The UEFA Champions League returns for one last spherical of matches earlier than the brand new yr, with a lot at stake for a number of European heavy-hitters. Whereas Liverpool can prolong their keep atop the league section desk in Tuesday’s sport at Girona, there shall be a number of video games between groups inside the highest eight, together with Barcelona’s journey to Borussia Dortmund and Inter’s journey to Bayer Leverkusen. Giants like Manchester Metropolis, Actual Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain even have an opportunity to right course on their underwhelming Champions League video games with some pivotal video games this week.
This is what the CBS Sports activities group predicts will happen throughout one other consequential week within the Champions League.
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Listed here are our skilled picks for this matchday:
Tuesday
Sport of the day: Leverkusen vs. Inter
Participant to observe: Stefan de Vrij – Inter’s Champions League protection cannot be this good, can it? Not a purpose conceded by means of 5 matches, a fixture record that encompasses England’s prime two final season and a Leipzig aspect not quick on attacking expertise both. If this defensive magic goes to proceed in opposition to Leverkusen, look ahead to central centerback De Vrij to excel. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Nicolo Barella – Inter have been probably the greatest groups this season, partially due to the performances of Italian midfielder Nicolo Barella who’s but to attain his first purpose within the UEFA Champions League. Inter need to affirm themselves on the prime spots of the desk as they’re solely two factors away from Liverpool. He could make all of the distinction — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Leverkusen 1, Inter 1 — This one options two of the present prime eight with the Italians unbeaten up to now and more likely to keep that manner. The Germans have already misplaced however they do stay aggressive and have scored greater than Tuesday’s guests so far. Don’t be shocked if it finishes stage in a rating draw or a slender dwelling win. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest guess: Hakan Calhanoglu to have 1+ shot heading in the right direction (+110) – It is a match the place the highest defenses in Champions League will meet and it may very well be outlined by set items. With maximizing these alternatives, that is when Calhanoglu, a free kick and long-shot artist comes into focus. He could also be extra more likely to find yourself with an help than a purpose however that does not imply that his presence will not be felt within the heart of the park throughout this conflict. — Chuck Sales space
Atalanta vs. Actual Madrid
Participant to observe: Jude Bellingham – The sheer quantity of pictures is not again to the place it was final season and maybe it by no means shall be in a group with Kylian Mbappe. Bellingham, nonetheless, has 5 targets in as many La Liga video games after beginning the marketing campaign scoreless. The England worldwide lives for the most important events and that is about as excessive stakes because the league section was ever purported to get for Actual Madrid. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Ademola Lookman – The Nigerian striker, after scoring three targets within the 2024 UEFA Europa League last in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen, began the brand new season with the identical spirit as he already scored eight targets in 12 Serie A video games and likewise two targets in 4 Champions League matches up to now. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Atalanta 1, Actual 2 — The defending champions have to get again to profitable methods within the Champions League and quick. Carlo Ancelotti’s males already noticed off the Italians within the UEFA Tremendous Cup however count on this encounter to be a little bit nearer with Los Blancos nearly edging it in a sport the place either side discover the again of the web. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest guess: Kylian Mbappe to attain (+150): Atalanta’s protection has been good however even whereas not hitting prime type for Actual Madrid, Mbappe has 11 targets in all competitions. Solely a type of has are available Champions League play as far as even penalties aren’t automated for Mbappe. However, with three targets in his final 5 matches, there’s sufficient of a chance for him to search out the again of the web. If you happen to’d desire much less danger, he is solely -130 to place two pictures heading in the right direction however it’s value going for the purpose at a quantity like this. — Chuck Sales space
Wednesday
Sport of the day: Juventus vs. Man Metropolis
Participant to observe: Kevin De Bruyne – The Belgian’s return to the Metropolis beginning XI could or could not have merely mounted all the pieces – the jury is out after extra dropped factors in opposition to Crystal Palace – but when anybody goes to brighten up what threatens to be a deeply uninteresting affair, it will likely be De Bruyne. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Ilkay Gundogan – Regardless of the tough second Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis are going through, Gundogan is the participant that the Spanish supervisor wants most proper now on account of his expertise within the event. Juventus aren’t residing their greatest second as effectively, and Gundogan can create a variety of issues for the Vecchia Signora’s protection. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Juve 1, Metropolis 1 — Pep Guardiola’s aspect proceed to battle by means of poor type and are making life robust for themselves in each the Premier League in addition to the Champions League. Thiago Motta’s Italians are equally positioned and don’t see too many targets of their video games so count on a reasonably low-scoring affair which both aspect might sneak by a single purpose. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest guess: Beneath 2.5 targets (-120): I can’t guess targets in video games involving Juventus. I can’t guess targets in video games involving Juventus. I … you get the concept. Even with out Bremer, this Juventus aspect simply would not concede below Thiago Motta and even going through no matter model of Metropolis that is, it will not change. It would not harm to sprinkle a draw right here at +240 however the below is a bit safer. — Chuck Sales space
Barcelona vs. Dortmund
Participant to observe: Robert Lewandowski – It needs to be him, would not it? Again on the Westfalenstadion, reunited with the followers who as soon as adored him however now should dread his presence on the opposition. In 26 video games in opposition to Dortmund, Lewandowski has 27 targets, however up to now he has but to satisfy them in a Barcelona shirt. Given his current type, you’d again him so as to add to that tally as soon as extra. –– James Benge
Man of the match: Raphinha – The Brazilian winger has been nice this season and scored 5 targets within the first 5 Champions League matches, and 11 in 17 LaLiga video games. He is in all probability one of the best participant up to now for the aspect coached by Hansi Flick, who’s making his return to Germany on Wednesday. — Francesco Porzio
Prediction: Dortmund 1, Barcelona 1 — These two sides are neck and neck coming into this spherical of video games with the Catalan giants barely forward of the Germans on account of purpose distinction regardless of each posting 4 wins and one loss. Don’t be shocked if this one finishes stage and either side get their first draw of the European marketing campaign though Barca are the almost certainly to edge it if one aspect does come out on prime. — Jonathan Johnson
Finest guess: Each groups to attain (-110): Barcelona’s excessive line has been efficient at defending their protection however when the offside entice would not work, it’s miles too simple to beat the protection from open play. Dortmund are an skilled group that may make Barcelona pay in assault and Barcelona’s assault is just too loaded to not rating so it appears like a good value to get each hitting the again of the web. — Chuck Sales space
