After a thrilling Tuesday of blockbuster clashes, Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League fixtures promise under-the-radar excitement and crucial points battles across Europe.
Pafos vs Villarreal (Kick-off: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET)
Cypriot debutants Pafos are yet to win but remain alive thanks to two goalless draws. However, with Villarreal rediscovering domestic form — 12 goals in their last three games — the Spanish side should comfortably claim three points.
Prediction: Pafos 0–2 Villarreal
Qarabağ vs Chelsea (Kick-off: 5:45 p.m. BST / 12:45 p.m. ET)
Qarabağ stunned Europe with wins over Benfica and Copenhagen, but their dream run met reality against Athletic Club. Facing a resurgent Chelsea fresh off a 4–1 London derby win, even a rotated Blues squad should dominate.
Prediction: Qarabağ 1–3 Chelsea
Ajax vs Galatasaray (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
Bottom-placed Ajax have conceded 11 goals in three games and look out of their depth. In contrast, Galatasaray have already beaten Liverpool and Bodø/Glimt, and despite an away stumble in Frankfurt, should edge this one.
Prediction: Ajax 1–2 Galatasaray
Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
New coach José Mourinho faces a stern test as Benfica seek their first points of the campaign. With Leverkusen also inconsistent and leaking goals, expect a tight, evenly fought draw in Lisbon.
Prediction: Benfica 2–2 Bayer Leverkusen
Club Brugge vs Barcelona (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
Barcelona bounced back from their Clásico defeat with a win over Elche and should brush past Club Brugge, whose European hopes are fading after back-to-back losses. Barça’s shaky defense might concede, but their attack will deliver.
Prediction: Club Brugge 1–3 Barcelona
Inter vs Kairat Almaty (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
Unbeaten Inter have yet to face real tests, but debutants Kairat Almaty won’t change that. Expect another straightforward win for the Italians at San Siro.
Prediction: Inter 3–0 Kairat Almaty
Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
All eyes are on Erling Haaland as he faces his former club. With City back to winning ways and Haaland in lethal form, Dortmund’s unbeaten run could end here.
Prediction: Man City 3–1 Borussia Dortmund
Marseille vs Atalanta (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
Marseille’s stuttering European form meets Atalanta’s drawing habit — the Italians have shared points in eight of their last 13 games. A balanced contest likely ends level.
Prediction: Marseille 1–1 Atalanta
Newcastle vs Athletic Club (Kick-off: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET)
Despite a domestic setback against West Ham, Newcastle have impressed in Europe and remain formidable at St. James’ Park. With Athletic Club struggling in La Liga, the Magpies should cruise to victory.
Prediction: Newcastle 2–0 Athletic Club
🏆 Summary Table
| Kick-Off (BST) | Fixture | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 5:45 p.m. | Pafos vs Villarreal | 0–2 |
| 5:45 p.m. | Qarabağ vs Chelsea | 1–3 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Ajax vs Galatasaray | 1–2 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Benfica vs Leverkusen | 2–2 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Club Brugge vs Barcelona | 1–3 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Inter vs Kairat Almaty | 3–0 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Man City vs Dortmund | 3–1 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Marseille vs Atalanta | 1–1 |
| 8:00 p.m. | Newcastle vs Athletic Club | 2–0 |
Stay tuned for post-match analysis, player ratings, and key takeaways from Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League.
