Champions League: high stakes in round 2

Atalanta Bergamo – Club Brugge on 30/09 at 18:45

Most likely to win: Atalanta Bergamo

Atalanta were humbled 4-0 by PSG in round one and desperately need a response in front of their own fans. Club Brugge, by contrast, stunned Monaco with a convincing 4-1 victory, showing they are no pushovers in Europe. Still, with the home advantage and a squad eager to restore pride, Atalanta are seen as the more likely winners.

Kairat Almaty – Real Madrid on 30/09 at 18:45

Most likely to win: Real Madrid

Real Madrid battled past Marseille in a tense opener, proving they can grind out results even when not at their best. Kairat Almaty enter as huge underdogs after reaching the league phase, but facing the Spanish giants is another challenge entirely. The expectation is that Madrid’s depth and quality will shine through for a more comfortable evening.
 

Inter Milan – Slavia Prague on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Inter Milan

Inter kicked off their campaign with a clinical 2-0 win over Ajax, once again showing their ability to strike at key moments. Slavia Prague fought hard to claim a draw against Bodo/Glimt, but their defence will face a much tougher test in Milan. The Nerazzurri are unlikely to underestimate their opponents and are expected to control the match from start to finish.
 

Atlético Madrid – Eintracht Frankfurt on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Atlético Madrid

Atlético’s thrilling clash with Liverpool ended in heartbreak and the dismissal of Simeone after his clash with a supporter. Frankfurt, meanwhile, demolished Galatasaray and showed they can be ruthless when given space. Yet, the level of opposition is much higher in Madrid, and the experts believe Atlético’s tactical discipline and home advantage will make the difference.
 

Chelsea – Benfica on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Chelsea

Chelsea were beaten by Bayern in their opener but put up a solid fight, proving they can compete at the highest level. Benfica, however, suffered a shocking defeat to Qarabag, which led to the dismissal of their coach. José Mourinho has taken the reins, but it’s unlikely he can work miracles overnight, making Chelsea the safer bet for this encounter.
 

FK Bodø/Glimt – Tottenham Hotspur on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Tottenham Hotspur

Bodø/Glimt impressed with a battling draw against Slavia, confirming their reputation as dangerous underdogs in Europe. Tottenham edged past Villarreal with a narrow win and are still searching for consistency. Even if the Arctic conditions might test the Londoners, their quality up front should give them the edge.
 

Galatasaray – Liverpool on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Liverpool

Galatasaray had a nightmare start with a heavy loss to Frankfurt, raising questions about their defensive stability. Liverpool, on the other hand, overcame Atlético in a thriller and arrive full of confidence. With their pace and attacking firepower, the Reds are tipped to take all three points despite the intimidating Istanbul atmosphere.
 

Olympique Marseille – AFC Ajax on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Olympique Marseille

Marseille pushed Real Madrid to the limit before falling short, showing they can compete with Europe’s best. Ajax struggled badly against Inter and are missing several key attackers due to injury, which makes their task even harder. At the Vélodrome, the French side are clear favourites to get their first points on the board.

Pafos FC – Bayern Munich on 30/09 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Bayern Munich

Pafos surprised many with a goalless draw against Olympiacos, proving they can be well organised. However, facing Bayern Munich is a completely different challenge, with the German champions looking unstoppable in this competition. It would take a miracle for Pafos to avoid defeat, making Bayern the most certain winners of the night.