Wednesday action at the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League has Real Madrid playing Juventus before the El Clasico on the weekend, while Chelsea host a struggling Ajax side. Which teams will emerge as winners on matchday 3? We also have predictions for Wednesday matches featuring Tottenham and Liverpool.
Juventus at Real Madrid
Two of the most iconic and royal clubs in European football, Real Madrid are hosting Juventus and aiming to maintain their perfect start in the Champions League. A goal for Kylian Mbappe with a man advantage against Getafe ensured that Real Madrid leads La Liga heading into the weekend’s El Clasico against Barcelona, who plays their Champions League clash on Tuesday against Olympiacos.
Juventus has shown they can score goals, but a shaky backline leaves with them two points in two games in the UCL, and 5th place in Serie A as they are lacking in the wins department. Como beat Juventus on the weekend as footballers returned from the international window. Real Madrid will be missing up to five first-choice defenders including Antonio Rudiger, and possibly David Alaba. With Vinicius and Mbappe going up against this shaky Juventus defence, expect the Spanish giants to feast all the same. Prediction: Real Madrid 3 Juventus 1
Club Brugge at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have won every game this season. Hosting Club Brugge, they are heavy favorites, as the Harry Kane and Luis Diaz show is a freight train, and now Belgium’s second place side are in the way. Brugge are a solid team, they compete hard, but the form of Bayern and imposing home stadium have them favorites. Bayern scored a competitive win over their domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund over the weekend. Prediction: Bayern Munich 4 Club Brugge 0
Bodo/Glimt at Galatasaray
Galatasaray got their Champions League campaign back on track when they upset Liverpool at home on matchday 2 of the Champions League. Their last two domestic games haven’t been as compelling, a draw with rivals Besiktas and a 2-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. Victor Osimhen carries the weight of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff hopes, while being the main man for his club. The Galatasaray side is more experienced with big signings Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane once again to feature. For Bodo/Glimt, a small club that is living the European dream, they will be missing up to three first-choice players. Bodo/Glimt has managed two draws from the UCL campaign, at home, Galatasaray will play like they can’t afford defeat. Prediction: Galatasaray 2 Bodo/Glimt 1
Ajax at Chelsea
Ajax are in dire form and a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea are unlikely to be where they turn things around. Chelsea has won three straight games and beat Benfica last time out in the UCL. Ajax has one win in their last six and was annihilated by Marseille in their last UCL outing. This Ajax squad lacks the talent that the badge is usually known for and the manager, Johnny Heitinga, is on the chopping block. Even without Cole Palmer, Chelsea should be fine here, Moises Caicedo may return, while Kasper Dolberg is out for Ajax. The risk is real that Ajax finishes rock bottom in the Champions League table. Prediction: Chelsea 5 Ajax 0
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
