Champions League Matchday 1 Picks & Preview (Sep 16)

The world’s best club teams will be back in action, beginning on September 16, 2025, as the Champions League for 2025-26 gets underway. A fascinating opening night of League Phase matches is set, and you can find our Champions League picks here.

Champions League Matchday 1 Schedule

Champions League Matchday 1 Picks

Athletic Bilbao vs. Arsenal

Arsenal have started the season in excellent form after winning three of their opening four matches. The Gunners have excelled against Spanish teams across recent seasons, winning each of their last five.

However, Bilbao have suffered defeats in just two of their last ten home European matches against English teams. But, the preference is for the away win when making Champions League picks on Tuesday.  

PSV vs. St. Gilloise

PSV have endured a miserable record against Belgian sides, having failed to win in each of the last four. St. Gilloise will be making club history on Tuesday, as they play in the Champions League for the first time in their history. A chance could be given on a shock result this week, and we could foresee the visitors claiming a famous victory.

Benfica vs. Qarabag

Benfica have traditionally been fast starters in the Champions League, winning on MD1 in two of the last three seasons. In contrast, Qarabag have failed to win in their last six matches in the competition, losing on four occasions. They typically struggle against the very best European sides, and they will likely come up short again on Tuesday.

Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund

Juventus have recorded victories in six of their last nine matches against Borussia Dortmund. The visitors have also lost five of their last six away matches against an Italian side. Commandingly, the Old Lady have never lost in eleven occasions when they have opened their Champions League campaign with a home fixture.

Real Madrid vs. Marseille

Real Madrid have recorded victories in all four previous European matches against Marseille. Worryingly, no French side has ever won away from home against Los Blancos in 15 attempts, while eleven Ligue 1 sides have been beaten at the Bernabeu. Based on their form at the start of the season, a home victory appears to be the most logical betting angle.

Tottenham vs. Villarreal

Thomas Frank has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Tottenham, but this will be an interesting challenge on Tuesday. Spurs have won just one of their last 13 matches against Spanish teams. Meanwhile, Villarreal have gone 14 matches without a Champions League win against an English side. An entertaining draw could be played out in North London.