Champions League Round 1/8
10/11 March 2026

Champions League Round Preview

The most significant news heading into these fixtures involves Real Madrid’s injury crisis, with Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo all likely to miss the clash against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Arsenal enters the week as the form team in Europe, having maintained a perfect record in the league phase.

Champions League Key Match Analysis

Real Madrid vs. Man City: Real Madrid is reeling from a “shock” home defeat to Getafe and a massive injury list. Without Mbappé (knee sprain) and Bellingham (hamstring), Alvaro Arbeloa’s side faces a monumental task against a City side that just cruised past Newcastle in the FA Cup, even with Erling Haaland being rested.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal: Arsenal is the heavy favourite after finishing the league phase with 8 wins from 8 matches. Leverkusen has struggled for consistency lately, recently drawing 3–3 with Freiburg, and will find it difficult to contain an Arsenal side eyeing a quadruple.

Newcastle vs. Barcelona: Newcastle’s debut in the CL knockouts is hampered by a squad virus and injuries to key pillars like Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, led by an in-form Lamine Yamal, is well-positioned to take a commanding lead at St. James’ Park.

Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting CP: The “underdog” tie. After Glimt famously eliminated Inter Milan in the playoffs, their artificial turf and high-intensity “team” style make them a nightmare for travelling teams, though Sporting’s technical quality keeps the confidence level moderate.

Where to bet on Champions League games?

The best Champions League betting site is bet365:

For new customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.

bet365 is the UEFA Champions League Official Global Partner

As an Official Global Partner, bet365 will be bringing you the best betting experience throughout the UEFA Champions League season.

UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – What to expect…

Ticket giveaways
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Content
Keep up to date with the latest UEFA Champions League news, tips and insights on bet365’s dedicated Sports and Betting News site.

For new customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.

Champions League Format Explained

1. Group Stage Format (Swiss Model)

• Number of Teams: 36
• Single League Stage: All 36 teams will compete in a single league phase.
• Matchdays: Each team will play 8 matches (4 home and 4 away), drawn against 8 different opponents based on seedings and random draws.

2. Ranking and Qualification from League Phase

• Top 8 Teams: After the eight matches, the top 8 teams from the league phase will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
• Teams Ranked 9th to 24th: Teams finishing 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged play-off round. The winners of the play-offs will advance to the Round of 16.
• Elimination: Teams finishing 25th or lower are eliminated from the competition.

3. Knockout Rounds

• The knockout rounds consist of two-legged ties (home and away), including the Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals.
• The Final remains a single match held at a neutral venue.

Champions League predictions & correct score tips

See predictions for all Champions League games this week in the table above.

Tip = a generated prediction based on football statistical data, injury news and betting/analyst consensus:

Home – Home Team to Win

Away – Away Team to Win

Draw – Draw in the game

Forecast Confidence Explained:

Confidence 7–10: Strong statistical and form indicators; widely backed by analysts/odds.

Confidence 4–6: Reasonably supported by form and news, but plausible upsets exist.

Confidence 1–3: More unpredictable or evenly matched games; the lowest conviction.

CS = Correct Score prediction (the most probable).

Learn more:
Statistical Football Predictions

Champions League Odds: Best Betting Sites

If you want to place bets on Champions League matches, we highly recommend the following best betting sites:

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Which are the best online bookmakers? See here!

See all Football Predictions