UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[Alpha Marine]

From the draw, I would say that the Italian teams did not fare very well. Inter Milan has been paired with Bodo Glimt, an opponent that should not be underestimated but is within Inter's reach.

All Inter needs to do is make sure they don't lose the first leg in Norway. Willing Bodo/Glimt at home is very difficult, but they can manage to get a draw. If they draw the first leg, then they focus on winning the second leg in Italy. I think Inter will qualify from this round. It's not an easy one, but playing away from home first is an advantage to them.

Juventus will face Galatasaray and Atalanta will face Borussia Dortmund, neither of which are easy opponents.
We could see a big match as early as the round of 16, with PSG vs Barcelona or Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool very likely.

These more difficult fixtures. Based on the current form, I think all teams are equal. I believe Galatasaray will knock out Juventus. It's a reach, but the Turkish team seem like a more resilient team than Juventus to me.

Atalanta v Dortmund is where I honestly do not know which way it will go. This is one of those games that we have to wait till the match starts before we can actually know how the game will go. Both teams will definitely use their home advantage when they play at home, too. It will beinteresting to watch.

[Futurexxx]

Inter did very well in this draw; they could have faced Benfica, who would have been tougher to beat.
Juventus got a great team, but one that is within their reach.
Atalanta was very unlucky, in my opinion, getting Borussia Dortmund.

All three can do it; their opponents are strong but not unbeatable. I hope for the best for all the Italian teams competing in the Champions League.

I don't think that inter Milan has a better draw bro, on paper it looks like an easy draw, but in reality it's not. That Bodo/Glimt that they met beat Manchester City and atletico madrid in their last two games in the uefa champions league group stage, so do you think such opponent is going to be easier?

It would even be better they are facing a more strong and recognized team like the opponent of Atalanta and Juventus, thank facing a giant killing team that will play as if their lives depends on them winning.
As I have said already, on paper, inter milan is the clear favourite, but it's a tricky test they might not survive if they are complacent or they approach this game looking down on their opponent.

[alankasman]

All Inter needs to do is make sure they don't lose the first leg in Norway. Willing Bodo/Glimt at home is very difficult, but they can manage to get a draw. If they draw the first leg, then they focus on winning the second leg in Italy. I think Inter will qualify from this round. It's not an easy one, but playing away from home first is an advantage to them.

Despite their positive result against Manchester City Bodo/Glimt currently look like a team that many teams should be wary of including Inter as they will face each other in this UCL match. However Inter certainly has the slight advantage due to their recent consistency in UCL matches. However Inter should not underestimate Bodo/Glimt as they have previously defeated English representatives Manchester City.

Many say that when a team competes at Bodo/Glimt's headquarters there is always pressure that leads to defeat and the last thing we know is that the Man City team accepted defeat at Bodo/Glimt's headquarters meaning that Inter must be really wary of the strength that Bodo/Glimt has because they are a new team but they always provide fierce resistance when competing especially playing in front of their supporters who are certainly motivated by the players because the motivation given by their supporters always produces maximum results against the Bodo/Glimt team.

These more difficult fixtures. Based on the current form, I think all teams are equal. I believe Galatasaray will knock out Juventus. It's a reach, but the Turkish team seem like a more resilient team than Juventus to me.

Your prediction is too brilliant to say Juventus will lose against Galatasaray. This is because you see Juventus' performance in Serie A which has declined slightly in recent seasons. What I need to say is that Juventus will not allow Galatasaray to gain points at the Old Lady's home, especially since Juventus' reputation is greater than Galatasaray's which is slightly less so because the attraction of their competition is not as fierce as Serie A which almost follows the footsteps of the EPL.

[Stavri]

For any neutral fan, this is undoubtedly the most captivating matchup of the draw. i am sure Real Madrid wants revenge so bad. But even if Real Madrid wins, Benfica is the winner for me unless the goalkeeper scores a goal  

This is where benfica will get knocked out of the Champions League, this time around they can't beat Real Madrid, my prediction is that Real Madrid will win both legs, home and away. If Benfica feel relaxed because they defeated Barcelona with the whole internet hype because the goalkeeper scored a goal in the match, that is exactly where the failure begins, Real Madrid only need the first leg to decide their qualification to the next round.

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history.  
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another successful result, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

[Frankolala]

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history. 
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another succesfull result against real madrid, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

It will be a big shock to me if Madrid hires Mourinho just because Benfica won Madrid. They don't hire a coach like that. I don't think 4-2 victory should be called luck. Benfica deserved the victory because Real Madrid underestimated them. That's football for you, expect surprises. It's possible that Benfica will pass through to the round of 16 because they will be motivated by that victory.

[Stavri]

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history. 
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another succesfull result against real madrid, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

It will be a big shock to me if Madrid hires Mourinho just because Benfica won Madrid. They don't hire a coach like that. I don't think 4-2 victory should be called luck. Benfica deserved the victory because Real Madrid underestimated them. That's football for you, expect surprises. It's possible that Benfica will pass through to the round of 16 because they will be motivated by that victory.

The atmosphere at Real Madrid is so crazy right now that no manager would want to go there and deal with all those player egos. Honestly, it feels like the board's fault, not the coach. Small time managers or unknown names definitely can't handle a club like this. Real Madrid is in a tough spot. To be honest, only one person comes to mind who is big enough to fix this team and that’s Mourinho. He’s the only one with an ego bigger than the players 

[Nheer]

The draw is out, and once again it's Benfica and Real Madrid. What a nice second chance for Real Madrid.Too bad Rodrygo is out, he will be benched anyway or used as a substitute.

He received a red card, which means he would not be available for the first leg of the playoff. Hewould not be on the bench but would be back in the return leg in Spain.  

Although Rodrygo have apologided for those careless two yellow cards he got in quick succession, his absence is costly. Álvaro Arbeloa's options now are Brahim Díaz and Franco Mastantuono. The Moroccan have not fully recovered from his penalty miss that caused his country to lose the Afcon trophy. While Franco has not been effective in big games.  

With the way Benfica played last game against Real Madrid they deserved to win but this time around winning will be very difficult for them, Real Madrid will definitely be prepared for them and wouldn't want what happened before happen again. Losing that way was disgraceful for them but if they don't put things in order they can still lose.
Rodrigo was too careless to receive such cheap cards but missing a leg will serve as a lesson to him although the entire team will be affected by his carelessness. If Madrid should be themselves they should be able to breeze past Benfica over the two legs and make it to the next round.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

For any neutral fan, this is undoubtedly the most captivating matchup of the draw. i am sure Real Madrid wants revenge so bad. But even if Real Madrid wins, Benfica is the winner for me unless the goalkeeper scores a goal  

This is where benfica will get knocked out of the Champions League, this time around they can't beat Real Madrid, my prediction is that Real Madrid will win both legs, home and away. If Benfica feel relaxed because they defeated Barcelona with the whole internet hype because the goalkeeper scored a goal in the match, that is exactly where the failure begins, Real Madrid only need the first leg to decide their qualification to the next round.

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history.  
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another successful result, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

I am a person who doesn't believe in luck when it comes to profession. Mourinho isn't to be termed lucky, he put in the work and tactics to defeat Real Madrid. He trained his boys to dominate that match, Real Madrid underestimated them and were punished, they did well to win the match and he deserves credit for that and not to be attributed to luck. Mourinho is a good coach, he only talks too much for my likening, but tactically, he's good. They meet again on knock out stage, let us see if they win again.

[emrecemsan]

It will be a big shock to me if Madrid hires Mourinho just because Benfica won Madrid. They don't hire a coach like that. I don't think 4-2 victory should be called luck. Benfica deserved the victory because Real Madrid underestimated them. That's football for you, expect surprises. It's possible that Benfica will pass through to the round of 16 because they will be motivated by that victory.

I've really read some rumours regarding that and got shocked to hear. Does Perez really think giving Mourinho another shot makes sense now?

He sacked Xabi Alonso in a hurry though. I shouldn't actually be very surprised with this because of it.    I mean I respect the president's achievements with this team.

However I don't believe making a move for Mourinho would be logical anymore. Mourinho isn't a good option for modern football. For top teams like Real Madrid at least.

[Mame89]

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history. 
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another succesfull result against real madrid, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

It will be a big shock to me if Madrid hires Mourinho just because Benfica won Madrid. They don't hire a coach like that. I don't think 4-2 victory should be called luck. Benfica deserved the victory because Real Madrid underestimated them. That's football for you, expect surprises. It's possible that Benfica will pass through to the round of 16 because they will be motivated by that victory.

I don't think Real Madrid will hire Mourinho. Real Madrid should look for a coach with a philosophy similar to Mourinho but with a more modern approach. Real Madrid currently needs a coach with experience and strong character to build a strong team foundation.

The match against Benfica will be very interesting to watch. I'm also curious to see whether Benfica can repeat the same success or whether Real Madrid can exact revenge which forced Real Madrid to struggle in the play off round. Personally, I predict Real Madrid can get through the play off round against Benfica, especially since they have two legs. However, Real Madrid's progress will not be easy as Benfica's defense under Mourinho is quite solid and difficult to penetrate.

[DanWalker]

madrid finished the league stage in 9th place, so they will also play in the playoffs, and i think mbappe could break the champions league scoring records this season. madrid is a strong team in the knockout stage, and if they don't get eliminated in the quarterfinals, the number of games they play will increase, which could be an opportunity for mbappe.

Madrid are not in good form right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Madrid are eliminated in the play-offs against Benfica. But if Madrid can qualify for the champions league final, then Mbappe will probably become the highest scorer in the champions league. Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 7 matches in the champions league. He is in excellent form. Even if Madrid can qualify for the semi-finals, I think Mbappe will be able to score 20+. But it doesn't seem possible for Madrid to get good results with such irregular performances.

[Umulala-alala]

Arsenal had a good run in this season's champions league phase and they did the unthinkable, unbeaten 8/8 no lost game and it seems like these guys are ready to take on any team that comes their way. At this point which of these teams are capable enough to stop the Gunners; Dortmund, Atalanta, Olympiacos and Bayer Leverkusen...can they stop Arsenal?

Arsenal had a good run they won all of their matches in the uefa champions league Bayern Munich was also included in the clubs that Arsenal has won. I believe that Arsenal is capable of winning any of the above listed club unless their energy has drop though no club should be underrated things happen in football it could even be that Olympiacos can stop the Gunners but I believe on Arsenal to advance to thr the next round.

[Fakhrulenclix]

madrid finished the league stage in 9th place, so they will also play in the playoffs, and i think mbappe could break the champions league scoring records this season. madrid is a strong team in the knockout stage, and if they don't get eliminated in the quarterfinals, the number of games they play will increase, which could be an opportunity for mbappe.

Madrid are not in good form right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Madrid are eliminated in the play-offs against Benfica. But if Madrid can qualify for the champions league final, then Mbappe will probably become the highest scorer in the champions league. Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 7 matches in the champions league. He is in excellent form. Even if Madrid can qualify for the semi-finals, I think Mbappe will be able to score 20+. But it doesn't seem possible for Madrid to get good results with such irregular performances.

I doubt that Mbappe can elevate Real Madrid's performance this season to go far in the Champions League. I say this after seeing Real Madrid's performance in the last few matches. In my opinion, they have been very poor this season, so there isn't much to expect from them. Even in the upcoming playoff round, they will face Benfica again, and it will be very difficult for them to advance to the next stage.

[Cityhunter34]

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history. 
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another succesfull result against real madrid, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

It will be a big shock to me if Madrid hires Mourinho just because Benfica won Madrid. They don't hire a coach like that. I don't think 4-2 victory should be called luck. Benfica deserved the victory because Real Madrid underestimated them. That's football for you, expect surprises. It's possible that Benfica will pass through to the round of 16 because they will be motivated by that victory.

These are the things that often happens to most the big teams. Come to think of it why will a team even underestimate the other one? Honestly, it doesn't make any sense at all because for the fact that they are playing with 11 players everything is possible to happen in the game, but I don't know what they still reason that way.

 Of course football doesn't work that way because there are many things involved in the case, there's nothing luck in that game it was absolutely a deserved win for Benfica which people that watched the game can testify.

[Pandu Geddon]

I doubt that Mbappe can elevate Real Madrid's performance this season to go far in the Champions League. I say this after seeing Real Madrid's performance in the last few matches. In my opinion, they have been very poor this season, so there isn't much to expect from them. Even in the upcoming playoff round, they will face Benfica again, and it will be very difficult for them to advance to the next stage.

Madrid meets Benfica again in the playoff round; this could be a revenge match, or it could be a match that worsens Madrid's situation. Hopefully, Madrid's champion mentality hasn't disappeared yet, and they can play better. I don't know what Mbappe's role is in the team, but right now, we might not be seeing a leader figure in the Madrid team.

[Pandorak]

(...)

Due to the performance of real Madrid in their previous match with Benfica, it will be very hard to trust real Madrid under Arbeloa, due to his tactical failure. This was the last minutes they needed him but he failed, like the way he failed in the copa de Rey. Well for me I will always say, real Madrid is a team with individual brilliance. And the play offs they have against Benfica, they will get to use this means to beat them home and away, this is something I believe real Madrid will get, in form of a revenge.

Real Madrid current situation is indeed quite concerning, with the players looking quite frustrated, forced to accept the fact that they are performing below expectations and their performance is also declining. Moreover, the recent change of coach has meant that the players have had to quickly adapt to a new coaching system. Honestly, they seem to have lost their momentum, but the opportunity is still there, still wide open. They can come back with more thorough preparation to face the upcoming matches.

[Stavri]

For Benfica, we will see if Murphy’s Law will hit again or if they will make history.  
In my opinion Mourinho is a really lucky guy like everything just works for him. It’s like God is behind him. After another successful result, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him managing Real Madrid next season.

I am a person who doesn't believe in luck when it comes to profession. Mourinho isn't to be termed lucky, he put in the work and tactics to defeat Real Madrid. He trained his boys to dominate that match, Real Madrid underestimated them and were punished, they did well to win the match and he deserves credit for that and not to be attributed to luck. Mourinho is a good coach, he only talks too much for my likening, but tactically, he's good. They meet again on knock out stage, let us see if they win again.

i don't think it's even up for debate whether Mourinho is a great manager or not because i also find him quite successful but you have to admit that luck plays a huge part too and he is actually quite good at being lucky. No matter how tough the matches get, he somehow finds a way to pull off a good result and get exactly what he needs in the end.

[Frankolala]

These are the things that often happens to most the big teams. Come to think of it why will a team even underestimate the other one? Honestly, it doesn't make any sense at all because for the fact that they are playing with 11 players everything is possible to happen in the game, but I don't know what they still reason that way.

 Of course football doesn't work that way because there are many things involved in the case, there's nothing luck in that game it was absolutely a deserved win for Benfica which people that watched the game can testify.

Of course, pride befallet a man. When a team feel they're the favorite and stronger than their opponents, they'll feel they have already win the game and wouldn't come prepared for the unexpected. That serves them right since they feel they were better than Benfica both the game went the other way round.

[rezakurnia66]

Madrid are not in good form right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Madrid are eliminated in the play-offs against Benfica. But if Madrid can qualify for the champions league final, then Mbappe will probably become the highest scorer in the champions league. Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 7 matches in the champions league. He is in excellent form. Even if Madrid can qualify for the semi-finals, I think Mbappe will be able to score 20+. But it doesn't seem possible for Madrid to get good results with such irregular performances.

Don't blame with the team have start from the playoff round match, did you watch PSG last season become the winner after purely bad performance in phase league match until have to play the playoff round but success become the winner. I believe Madrid has winning mentality in champion league although must playing at the playoff round against Benfica who defeated Madrid last match.
I think Madrid won't make the same mistake and performing well to eliminated Benfica at the playoff round match, has advantage with playing away firstly and second leg will play at home I think Madrid easy to get ticket for round of 16.

[SmartCharpa]

madrid finished the league stage in 9th place, so they will also play in the playoffs, and i think mbappe could break the champions league scoring records this season. madrid is a strong team in the knockout stage, and if they don't get eliminated in the quarterfinals, the number of games they play will increase, which could be an opportunity for mbappe.

Madrid are not in good form right now. I wouldn't be surprised if Madrid are eliminated in the play-offs against Benfica. But if Madrid can qualify for the champions league final, then Mbappe will probably become the highest scorer in the champions league. Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 7 matches in the champions league. He is in excellent form. Even if Madrid can qualify for the semi-finals, I think Mbappe will be able to score 20+. But it doesn't seem possible for Madrid to get good results with such irregular performances.

I doubt that Mbappe can elevate Real Madrid's performance this season to go far in the Champions League. I say this after seeing Real Madrid's performance in the last few matches. In my opinion, they have been very poor this season, so there isn't much to expect from them. Even in the upcoming playoff round, they will face Benfica again, and it will be very difficult for them to advance to the next stage.

Mbappe performance isn’t the only thing that will improve Real Madrid in the Champions League, the players have to give it their best to win the game for the teams. What is the point of scoring goals when you can’t even prevent your opponent for scoring goals as well. Real Madrid problems is from the midfield, I don’t think they have that experienced player yet, If Real Madrid wants to win the Champions League this season, I believe they should sign one more midfield.

Mbappe is currently the top scorer in the Champions League, and Real Madrid failed to make it among the top eight. Real Madrid will face Benfica in the playoffs round, if they don’t play at their best levels, I’m afraid it may be the end of the Champions League for Real Madrid this season. After what we saw in their last game against Benfica.