Of the 36 teams that qualified for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League League Phase, 32 teams are still in contention for at least a place in the knockout playoffs. With final matchday action set for Wednesday, January 28th, every point is crucial as clubs battle to secure a top 8 finish or a playoff spot, including Real Madrid vs Benfica. Here are our predictions for the remaining key clashes, featuring top clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal.
Real Madrid at Benfica
Real Madrid (5-0-2) are already through to the knockout stage but would clinch a top 8 finish with a win. Benfica (2-0-5), however, are fighting to stay in playoff contention and will be motivated at home in a must-win game. Benfica have struggled with consistency, while Real Madrid have found renewed spirit under new management. Kylian Mbappe is the target man for Real, while Benfica will miss 4-5 first-choice players including Richard Rios. Real Madrid are still less than fit on the backline, but their attack should prove too good to not come away with 3 points here.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4 Benfica 2
Atalanta at USG
Atalanta are secure for the next phase, but a win would potentially push them into the top 8. USG have only managed two wins this campaign and would have only slim hopes of advancing to the next phase. Atalanta have been a better team in Europe this season and have a better team. Kevin Rodriguez and Promise David will be missed for USG, Atalanta are relatively fit and ready here. They are traveling, but USG will need to lock in defensively to avoid defeat.
Prediction: Atalanta 3 USG 1
Bodo/Glimt at Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have already secured continued participation in the UCL but they need to push onto a win to secure a top 8 finish. Norway’s Bodo/Glimt require an away win in Spain to stay in the competition after securing just one win this campaign. Atletico are a more talented side, playing at home, and are in match form unlike Bodo, who are still on winter break. Antoine Griezmann will miss this match, but he’s not a consistent starter anymore at this point in his career for the Spanish side. Bodo/Glimt are relatively fit but will need to open up the field to try to win and that sets up Atletico Madrid well.
Prediction: Atletico Madrid 3 Bodo/Glimt 1
Bayern Munich at PSV
Bayern Munich finally suffered a domestic defeat to Augsburg on the weekend, but facing the Dutch Champions away they remain favorites with a 6-0-1 record this tournament. With Bayern in the top 8 they have less to play for technically, but their style of play makes it hard to let off even if they wanted to. PSV are winless their last two matches, and are missing Ricardo Pepi. Bayern are missing a couple of defenders but it’s doubtful PSV can lock down Harry Kane and friends on the other end. PSV (2-2-3) have slim hopes of finishing the final matchday in a playoff place.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3 PSV 1
Sporting CP at Athletic Bilbao
Expect a close, tactical game when an underperforming Bilbao side host a Sporting CP side with top 8 ambitions. Bilbao are 2-2-3 while Sporting are 4-1-2, having over performed despite transfer losses. Luis Suarez is on fire in the striker role for Sporting and they have won three straight. Bilbao are inconsistent and Inaki Williams will be out along with at least 4 other first-choice players. Nuno Santos and at least 3 other preferred starters are out for Sporting. Both sides will be motivated, but it’s hard to doubt Sporting right now getting at least a point.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Galatasaray at Manchester City
A win for Galatasaray secures at least a top 24 finish, if defeated they could end up out of the tournament entirely. Manchester City are in a relative crisis right now but a win could see them finish top 8. Galatasaray have lacked consistency this season and their roster is a bit aged. Pep Guardiola needs his side to get a rest, and that comes with a win and a top 8 finish. Galatasaray continues to make meaningful signings and has taken aim at winning another Turkish league title, playing at home, they will slow down Man Cityppipi as Ilkay Gundogan takes on his former club.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
Main Photo Credit: IMAGO / Middle East Images
