Of the 36 teams that qualified for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, League Phase, 32 teams remain in contention for at least a place in the knockout playoffs, while more than 2 dozen teams have at least a narrow shot a top 8 finish to advance directly into the final phase of the tournament. It’s been an exciting, and balanced Champions League tournament.
All 18 final matchday clashes will take place at the same time, on the same day, Wednesday, January 28th. We have predictions divided across three articles including PSG vs Newcastle. we also have predictions for matches featuring Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Newcastle at PSG
A win for PSG would confirm a top 8 finish in all likelihood, and the club has already secured at least a knockout phase berth. Newcastle, winners on matchday 7, are tied on the table with PSG and also sit in the top 8. This is a high stakes clash where both teams boast an identical 4-1-2 UCL record.
Ultimately, home advantage favors PSG, Achraf Hakimi may return, 3-4 regular starters for PSG may be out, and the question remains about who their best choice at goalkeeper is, but Matvey Safonov is likely out injured. Newcastle are about 70% healthy as well, Eddie Howe’s side are talented, but PSG at home should be a level above where they are right now. Prediction: PSG 2 Newcastle 0
Marseille at Club Brugge
Marseille are two points clear of Brugge on the table, and at the start of the contest, Brugge would be a team out of the Champions League, while Marseille would be set to secure a knockout phase berth (but cannot finish top 8). Brugge have found a bit of form and are at home, while Marseille tries to bounce back from a Liverpool rout. Marseille did upset Lens on the weekend in domestic play as they try to keep the pace in Ligue 1.
Marseille are missing two defenders, Emerson and Benjamin Pavard, while Brugge misses Greek international Christos Tzolis. Marseille’s roster is stronger and will try to come good in this game, but Brugge are talented enough defensively to keep it competitive. Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Olympiacos at Ajax
Ajax with a 2-0-5 record are still not eliminated from the tournament, but anything less than a win would seal their exit from the tournament. Playing at home is an advantage that could see them through. Olympiacos on 2-2-3 are currently just inside the playoff positions, but a -5 goal differential means they also need a win and nothing less to secure safety. Ajax concede a lot of goals this season and frankly, lack talent at many positions compared to the weight of the club crest.
Olympiacos are also not the strongest team and we’ll see what version of these teams arrives to the tournament. Two attacking options for Ajax, including Steven Berghuis will miss this match, Olympiacos may struggle with the atmosphere, but they are good enough going forward to exploit the gaps that Ajax offers in defence. Prediction: Olympiacos 3 Ajax 2
Villarreal at Bayer Leverkusen
A match with (relatively) low stakes, Villarreal are eliminated after a shockingly poor European campaign where they went winless. Leverkusen could be eliminated, but with a 2-3-2 record and 9 points, anything short of a defeat would be acceptable. Leverkusen have conceded too many goals during the UCL, but Villarreal have suffered five consecutive defeats across tournaments. Leverkusen should find a way. Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2 Villarreal 1
Qarabag at Liverpool
Qarabag have secured three wins so far and on 10 points, effectively need to draw against Liverpool in England to secure the knockout phase. Liverpool, 5-0-2 in the UCL this season, effectively need a draw or better to finish top 8. Liverpool have not been elite in the Premier League this season, but Qarabag knocking them off in Europe would be stunning. 3-4 first choice players including Alexander Isak will be out for Liverpool, Qarabag’s surprise international talent like Camilo Duran will go up against some of the world’s best players like Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool should prove too strong. Prediction: Liverpool 4 Qarabag 1
Juventus at Monaco
Outside of the French Cup, Monaco are winless since December. At 2-3-2, they are one point clear of elimination after 7 games, while Juventus 3-3-1 are on the cusp of a final 8 position. Juventus thumped Napoli on the weekend in Serie A and have a strong record going back to December. Juve are a much stronger team offensively, and despite home field advantage, it would be quite a steep result to overcome for Monaco to come away with points here. Prediction: Juventus 2 Monaco 0
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Copyright: xJosexBretonx
