualification already settled, they now host Copenhagen, who are struggling near the bottom. After a draw with Napoli, the Danes are expected to spend most of the match defending. Barça will likely control the game, pushing for a top-eight finish to skip the intermediate round.
Prediction: 1
Ajax Amsterdam vs Olympiakos
Ajax managed to edge out Villarreal in a tight match on the previous matchday. However, a humbling 6–0 cup defeat to Alkmaar suggests the Dutch side is still vulnerable. Olympiakos, coming off an upset victory against Leverkusen, could sneak through if they can leverage their physicality and quick transitions.
Prediction: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Arsenal FC vs Kairat Almaty
The gap in quality here is stark. While Arsenal sits comfortably at the top of the table with a round of 16 spot guaranteed, the Kazakh side has already been eliminated, a fact highlighted by their 1–4 loss to Brugge. The Gunners looked imperious against Inter, and between their clinical wingers and overall squad depth, they should dominate this encounter.
Prediction: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Atlético Madrid vs Bodö/Glimt
Atlético Madrid is safely through to the play-offs, though a draw with Galatasaray was less than ideal. They can't afford to be complacent against Bodø/Glimt, who shocked Manchester City with a 3–1 win, even if their overall form is erratic. With the Norwegians still fighting for a spot, Atleti remains the clear favorite to take the win.
Prediction: 1
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Villarreal
Both sides have struggled lately: Villarreal is already knocked out, and Leverkusen is desperate for points to keep their play-off dreams alive. This could be the perfect chance for Villarreal to snag their first win of the tournament against a shaky Leverkusen side. The match will be decided by who can hide their defensive flaws and seize control early, though Leverkusen has the home crowd behind them.
Prediction: 1
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Benfica needs to reclaim their best form after a tough loss in Turin if they want to stand a chance against a firing Real Madrid. The Spanish giants cruised past Monaco with six goals, fueled by Vinícius Júnior, and are already qualified. In Lisbon, Benfica will have to be opportunistic on the break, but they risk being overwhelmed early on.
Prediction: X
Club Brugge vs Olympique Marseille
Brugge enters their home game with confidence after a 4–1 thrashing of Kairat, yet they've struggled for consistency in Europe. Like their opponents, Marseille, they are still fighting for a knockout spot. While Brugge has the home advantage, Marseille holds the better league position. After losing to Liverpool, the French side needs to step up and dictate the pace.
Prediction: Both teams to score
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham
This match seems one-sided: Frankfurt is out, and Tottenham has already qualified. Spurs arrive with better chemistry and individual quality, whereas Eintracht is still leaking goals. Tottenham's 2–0 win over Dortmund showed how clinical they can be, and their speed in transition will likely exploit Frankfurt's fragile defense.
Prediction: 2
PSV Eindhoven vs Bayern Munich
After getting hammered 0–3 by Newcastle, PSV is fighting for survival. However, facing a powerhouse like Bayern Munich is a daunting task. Bayern is currently a machine—organized, tight at the back, and lethal in attack. While PSV is dominating their domestic league, they've looked out of their depth in the Champions League. Bayern's experience and pressing should make this a clear-cut affair.
Prediction: 2 + under 3.5 goals
SSC Napoli vs Chelsea FC
Following a 1–1 draw in Copenhagen, Napoli will look for stability at home. Unlike Chelsea, they haven't secured their play-off spot yet. Napoli's struggles in front of goal could be their undoing, even if Chelsea has been inconsistent. The winner will be whoever manages their dips in form better during the 90 minutes.
Prediction: Under 1.5 goals
AS Monaco vs Juventus
A crushing 1–6 defeat in Madrid has left Monaco reeling and desperate for defensive stability. In contrast, Juventus is riding a wave of confidence after a professional 2–0 win over Benfica. With their qualification already secured, the 'Old Lady' heads into this match as the steadier side.
Prediction: X
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Atalanta Bergamo
Life is tough for the Belgian newcomers, currently sitting 31st in the standings. After a loss in Munich, Saint-Gilloise faces a much stronger Atalanta side. Although the Lombards had a slight dip against Athletic, they have already qualified. For the Belgians, three points are an absolute necessity to keep their hopes alive.
Prediction: 1
Athletic Bilbao vs Sporting Lisbon
Bilbao's confidence was restored by a surprise away win in Bergamo, helping them move past a heavy loss to Barcelona. However, they remain unpredictable and will need to be disciplined against Sporting. The Portuguese side is already through and recently proved their class by beating the defending champions, PSG.
Prediction: X
Pafos FC vs Slavia Praha
Sitting in 30th place, Pafos faces a Slavia Prague team that has already been eliminated. Despite a loss to Chelsea, the Cypriots have a chance here, as the Czechs—despite their fighting spirit in a loss to Barcelona—are playing for pride. If Pafos can maximize their home advantage, a historic second Champions League win is well within reach.
Prediction: 1
