The UEFA Champions League is back in action this week as Matchday 3 unfolds with exciting clashes featuring some of the biggest clubs in European soccer. Fans can catch all the live matches on Paramount+.
On Tuesday, Arsenal will aim to maintain their strong start to the season when they face Atletico Madrid, while Wednesday features a notable matchup between Juventus and Real Madrid.
Teams like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter Milan have started the season flawlessly, making them appear nearly unbeatable. In contrast, Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, and Barcelona have struggled, suffering early defeats in the league stage, where every match counts as they have six remaining to secure their position.
The CBS Sports soccer editorial team has shared their expert predictions for the upcoming matches.
Highlights for Tuesday include:
– **Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid at 3 p.m. ET**: Players to watch include Martin Zubimendi from Arsenal, who has been impressive since joining from Real Sociedad. His knack for quickly transitioning the ball can significantly impact Arsenal’s attacking play. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka is expected to be pivotal, especially given his agility in one-on-one scenarios against Atletico’s defense.
Predicted score: Arsenal 2, Atletico Madrid 1, as Arsenal’s robust defense may trump Atletico’s attacking strategies.
– **Barcelona vs. Olympiacos at 12:45 p.m. ET**: Watch for Marcus Rashford, Barcelona’s loan signing, who must step up amid absences in the squad. The midfield talent Pedri can be instrumental in creating opportunities against Olympiacos as Barcelona aims for a dominant performance.
Expected outcome: Barcelona 4, Olympiacos 0, given their strong standing as favorites and depth in attacking options under Hansi Flick’s guidance.
Wednesday’s matches will feature:
– **Real Madrid vs. Juventus at 3 p.m. ET**: Jonathan David, crucial for Juventus, needs to showcase his scoring potential against a daunting Real Madrid side in search of another win. Kylian Mbappe is expected to be a standout for Madrid, having scored 15 goals in 11 matches this season, including a hat trick in their opener.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3, Juventus 1, as they leverage their attacking prowess against Juventus’ defensive challenges.
– **Chelsea vs. Ajax at 3 p.m. ET**: Pedro Neto could play a key role for Chelsea, especially amid injuries to other forwards, while Estevao is set to make his Champions League debut. Chelsea, despite recent inconsistencies, will look to capitalize on Ajax’s vulnerabilities.
Anticipated score: Chelsea 3, Ajax 0, given Ajax’s struggles in their return to the Champions League stage.
As the matches unfold, the outcomes will shape the course of the tournament and the narrative surrounding these legendary clubs. With the stakes higher than ever, fans are in for a thrilling week of soccer.