Champions League matchday 5: high stakes and hard truths on a decisive Tuesday

Matchday 5 arrives with tension rising across Europe. Some giants are slipping, some underdogs are thriving, and several clubs enter Tuesday’s fixtures knowing their Champions League fate may hinge on just 90 minutes.

From Ajax’s desperate search for stability to Qarabag’s astonishing rise, and from Chelsea–Barcelona drama to Manchester City’s relentless push for a top ranking –  this matchday has everything.

Here’s what to expect from the clashes scheduled for Tuesday, 25 November.

AFC Ajax – Benfica on 25/11 at 18:45

Most likely to win: Benfica

Ajax’s Champions League campaign has unravelled quickly. After a fourth heavy defeat, the Amsterdam side sits bottom of the group. The chaos off the pitch hasn’t helped: the head coach has been dismissed and the technical director has already announced his departure. Desperate for a spark, Ajax will see Benfica – currently second from bottom – as an opportunity. But despite the Portuguese side’s own struggles, the experts still consider them stronger on current form and more likely to claim the points in Amsterdam.

Galatasaray – Union Saint-Gilloise on 25/11 at 18:45

Most likely to win: Galatasaray

Galatasaray have found their rhythm again. Three consecutive victories have propelled the Turkish giants upward, and their momentum feels difficult to stop. Union Saint-Gilloise stunned many with a win on the opening matchday, but three straight defeats since then have brought them back to reality. Given the form of both sides, the experts see another night of celebration coming for the home fans in Istanbul.
 

Borussia Dortmund – Villarreal CF on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund’s European campaign has been inconsistent, but they remain a dangerous side at home. Their quality and pace should give them an advantage – especially against a Villarreal team in trouble. The Spaniards have struggled throughout the group stage, and their defeat to Pafos FC earlier in the campaign still hangs over them as a painful sign of their vulnerability. The experts expect Dortmund to capitalise.
 

Chelsea – FC Barcelona on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Chelsea

Two giants, two unexpected setbacks. Chelsea dropped points against Qarabag, while Barcelona were held by Club Brugge – results few saw coming. Both teams are talented, ambitious, and under pressure to respond immediately. The experts foresee a tightly contested clash, but give Chelsea a slight edge, mainly thanks to home advantage and a squad eager to restore pride.
 

FK Bodø/Glimt – Juventus on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Juventus

Bodø/Glimt have shown flashes of promise but have now lost two in a row after initially collecting two draws. Their momentum has faded at the wrong time. Juventus aren’t doing much better themselves – their record of three draws and one defeat leaves them far lower in the standings than expected. At 26th place, the pressure is enormous. The experts believe this urgency will push the Italians toward a much-needed, convincing win in Norway.
 

Manchester City – Bayer Leverkusen on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Manchester City

Manchester City look sharp: three wins and a draw have brought them to fourth place overall. Their machine-like efficiency seems intact, even if not flawless. Leverkusen, last season’s Bundesliga champions, have failed to impress in Europe this year. Their form hasn’t matched expectations, and the experts doubt they can slow City down at the Etihad.
 

Olympique Marseille – Newcastle United on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Newcastle United

Newcastle continue to surprise, sitting in sixth place thanks to disciplined, energetic performances. Their rise has been one of the stories of the tournament. Marseille, however, will not make it easy. After three consecutive defeats, they are desperate for a statement result – and the Vélodrome atmosphere can transform any match. The experts barely lean toward Newcastle, but expect one of the evening’s most intense duels.

Slavia Prague – Athletic de Bilbao on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Athletic de Bilbao

Both clubs are stuck in the lower regions of the standings, and Tuesday offers a chance to climb out of trouble. Slavia have battled hard but lack consistency. Athletic, meanwhile, have shown slightly more potential and are seen as the side more likely to push toward the play-off places. The experts give the Basques the narrow advantage.

SSC Napoli – Qarabag FK on 25/11 at 21:00

Most likely to win: Napoli

Qarabag have been one of the surprises of this Champions League edition, currently sitting in an impressive 15th place. Their resilience and tactical discipline have made them difficult opponents for anyone. Napoli, by contrast, have not delivered on expectations and are under pressure to react. Despite Qarabag’s inspiring run, the experts expect the Italians’ quality to shine through – but it may not be as straightforward as the standings suggest.