Champions League Regular Phase - Matchday 1 Delivers The First Spark
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Athletic Bilbao vs. Arsenal
- Date and Time: 16 September 2025, 17:45 (BST)
- Venue: Estadio San Mames (Bilbao)
It's a dream come true for Spanish club Athletic Bilbao to find itself at this stage of the competition. The last time they featured in the group stage/league phase of the UEFA Champions League was in the 2014-15 season.
Ernesto Valverde's men are out to impress in this competition and leave their mark. The first step to doing so is facing Arsenal. Can they outsmart the Englishmen, or will they fall short? Let's find out in our Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal prediction.
Arsenal have become a regular name in the UEFA Champions League but are still searching for glory. The Gunners are not ones to be intimidated easily when it comes to participating in UEFA club competitions.
For now, the focus is on the UEFA Champions League. Mikel Arteta's charges have been pretty much successful in the Champions League group stage/league phase, suffering just two defeats in their 22 matches.
Another aspect that's worth mentioning is that they've avoided defeat in eight of their opening matches in a UEFA club competition, recording six wins and two draws.
Real Madrid vs. Marseille
- Date and Time: 16 September 2025, 20:00 (BST)
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
On paper, Real Madrid are a dominant team compared to Marseille. Their record against French teams when playing at home has been outstanding. So far, Los Blancos have won 12 of their last 17 home matches. Can they keep up with this impressive home record against French teams? Check out what our Sportytrader betting experts have to say in our Real Madrid vs Marseille prediction.
This is the fifth time Xabi Alonso's men will cross paths with Marseille, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. They won all encounters, with the last meeting being in the 2009-10 season.
Marseille have struggled in their opening matches in the UEFA Champions League, suffering six defeats in their last seven outings. That record becomes worse when you take into consideration that they have lost 18 of their last 21 matches in this competition.
Away from home, they have also not been convincing, especially against Spanish opposition. They have just one win to their name in the last eight encounters while suffering seven defeats and recording two draws in the process.
Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Date and Time: 16 September 2025, 20:00 (BST)
- Venue: Allianz Stadium
Juventus finished in fourth place in Serie A last season, which was enough to see them secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season.
The Bianconeri have a good record against German opposition, winning seven of their last 12 matches (D3, L2). They have also been difficult to beat in opening matches of the Champions League, recording six wins and three draws in their last nine games.
Dortmund are set to renew acquaintances with Juventus in a competitive match for the first time in 10 years. This is a revenge match for the visitors who lost 5-1 on aggregate in Round 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Regarding their performance in this competition, especially against the Italian opposition on the road, they have managed just one win in their last seven matches (D1, L5).
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, considering they have lost just one of their last four opening matches in the UEFA Champions League (W3). Will they be able to avoid defeat here? Let's find out in our Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund prediction.
Benfica vs. Qarabag
- Date and Time: 16 September 2025, 20:00
- Venue: Estadio da Luz
Benfica is a team that needs no introduction in the UEFA Champions League. Last seen lifting their second consecutive trophy in 1962, they are out to go all the way and lift the prestigious trophy this season.
Their opponents, Qarabag, are making their 12th consecutive appearance in the group stage/league phase of the UEFA-organized club contest.
Regarding the UEFA Champions League, this is their second appearance in this competition proper. The last time they found themselves participating in the group stages was during the 2017-18 season.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal
- Date and Time: 16 September 2025, 20:00
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
After winning the UEFA Europa League final, Tottenham Hotspur secured their spot in this season's UEFA Champions League. The Lilywhites are making their sixth appearance in this competition, but the last time they graced this stage was in the 2022-23 season. Will they be able to make a positive impact in the opening match? Let's find out in our Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal prediction.
When it comes to their performance in UEFA-organized club contests, they have been a dominant force, avoiding defeat in 20 matches. This includes 16 wins and four draws.
That record alone should be enough to send a chill through the bones of Villareal, who have struggled for consistency against English opposition. So far, they have won just two of their last 20 matches against teams from that category in the UEFA-organized club contest (D9, L9).
