Is something traditional if you’ve only done it for the last two years? If it isn’t already, rest assured that predicting every game of the Champions League league phase and re-predicting it mid-way is set to become a staple of CBS Sports content, just like turkey on Thanksgiving. I’m fully committed. There are simply too many chances for me to fool myself.
For instance, you may recall this column’s belief that the league phase would poorly start for Atletico Madrid, who seemed past their prime going into this tournament. Surprisingly, they are performing adequately, secured six points despite a rocky start. However, my take on Pafos challenging the six-time European champions Bayern Munich? That prediction has not aged well.
Consider this a correction, a desperate attempt to wipe off embarrassment and get back on track with predictions. However, I suspect this could still turn out embarrassing come January.
Matchweek 5
- Ajax 1, Benfica 1
- Galatasaray 2, Union S-G 0
- Bodo/Glimt 1, Juventus 0
- Napoli 2, Qarabag 0
- Marseille 2, Newcastle 2
- Borussia Dortmund 2, Villarreal 0
- Chelsea 2, Barcelona 4
- Manchester City 3, Bayer Leverkusen 0
- Slavia Prague 0, Athletic Club 1
- Pafos 0, Monaco 3
- Copenhagen 2, Kairat 0
- Olympiacos 0, Real Madrid 1
- Sporting 2, Club Brugge 1
- Eintracht Frankfurt 3, Atalanta 3
- Liverpool 2, PSV 0
- Atletico Madrid 1, Inter 1
- Arsenal 1, Bayern Munich 1
- Paris Saint-Germain 2, Tottenham 0
A week of major Champions League games kicked off dramatically, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha contributing to a solid Barcelona win, reinforcing their contender status. Opposing teams happy to end on a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium were Arsenal, who rotated their squad focusing on the Premier League, and Bayern, satisfied maintaining their lead.
There are no more teams without points left, but the 1-1 draw between Ajax and Benfica means they are in trouble with only one draw to show. A miraculous win streak over the final three matches is their only chance for advancement. Realistically, they, Villarreal, and Kairat look finished with just one point from five games.
Matchday 6
- Kairat 0, Olympiacos 1
- Bayern Munich 3, Sporting 0
- Atalanta 1, Chelsea 2
- Inter 2, Liverpool 1
- Barcelona 5, Eintracht Frankfurt 2
- PSV 1, Atletico Madrid 1
- Union S-G 2, Marseille 1
- Tottenham 1, Slavia Prague 0
- Monaco 3, Galatasaray 1
- Villarreal 1, Copenhagen 0
- Qarabag 0, Ajax 0
- Real Madrid 2, Manchester City 2
- Borussia Dortmund 3, Bodo/Glimt 1
- Athletic 1, Paris Saint-Germain 3
- Bayer Leverkusen 1, Newcastle United 1
- Club Brugge 0, Arsenal 2
- Benfica 1, Napoli 0
- Juventus 2, Pafos 0
Juventus may find success against Pafos, but this campaign is quickly becoming disappointing for Serie A. The Bianconeri are finally climbing to the top 24, but the struggle for Italian representation is evident.
In contrast, Inter is taking advantage of Liverpool’s slow recovery. They, along with Arsenal and Bayern Munich, are sitting four points clear of the ninth position, likely secure in their playoff places while managing player minutes through January.
As we approach the final days of the league phase, the focus remains on who will secure top spots and navigate through to the knockout stages.
