2024-2025 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First-Leg Preview & Score Predictions
1. Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 02:45 (KST)
- Venue: Breydel Stadium (Club Brugge home match)
- Fixture: Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
Team Comparison
Club Brugge (Club Brugge)
- 1 win in the last 4 matches (1W, 2D, 1L)
- Has experience winning 3-1 away to Atalanta in the Champions League
- Relatively stable home performance
- Expected Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Players:
- Simon Mignolet (GK): 6.79
- Hans Vanaken (MF): 6.80
- Christos Tzolis (MF): 6.81
- Ferran Jutglà (FW): 6.57 (2 goals)
Aston Villa (Aston Villa)
- Recent 3 consecutive away losses, 1-4 defeat to Crystal Palace
- Only 2 wins in 12 away matches
- Multiple defensive issues
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Emiliano Martínez (GK): 7.30
- Youri Tielemans (MF): 7.03
- Morgan Rogers (FW): 7.27 (3 goals)
- Ollie Watkins (FW): 6.65 (4 assists)
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Club Brugge Tactical Analysis (4-4-2)
- Strengthening defensive organization: strong pressing at the halfway line to disrupt the opponent’s attack buildup
- Utilizing crosses from the flanks: Tzolis and Talbi crossing from wide areas, with Jutglà and Nielsen finishing
- Vanaken orchestrating midfield: controls the match tempo with passing and supports the attack
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Mignolet
- DF: Kuipers, Mechele, Ordoñez, Sabé
- MF: Tzolis, Yashari, Vanaken, Talbi
- FW: Jutglà, Nielsen
Aston Villa Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- Attacking approach: Tielemans and McGinn quickly transition to offense from midfield
- Utilizing wide areas: Asensio and Rogers breaking through and crossing from the flanks
- Stabilizing the defensive line: Konsa and Disasi’s coordination is crucial; preference for short passes during buildup
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Martínez
- DF: Digne, Bogarde, Disasi, Konsa
- MF: Tielemans, McGinn
- AMF: Asensio, Rogers, Rashford
- FW: Watkins
Injury Status
Club Brugge Absentees
- Raphael Onyedika (Out, Rating 6.4)
- Joaquin Seis (Out, Rating 6.56)
Aston Villa Absentees
- Ross Barkley (Out, Rating 6.46)
- Donyell Malen (Out, Rating N/A)
- Andres Garcia (Out, Rating N/A)
- Pau Torres (Doubtful, Rating 6.74)
- Matty Cash (Doubtful, Rating 6.81)
- Amadou Onana (Doubtful, Rating 7.14)
- Tyrone Mings (Doubtful, Rating 5.94)
Key Match Points
- Club Brugge’s home advantage: strong record at home in the Champions League, including a 3-1 victory over Atalanta
- Aston Villa’s away struggles: three consecutive away defeats, defensive instability
- Impact of key players: the performance of Martínez, Tielemans, Vanaken will greatly influence the outcome
- Injury variables: Aston Villa’s key defensive players are uncertain to play, leading to defensive vulnerabilities
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Club Brugge 2-1 Aston Villa
- Home Win Probability: 35%
- Draw Probability: 30%
- Away Win Probability: 35%
Conclusion
Aston Villa has been struggling away and has shown instability in defense, whereas Club Brugge remains strong at home. Villa’s injuries could further affect their defensive line. It is expected that Club Brugge might win by a narrow margin.
2. Dortmund vs Lille Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Signal Iduna Park (Borussia Dortmund home match)
- Fixture: Dortmund vs Lille
Team Comparison
Borussia Dortmund (Dortmund)
- Currently on a 2-game winning streak, scoring 8 goals and showing improved attacking power
- Only 2 wins in the last 9 home matches, but only 1 loss in the last 5 matches
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Gregor Kobel (GK): 6.78
- Ramy Bensebaini (DF): 7.09
- Nico Schlotterbeck (DF): 6.99
- Emre Can (MF): 6.92
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (FW): 7.26
- Karim Adeyemi (FW): 7.62
- Serhou Guirassy (FW): 7.55
Lille (Lille)
- 3 losses in the last 5 matches, including a 1-4 defeat to PSG
- 3 losses in 4 away matches, lacks competitiveness in European competitions
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Lucas Chevalier (GK): 6.88
- Andre Ribeiro (DF): 6.93
- Thomas Meunier (DF): 6.86
- Jonathan David (FW): 7.00
- Ayu Bouaddi (MF): 6.29
- Benjamin André (MF): 6.64
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Dortmund Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- Aggressive attacking approach: Adeyemi and Bynoe-Gittens penetrating from the flanks to deliver crosses to Guirassy
- Midfield pressing: Sabitzer and Groß applying high pressure and passing to orchestrate the game
- Solidifying flank defense: Ryerson and Bensebaini strengthening defensive stability on both wings
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Kobel
- DF: Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Can, Ryerson
- MF: Groß, Sabitzer
- AMF: Bynoe-Gittens, Brandt, Adeyemi
- FW: Guirassy
Lille Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- Counterattack strategy: swift transitions making use of Jonathan David
- Central defensive issues: defensive line of Mandi and Bakker lacking cohesion
- Meunier’s defensive leadership: leveraging experience against his former club Dortmund
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Chevalier
- DF: Gudmundsson, Ribeiro, Mandi, Meunier
- MF: Bouaddi, André
- AMF: Gomes, Haraldsson, David
- FW: David
Injury Status
Dortmund Absentees
- Felix Nmecha (Out, Rating 7.13)
- Julian Ryerson (Doubtful, Rating 7.08)
- Carney Chukwuemeka (Doubtful, Rating 6.10)
Lille Absentees
- Edon Zhegrova (Out, Rating 7.05)
- Thiago Santos (Out, Rating 7.34)
- Samuel Umtiti (Out, Rating N/A)
- Osame Sahraoui (Out, Rating 6.84)
- Rémy Cabella (Doubtful, Rating 6.74)
- Gabriel Gudmundsson (Doubtful, Rating 6.42)
Key Match Points
- Dortmund’s momentum: 8 goals scored in the last two matches
- Lille’s poor away form: 3 defeats in the last 4 away matches
- Adeyemi & Guirassy vs David: the duel of each team’s key attackers could greatly influence the result
- Defensive vulnerabilities: Lille’s back line might allow numerous scoring chances for Dortmund at home
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Dortmund 3-1 Lille
- Home Win Probability: 66.67%
- Draw Probability: 33.33%
- Away Win Probability: 0%
Conclusion
Dortmund’s recent surge in attack along with home advantage makes them favorites against Lille, whose away form and defensive stability are in question. A high-scoring game seems likely, with Dortmund predicted to win.
3. Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid home match)
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Team Comparison
Real Madrid (Real Madrid)
- Recently lost 1-2 to Betis, lost the top spot in the league
- Unbeaten in the last 6 home matches (5W, 1D)
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Thibaut Courtois (GK): 7.15
- Ferland Mendy (DF): 6.23
- Antonio Rüdiger (DF): 6.74
- Luka Modrić (MF): 6.64
- Aurélien Tchouaméni (MF): 6.71
- Vinícius Júnior (FW): 7.98
- Kylian Mbappé (FW): 7.49
Atletico Madrid (Atletico Madrid)
- Unbeaten in the last 8 matches (leading the league ahead of Real Madrid)
- 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss in the last 5 away matches
- Expected Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Players:
- Jan Oblak (GK): 6.63
- Xenomallo Galán (DF): 6.80
- Clément Lenglet (DF): 6.51
- Pol (MF): 6.95
- Julián Álvarez (FW): 7.42
- Antoine Griezmann (FW): 7.62
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Real Madrid Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- Central control: Modrić and Tchouaméni orchestrating the midfield
- Utilizing flanks in attack: Vinícius and Rodrygo stretching the defensive line with their speed
- Mbappé’s presence: maximizing finishing and aerial duels up front
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Courtois
- DF: Mendy, Alaba, Rüdiger, Vázquez
- MF: Modrić, Tchouaméni
- AMF: Vinícius, Díaz, Rodrygo
- FW: Mbappé
Atletico Madrid Tactical Analysis (4-4-2)
- High pressure and quick counterattacks: Pol and Barrios pressing in midfield, then transitioning quickly
- Griezmann’s creativity: central to orchestrating attacking moves
- Álvarez’s finishing: reliability inside the box
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Oblak
- DF: Galán, Lenglet, Normand, Molina
- MF: Gallagher, Barrios, Pol, Simeone
- FW: Álvarez, Griezmann
Injury Status
Real Madrid Absentees
- Dani Carvajal (Out, Rating 7.03)
- Éder Militão (Out, Rating 6.53)
- Dani Ceballos (Out, Rating 6.52)
- Jesús Vallejo (Out, Rating N/A)
- Jude Bellingham (Out, Rating 7.37)
- Federico Valverde (Doubtful, Rating 6.97)
Atletico Madrid Absentees
- Koke (Out, Rating 6.38)
- César Azpilicueta (Doubtful, Rating 7.06)
Key Match Points
- Atletico’s unbeaten streak in the Madrid derby: no defeats in the last 8 head-to-heads
- Home advantage for Real Madrid: unbeaten in the last 6 home matches (5W, 1D), while Atletico has 2W, 2D, 1L in their last 5 away matches
- Vinícius vs Griezmann: both attackers could decide the outcome with their performances
- Midfield battle: Modrić-Tchouaméni vs Pol-Barrios likely shaping the flow of the match
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
- Home Win Probability: 50%
- Draw Probability: 38.89%
- Away Win Probability: 11.11%
Conclusion & Score
Although Real Madrid tends to be strong at home, Atletico has maintained a solid record in recent derbies. Another closely contested match is expected, and a draw seems likely.
4. PSV vs Arsenal Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Philips Stadion (PSV home match)
- Fixture: PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal
Team Comparison
PSV Eindhoven (PSV Eindhoven)
- Recently struggling in the league, lost their top spot
- Eliminated from the KNVB Cup by Go Ahead Eagles
- However, on a 4-game winning streak at home in the Champions League
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- Walter Benítez (GK): 6.71
- Olivier Boscagli (DF): 6.84
- Flamingo (DF): 7.44
- Saibari (MF): 7.08
- Luuk de Jong (FW): 7.32
- Ivan Perišić (FW): 7.81
Arsenal (Arsenal)
- Fallen behind in the race for the league title, focusing on the Champions League
- Recent 4 matches: 1W, 2D, 1L, form has dipped
- Major attacking resources out injured (Saka, Martinelli, Jesus)
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- David Raya (GK): 6.98
- Gabriel Magalhães (DF): 7.10
- William Saliba (DF): 6.92
- Martin Ødegaard (MF): 7.16
- Mikel Merino (MF): 6.60
- Leandro Trossard (FW): 6.54
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
PSV Tactical Analysis (4-3-3)
- Strong home form: 4 consecutive home wins in the Champions League, continues with an attacking approach
- Aggressive use of flanks for crosses: focusing on De Jong for finishing
- Defensive solidity: Boscagli and Flamingo stabilizing the center of defense
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Benítez
- DF: Júnior, Boscagli, Flamingo, Ledezma
- MF: Schouten, Bierman, Saibari
- FW: Lang, De Jong, Perišić
Arsenal Tactical Analysis (4-3-3)
- Attacking injuries: adjusted attacking strategy due to main attackers’ absence
- Central orchestration: Ødegaard and Merino as key figures
- Fullbacks contributing to offense: Calafiori and Timber offering width
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Raya
- DF: Calafiori, Magalhães, Saliba, Timber
- MF: Rice, Partey, Ødegaard
- FW: Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri
Injury Status
PSV Absentees
- Esmir Bajraktarević (Out, Rating N/A)
- Malik Tillman (Out, Rating 8.03)
- Ricardo Pepi (Out, Rating 6.72)
- Sergiño Dest (Out, Rating N/A)
- Lucas Pérez (Out, Rating N/A)
- Mauro Júnior (Doubtful, Rating 6.83)
Arsenal Absentees
- Gabriel Jesus (Out, Rating 6.62)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Out, Rating N/A)
- Kai Havertz (Out, Rating 7.21)
- Gabriel Martinelli (Out, Rating 7.18)
- Bukayo Saka (Out, Rating 7.80)
Key Match Points
- PSV’s strong home record in the Champions League: 4 consecutive home wins
- Arsenal’s attacking void: the absence of Saka, Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus might weaken scoring ability
- Luuk de Jong vs Gabriel Magalhães: PSV might exploit aerial battles
- Midfield battle: Rice-Partey-Ødegaard vs Schouten-Bierman-Saibari potentially decisive
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: PSV 1-1 Arsenal
- Home Win Probability: 12.5%
- Draw Probability: 37.5%
- Away Win Probability: 50%
Conclusion & Score
PSV maintains strong home form but has shown recent dip in overall performance. Arsenal’s key attackers are sidelined, potentially diminishing their goal threat. A close, balanced match is expected, with a “1-1 draw” as the prediction.
5. Feyenoord vs Inter Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 02:45 (KST)
- Venue: Stadion Feyenoord (Feyenoord home match)
- Fixture: Feyenoord vs Inter
Team Comparison
Feyenoord (Feyenoord)
- Unbeaten in the last 6 matches (3W, 3D)
- Beat AC Milan to advance through the Champions League playoffs
- Wins at home against Bayern Munich and AC Milan
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- Tim Wellenreuther (GK): 6.47
- Hugo Bueno (DF): 6.79
- Dávid Hancko (DF): 6.66
- Lucas Paixão (FW): 7.37
- Carranza (FW): 6.42
- Osman (FW): 6.17
Inter (Inter)
- No wins in the last 4 away matches (2D, 2L)
- Drew 1-1 with Napoli, maintaining top spot in Serie A
- Injuries in the wingback positions
- Expected Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Players:
- Lautaro Martínez (FW): 7.05
- Benjamin Pavard (DF): 6.98
- Denzel Dumfries (MF): 7.05
- Alessandro Bastoni (DF): 6.70
- Marcus Thuram (FW): 6.66
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Feyenoord Tactical Analysis (4-3-3)
- High pressing game: disrupts opposing defense with forward pressing
- Flank attacks: Paixão and Carranza using individual skills on the wings
- Midfield injuries: multiple injured midfielders could weaken the midfield battle
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Wellenreuther
- DF: Bueno, Hancko, Bielen, Mitchel
- MF: Smal, Ivanusec, Musa
- FW: Paixão, Carranza, Osman
Inter Tactical Analysis (3-5-2)
- Defensive solidity: Bastoni, de Vrij, Wisek forming the three-man backline
- Maximizing wingback contributions: Dumfries on the left, Pavard on the right in attacking support
- Martínez-Thuram duo: energetic forwards with strong link-up play
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Martínez
- DF: Bastoni, de Vrij, Wisek
- MF: Dumfries, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Zielinski, Pavard
- FW: Thuram, Martínez
Injury Status
Feyenoord Absentees
- Givairo Read (Out, Rating 6.72, Red Card Suspension)
- Justin Bijlow (Out, Rating 7.66)
- Hwang In-beom (Out, Rating 6.55)
- Anthony Milambo (Out, Rating 6.84)
- Jakub Moder (Out, Rating 7.23)
- Bart Nieuwkoop (Out, Rating 6.61)
- Calvin Stengs (Out, Rating 6.45)
- Quilindschy Hartman (Out, Rating N/A)
- Quinten Timber (Out, Rating 6.77)
- Gernot Trauner (Out, Rating 6.51)
- Ayase Ueda (Out, Rating 6.29)
- Ramiz Zerrouki (Out, Rating 5.92)
- Facundo González (Out, Rating 6.07)
Inter Absentees
- Carlos Augusto (Out, Rating 6.59)
- Yann Sommer (Out, Rating 7.24)
- Matteo Darmian (Out, Rating 6.53)
- Nicola Zalewski (Out, Rating N/A)
- Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Doubtful, Rating 7.38)
- Federico Dimarco (Doubtful, Rating 6.84)
Key Match Points
- Feyenoord’s home strength: victories over Bayern Munich and AC Milan in the Champions League
- Inter’s away weakness: no wins in the last 4 away matches, including the draw with Napoli
- Feyenoord’s injury problems: many key midfielders out
- Wingback strategy: Inter’s wingbacks face injury issues, leaving Dumfries and Pavard as crucial elements
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Feyenoord 0-1 Inter
- Home Win Probability: 0%
- Draw Probability: 33.33%
- Away Win Probability: 66.67%
Conclusion & Score
Feyenoord is generally strong at home but faces a depleted midfield due to injuries, which could hinder their gameplay. While Inter’s away form has been poor, as the league leader they have the composure and quality to manage this match. Prediction: “Inter to win 0-1.”
6. PSG vs Liverpool Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Parc des Princes (PSG home match)
- Fixture: PSG vs Liverpool
Team Comparison
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
- Currently on a 10-match winning streak; undefeated in 22 matches across league and cup (19W, 3D)
- Overwhelmed Lille 4-1 last weekend, maintaining strong form
- Only 1 Champions League home defeat (1-2 to Atletico Madrid in November)
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK): 6.87
- Nuno Mendes (DF): 7.43
- Marquinhos (DF): 7.11
- Achraf Hakimi (DF): 7.49
- João Neves (MF): 7.32
- Vitinha (MF): 7.21
- Ousmane Dembélé (FW): 7.52
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (FW): 8.06
Liverpool (Liverpool)
- Recently beat Manchester City and Newcastle consecutively, maintaining top spot in the league (13 points clear of 2nd place)
- Unstable away record in 2025: 3W, 3D, 3L in 9 away matches
- Had a break due to the FA Cup, potentially better-rested
- Expected Formation: 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 (depending on Gakpo’s availability)
- Key Players:
- Alisson Becker (GK): 6.80
- Virgil van Dijk (DF): 7.00
- Ibrahima Konaté (DF): 7.13
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (DF): 6.59
- Alexis Mac Allister (MF): 7.42
- Mohamed Salah (FW): 7.44
- Luis Díaz (FW): 7.21
- Dominik Szoboszlai (MF): 6.71
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
PSG Tactical Analysis (4-3-3)
- Attacking play: Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé attacking down the flanks, creating chances
- Midfield dominance: Neves and Vitinha controlling possession
- Hakimi’s overlapping runs: a key element of PSG’s offensive strategy
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Donnarumma
- DF: Mendes, Pácho, Marquinhos, Hakimi
- MF: Neves, Vitinha, Luis
- FW: Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Liverpool Tactical Analysis (4-2-2-2 / 4-2-3-1)
- Defensive solidity: van Dijk and Konaté forming a solid partnership
- Exploiting pace in attack with Salah and Díaz: likely to target PSG’s high defensive line
- Midfield pressing: Mac Allister and Gravenberch working to control the center
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Alisson
- DF: Robertson, van Dijk, Konaté, Alexander-Arnold
- MF: Mac Allister, Gravenberch
- AMF: Díaz, Salah
- FW: Jones, Szoboszlai
Injury Status
PSG Absentees
- None (full squad available)
Liverpool Absentees
- Joe Gomez (Out, Rating 6.46)
- Conor Bradley (Out, Rating 6.65)
- Tyler Morton (Out, Rating 6.94)
- Amara Nallo (Out, Rating 4.95)
- Cody Gakpo (Doubtful, Rating 7.09)
Key Match Points
- PSG’s winning streak: on a 10-match winning run, displaying near-invincible form
- Liverpool’s away inconsistency: only 3 wins in 9 away matches in 2025
- PSG’s home dominance: only 1 defeat all season at home (1-2 vs Atletico Madrid)
- Salah vs Kvaratskhelia: both are crucial to their teams’ attacks
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: PSG 1-2 Liverpool
- Home Win Probability: 58.33%
- Draw Probability: 16.67%
- Away Win Probability: 25%
Conclusion & Score
PSG is in formidable form but might be vulnerable to Liverpool’s pressing and swift counterattacks centered on Salah. Despite PSG dominating possession, Liverpool could snatch an away victory with their experience and high-intensity style. Prediction: “Liverpool 1-2 win.”
7. Bayern Munich vs Leverkusen Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich home match)
- Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Leverkusen
Team Comparison
Bayern Munich (Bayern Munich)
- Leading the Bundesliga, recently won 3-1 vs Stuttgart
- 6 wins, 2 draws in the last 8 matches
- Strong at home: apart from 3 matches in the 2024/25 season, they have won all home games
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Manuel Neuer (GK): 6.06
- Alphonso Davies (DF): 6.86
- Kim Min-jae (DF): 6.91
- Dayot Upamecano (DF): 6.88
- Leon Goretzka (MF): 6.73
- Jamal Musiala (MF): 7.30
- Michael Olise (FW): 7.31
- Harry Kane (FW): 7.40
Bayer Leverkusen (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Unbeaten in the last 8 matches, unbeaten in the last 6 head-to-heads against Bayern (3W, 3D)
- Lost the last 2 Champions League away matches
- Defeated Munich 1-0 in the German Cup in December 2024
- Expected Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Players:
- Lukáš Hrádecký (GK): 7.17
- Piero Hincapié (DF): 6.84
- Jonathan Tah (DF): 6.67
- Nordi Mukiele (DF): 7.24
- Alejandro Grimaldo (MF): 7.68
- Granit Xhaka (MF): 6.64
- Jeremie Frimpong (MF): 6.74
- Florian Wirtz (FW): 7.83
- Patrik Schick (FW): 6.65
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Bayern Munich Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- High-press, possession-based style: quick passing from midfield to exploit spaces
- Kane’s finishing ability: supported by Musiala and Olise
- Utilizing both fullbacks: Davies and Laimer adding width
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Neuer
- DF: Davies, Kim Min-jae, Upamecano, Laimer
- MF: Palhinha, Goretzka
- AMF: Coman, Musiala, Olise
- FW: Kane
Leverkusen Tactical Analysis (3-4-2-1)
- Counterattacks and quick build-up: Xhaka and García orchestrating play, Wirtz leading the attack
- Offensive support from wingbacks: Frimpong and Grimaldo
- Schick’s finishing in the final third
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Hrádecký
- DF: Hincapié, Tah, Mukiele
- MF: Grimaldo, Xhaka, García, Frimpong
- AMF: Tella, Wirtz
- FW: Schick
Injury Status
Bayern Munich Absentees
- Daniel Peretz (Out, Rating 7.01)
- Tarek Buchmann (Out, Rating N/A)
- Sasa Boey (Out, Rating 6.76)
- Alphonso Davies (Doubtful, Rating 6.86)
- João Palhinha (Doubtful, Rating 6.44)
- Jamal Musiala (Doubtful, Rating 7.29)
- Eric Dier (Doubtful, Rating 6.42)
- Aleksandar Pavlović (Doubtful, Rating 6.80)
- Joshua Kimmich (Doubtful, Rating 7.19)
Leverkusen Absentees
- Martin Terrier (Out, Rating 6.37)
- Jérémy Vélan (Out, Rating 6.04)
- Edmond Tapsoba (Doubtful, Rating 6.82)
Key Match Points
- Leverkusen’s unbeaten record against Bayern: no losses in their last 6 meetings (3W, 3D)
- Bayern’s home strength: won all but 3 home matches this season
- Kane vs Schick: both strikers’ finishing ability might decide the match
- Midfield battle: Goretzka-Palhinha vs Xhaka-García will be crucial
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Bayern Munich 2-1 Leverkusen
- Home Win Probability: 80%
- Draw Probability: 20%
- Away Win Probability: 0%
Conclusion & Score
Leverkusen has shown good form against Bayern recently but has struggled in Champions League away matches. Bayern’s dominant home form is likely to continue. Prediction: “Bayern Munich 2-1 victory.”
8. Benfica vs Barcelona Match Review: Match Analysis & Prediction
Match Overview
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Match Time: 05:00 (KST)
- Venue: Estádio da Luz (Benfica home match)
- Fixture: Benfica vs Barcelona
Team Comparison
Benfica (Benfica)
- Unbeaten in the last 8 matches (7W, 1D)
- Had a 5-4 thriller against Barcelona in a previous Champions League encounter
- Stable home performance
- Expected Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Players:
- Anatoliy Trubin (GK): 6.55
- Nicolás Otamendi (DF): 7.13
- Juan Bernat (DF): 6.87
- Orkun Kökçü (MF): 7.03
- Bruma (FW): N/A
- Vangelis Pavlidis (FW): 7.25
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu (FW): 6.91
Barcelona (Barcelona)
- Unbeaten in the last 15 matches (12W, 3D)
- Reclaimed the top spot in La Liga (4-0 win over Real Sociedad)
- Champions League away matches can be tricky
- Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Players:
- Wojciech Szczęsny (GK): 5.88
- João Cancelo (DF): 6.99
- Jules Koundé (DF): 6.78
- Pedri (MF): 7.20
- Raphinha (FW): 8.31
- Lamine Yamal (FW): 7.80
- Robert Lewandowski (FW): 7.59
Tactical Analysis & Expected Lineups
Benfica Tactical Analysis (4-3-3)
- Central control and quick passing: Kökçü and Bareira dictating tempo
- Utilizing flanks: Bruma and Aktürkoğlu to exploit Barcelona’s wide defense
- Need for defensive stability: conceded 4 goals last time against Barcelona; must reinforce defensive organization
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Trubin
- DF: Carreras, Otamendi, Silva, Araujo
- MF: Kökçü, Bareira, Aursnes
- FW: Bruma, Pavlidis, Aktürkoğlu
Barcelona Tactical Analysis (4-2-3-1)
- Attacking buildup and high possession: Pedri and Casadó orchestrating midfield
- Leveraging Raphinha’s skill and Yamal’s penetration: focusing on exploiting Benfica’s flanks
- Maximizing Lewandowski’s finishing ability: creating opportunities in central areas
- Expected Starting Lineup:
- GK: Szczęsny
- DF: Balde, Kúbarshi, Araujo, Koundé
- MF: Pedri, Casadó
- AMF: Raphinha, Gavi, Yamal
- FW: Lewandowski
Injury Status
Benfica Absentees
- Tiago Gouveia (Out, Rating N/A)
- Alexander Bah (Out, Rating 7.13)
- Manu Silva (Out, Rating N/A)
- Ángel Di María (Doubtful, Rating 6.73)
- Renato Sanches (Doubtful, Rating 6.10)
- Florentino (Doubtful, Rating 7.03)
Barcelona Absentees
- Andreas Christensen (Out, Rating N/A)
- Marc-André ter Stegen (Out, Rating 7.90)
- Marc Bernal (Out, Rating N/A)
- Gavi (Doubtful, Rating 6.26)
Key Match Points
- Benfica’s home record: consistently strong in league and Champions League
- Barcelona’s offensive power: unbeaten in 2025, scoring over 2 goals on average
- Lewandowski vs Pavlidis: the finishing of both strikers may be decisive
- Benfica’s defensive organization: conceded 4 goals in their previous encounter, must tighten up
Match Prediction
- Expected Score: Benfica 2-3 Barcelona
- Home Win Probability: 0%
- Draw Probability: 37.5%
- Away Win Probability: 62.5%
Conclusion & Score
Though Benfica is strong at home, it may be difficult to contain Barcelona’s high-powered attack. Barcelona remains unbeaten in 2025, driven by Lewandowski and Raphinha. Predicted final score: “Barcelona 3-2 win.”
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