The Champions League returns Nov. 5 with Real Madrid taking on AC Milan, Liverpool hosting Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and more in action. SI Soccer gives our predictions for the slate of fixtures.
Champions League Predictions for Matchday 4
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slovan Bratislava
Bratislava is one of six teams yet to pick up a point in the Champions League. Despite playing at home, the team's chances of qualifying for the next round dwindle even more with Dinamo Zagreb getting a big win on the road.
PSV vs. Girona
Girona picked up its first win of the league phase last time out against Slovan Bratislava. PSV picked up its second point after a draw with Paris Saint-Germain. The points are shared here between two teams hoping to climb the table.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Sturm Graz
One thing is for certain: this game is going to be full of goals. Borussia Dortmund has scored at least two goals in its first three games including a 7–1 smashing of Celtic. The German side capitulated last time out carrying a two goal lead into halftime against Real Madrid. Expect another goal fest here with Dortmund getting back on track.
Celtic vs. RB Leipzig
Leipzig has yet to earn a point in the Champions League while Celtic came away from Atalanta with a point in a goalless draw. The Bundesliga outfit needs three points if it wants to start climbing the table.
Real Madrid vs. AC Milan
The defending European champion will be eager to get back to winning ways after a terrible defeat to Barcelona on Oct. 26. Vinícius Júnior is also due for a statement match after losing the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Despite the team's defensive liabilities, it is hard to see Real Madrid losing a Champions League match at home.
Lille vs. Juventus
Lille and Juventus won and lost respectively last time out in the Champions League as both teams come in level on points. The French side has the advantage of playing at home which will end up proving to be the difference in a tightly contested affair.
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Liverpool welcomes back Xabi Alonso to Anfield in one of the most exciting fixtures of the week. Arne Slot's team is one of two to remain perfect through three games. With the Kop rocking, Liverpool makes it 12 points out of 12 in a statement victory.
Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City
Viktor Gyökeres vs. Erling Haaland is one of the most exciting striker duels in the Champions League. Rúben Amorim might be Manchester United bound, but Sporting is one of the nine remaining unbeaten teams. A sneaky bet for the best game to watch this Tuesday with City getting the job done in the end.
Bologna vs. Monaco
Monaco has been one of the surprise teams early in the league phase picking up seven points from a possible nine. The Ligue 1 team only dropped points in a draw against Dinamo Zagreb, but rebounded with a 5–1 rout of Crvena zvezda last time out. Monaco gets its first win on the road in the league phase.
Key Matchups for Matchday 4
Real Madrid vs. AC Milan
This match is a rematch of the 2007 Champions League Final, in which AC Milan won 2-1. Real Madrid will be looking for revenge, especially after their recent loss to Barcelona. Milan will be hoping to pull off an upset, but they will need to find a way to contain the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen
This will be Xabi Alonso's first return to Anfield as a manager. Alonso was a fan favourite during his time with Liverpool, and he will be hoping to get a result against his former club. Liverpool will be looking to maintain their perfect start to the Champions League, but they will need to be wary of Leverkusen's attacking threat.
Sporting Lisbon vs. Manchester City
This match is a clash of styles. Sporting Lisbon are a team that likes to play possession-based football, while Manchester City are known for their attacking flair. City will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, but Sporting Lisbon will be hoping to pull off a shock result.
(Top photos: Getty Images)
Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.
Anantaajith Raghuraman (or Ananth) is a tactics and data writer covering transfers. He covered Indian football for Sportskeeda and analysed teams from numerous European leagues outside of the top five for Total Football Analysis prior to joining The Athletic. He is currently based in London. Follow Anantaajith on Twitter @anantaajith If not listed, please contact your TV provider.
