The Champions League group stage kicks off tonight with several exciting fixtures: Athletic Bilbao host Arsenal, Juventus face Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid welcome Marseille, and Tottenham take on Villarreal. We break down each match with previews, stats, and our best bets.
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Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal
Arsenal begin their 2025/26 Champions League campaign away at Athletic Bilbao in what promises to be a tough test in the Basque Country. Bilbao, returning after many years to Europe’s premier club competition, will lean heavily on home atmosphere, defensive organisation, and moments of individual flair.
However, the Gunners have shown sharpness in domestic play and recent transfers (like Viktor Gyokeres) suggest they’re more equipped to break down compact defences, even missing key players such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Recent form favours Arsenal: Bilbao lost at home in La Liga recently, whereas Arsenal are coming off strong performances with goals in multiple matches. The hosts will need to be at their best to frustrate the visitors.
Prediction: Arsenal to win at 1.78.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 total goals at 1.71.
Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund
Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in Turin in a match full of intrigue. Juventus, under Igor Tudor, recently pulled off a thrilling 4-3 win over Inter, which has given the team a morale boost. Tudor has cautioned his team not to get carried away, emphasising the need for focus.
Dortmund come in with respect after being finalists in Europe recently; they’ve also had strong domestic outings. However, injuries mean Dortmund may need to rotate or adapt their midfield setup.
Historically, Juventus have had more success in head-to-heads vs Dortmund and will likely try to use experience and tactical discipline to contain Dortmund’s attacking threats.
Prediction: Juventus to win 1.87.
Best Bet: BTTS – Yes at 1.75.
Real Madrid vs Marseille
Real Madrid welcome Marseille to the Santiago Bernabeu with plenty of momentum. They have opened their La Liga campaign strongly, winning all four matches, and under Xabi Alonso, they seem organised and sharp. Key attacking players, Mbappe, Vinícius Jr, and Arda Guler, are in form, and their defensive solidity has been impressive.
Marseille, led by De Zerbi, have been more inconsistent, particularly away from home, where they’ve suffered recent losses. Their defensive vulnerabilities make this one of the more favourable home ties for Real.
Head-to-head: Real Madrid have dominated this pairing in past European encounters. That historical edge adds psychological advantage.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win at 1.36.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 total goals at 1.44.
Tottenham vs Villarreal
Tottenham enter their Champions League opener needing to assert themselves, especially playing at home. Villarreal are known for being solid defensively and opportunistic on the break.
If Spurs are sharp in attack and press high, they could dominate possession. But Villarreal’s experience in Europe means they won’t be easy to beat.
Prediction: Tottenham to win at 1.87.
Best Bet: Tottenham or draw at 1.26.
