Matchday 1 of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League has arrived, and with it comes plenty of promising wagering opportunities.
My UEFA Champions League best bets and free betting picks discuss some moneyline plays as well as some game props and player props spanning Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18.
UEFA Champions League weekly picks and best bets for Matchday 1
Real Madrid vs Marseille
Real Madrid -1.5 (-118 at Sports Interaction)
Real Madrid have won their first four 2025-26 La Liga games with a cumulative +6 goal difference. Their method is catching the eye just as much as the results.
Under manager Xabi Alonso, they are playing clean, clinical, and effective football, in and out of possession.
On paper, Marseille are Ligue 1’s second-strongest side (behind PSG), but have lost two of their first four fixtures. It will take time for a new-look starting lineup to bed in: l’OM signed six new players during a frantic final week of the summer transfer window.
I expect the hosts to win by more than one goal.
- Date: Tuesday, September 16
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund
Both Teams to Score — Yes (-147 at Sports Interaction)
Juventus have scored in all three of their Serie A fixtures this season. An indication of their defensive frailties versus elite opposition, not to mention the risks they appear willing to take to win games under manager Igor Tudor in his first full season in charge, came in their 4-3 home win over possible title rivals Inter on Saturday night.
Dortmund have scored eight times in their opening three Bundesliga matches. They may be wary of the attacking threat Juventus pose, but will be confident they can cause the home side's defense problems, as Inter did at the weekend.
I expect both teams to score, as was the case when the sides met in a high-profile friendly last month (Juventus won 2-1 in Dortmund).
- Date: Tuesday, September 16
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Stadium, Torino, Italy
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Tottenham vs. Villarreal
Tottenham moneyline (-115 at Sports Interaction)
How good are Tottenham? Good enough to beat Villarreal, in my view.
Taking shape intriguingly under new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs sit third in the Premier League table (W3-D0-L1). Ex-Brentford boss Frank’s three-man midfield is pragmatic, but there is final-third improvisation via the presence of Xavi Simons, Brendan Johnson, and Mohammed Kudus.
In their only two outings vs. Top-10 La Liga opposition this season, Villarreal have lost once (2-0 at Atletico Madrid) and drawn once (1-1 at Celta Vigo). Run through the likely starting line-ups, and Tottenham — Europa League holders — look stronger in most positions.
- Date: Tuesday, September 17
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Liverpool moneyline (-175 at Sports Interaction)
Liverpool are a strong selection to make a winning start as they sit as +600 joint favorites alongside Barcelona and PSG to lift the trophy next May.
The Reds finished first out of 36 clubs (W7-D0-L1) in the 2024-25 league phase. They were dominant at home: four games, four wins, 10 goals scored, three clean sheets, and only one goal conceded. At Anfield, in the Premier League this season, they have two wins from two.
Atletico Madrid have won just one of their first four 2025-26 La Liga games (W1-L2-L1). Those results fairly reflect their performances. It is hard to see how the visitors can prevent a home win.
I would not ordinarily make a recommendation at such short odds. But, as it’s Matchday 1, and we are still assessing the contenders, so caution prevails.
- Date: Wednesday, September 17
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Club Bruges vs Monaco
Monaco Draw No Bet (-128 at Sports Interaction)
Monaco rested four first-choice players for 2-1 win at Auxerre at the weekend. That means they should be fresh here.
The Principality outfit have made a good start in Ligue 1, as they are W3-D0-L1 from four fixtures. Club Bruges are W3-D1-L2 from their opening six games, and without a win in their last two.
In other words, Monaco are earning better results, and in a stronger league (Ligue 1 lies fifth in UEFA’s rankings, while Belgium’s top division is eighth).
Given how the two teams are performing, and the potential extra spring in the step of those Monaco players that will return to the starting lineup, the visitors ought to avoid defeat.
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Jan Breydelstadion, Brugge, Belgium
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Champions League player prop quick hits for Matchday 1
PSG vs. Atalanta
Joao Neves 1+ shots on target (-120 at Sports Interaction) & Nuno Mendes 1+ shots on target (+135 at Sports Interaction)
With primary goalscorer Ousmane Dembele and right winger Desire Doue ruled out, and left winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia a fitness doubt, PSG’s goal threat may come from deeper positions.
Midfielder Joao Neves, who has scored three times this season, and left-back Nuno Mendes, who frequently gets into the final third, are available at juicy odds to hit the net.
- Date: Wednesday, September 17
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Parc des Princes, Paris, France
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Manchester City vs. Napoli
Kevin De Bruyne 1+ shots on target (-115 at Sports Interaction)
Kevin De Bruyne should enjoy a standing ovation when he turns out against former club Manchester City in Napoli colours. The Belgium midfielder has hit a shot on target in two of three Serie A appearances so far.
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Where to watch: Paramount+
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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