Champions League Best Bets: Matchday One, September 16-18

• The league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League gets under way this week

• Eighteen matches will be held across Europe on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

• Barcelona, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are among the favorites to lift the trophy

Champions League Matchday One Odds

The odds for the Champions League Matchday One contained in this article are taken from the bet365 sportsbook. Use our promo code WSN365 and get your welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets win or lose.

Real Madrid vs. Marseille

Real Madrid to Win and Both Teams to Score (+140) at bet365

Real Madrid are the most successful side in the history of the Champions League. At the start of every season, their principal ambition is to be crowned kings of the continent. Although this is Xabi Alonso’s maiden campaign at the helm, a club of Madrid’s size will not tolerate a transitional year.

Marseille are potentially awkward opponents, although it would be a shock if Madrid were denied all three points at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Their French opponents have the offensive potency to find the back of the net, but Madrid should still find a way to come out on top.

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Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund

Under 2.5 Goals (+100) at bet365

Juventus were runners-up in this competition in 2015 and 2017, but they have been also-rans more recently. They have started the season well under Igor Tudor, though, so Juve will be quietly confident of emerging victorious over Borussia Dortmund. Their strategy will be based on keeping things tight at the back first and foremost.

Dortmund must match that. Too often BVB have been chaotic in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. This is a chance for Niko Kovac’s men to show they are capable of producing a disciplined performance on their travels in Europe. Goals could be at a premium in Turin - we expect two at most when Juve host Dortmund.

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Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea 

Chelsea or Draw (+115) at bet365

Neither Bayern Munich nor Chelsea are among the outright favorites to win the Champions League, but both teams are considered dark horses by the best online sportsbooks. Bayern can never be written off in this tournament, while Chelsea are the reigning world champions following their triumph in the USA in July.

The Blues have become a solid side under Enzo Maresca and we like their chances of getting something here. Bayern are excellent going forward but their defense can be exposed by adept opponents. Chelsea can claim at least a point when they visit the Allianz Arena on matchday one.

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Newcastle United vs. Barcelona

Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals (+110) at bet365

Newcastle United endured a turbulent summer and they may struggle to balance domestic and continental commitments this season. The fixture computer has not done Eddie Howe’s team any favors, handing them a game against Barcelona first up. But anyone expecting a walkover for the away team should think twice.

Newcastle are a tough nut to crack at home, where the St James’ Park crowd roars on their side. Howe’s men are intense and aggressive, and they will get in Barcelona’s faces. The Catalans are terrific in attack, but they are still searching for the right balance under Hansi Flick. This promises to be an entertaining encounter.

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Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atalanta 

PSG to Score in Both Halves (-110) at bet365

Paris Saint-Germain are looking to become only the second team in the Champions League era to retain the trophy, after Real Madrid. History suggests it is not easy to win this tournament twice in a row, but no one will relish facing Luis Enrique’s charges over the coming weeks and months. PSG demonstrated their quality last term and they will not give up their crown without a fight.

Atalanta are under new management after Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure. Ivan Juric is now calling the shots in Bergamo, but this will be a tricky first match in the Champions League for Atalanta in 2025/26. PSG’s offense should power them to victory at the Parc des Princes.

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Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid

Liverpool to Win (-143) at bet365

Liverpool won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s debut season at the helm, but the Dutchman recently said his biggest disappointment in 2024/25 was his side’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. Slot will want to make amends by taking his team all the way to the trophy this time around.

Atletico Madrid stand in their way on matchday one. Diego Simeone’s side have had a mediocre start to the campaign, but they are tough to beat in big games and this one will be no different. We do expect Liverpool to edge it, but Atletico will not roll over easily.

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How to Watch Champions League Matchday One

• Location: Europe

• Dates: Tuesday, 16 - Wednesday, 18, 2025

• How to Watch: Paramount+