UEFA Champions League 2026/27: Matchday 2 Preview and Predictions
The second matchday of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season arrives this midweek with another set of exciting fixtures between top European clubs.
Some mouth-watering encounters await us, with English champions Arsenal hosting French opponents Lille, Turkish giants Galatasaray facing Spanish champions Barça, Atlético Madrid welcoming Manchester United to the Metropolitano, and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain travelling to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.
Here, we present our previews and predictions for all games of Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season.
Lens vs Sporting
Lens come into this game with a close win in their last Champions League encounter against Slavia Praha. They also won their league game this weekend against Lyon. As for Sporting, they too opened their UCL campaign with a win against Galatasaray, while at the weekend too they won comfortably against Braga.
While Lens have two defeats in their last five fixtures, Sporting are unbeaten with three wins and two draws.
Looking at player availability, Lens will be without Abdallah Sima, Maik Nawrowcki, and Jhoanner Chávez, with Jean-Clair Todibo doubtful for this game. Sporting, meanwhile, will miss Moncef Zekri and Nuno Santos for this fixture.
Les Sang et Or are playing at home, so they hold a slight advantage in this match-up, but Sporting are a superior team on paper in terms of quality. That said, the Leões have a poor away record in the Champions League, so Lens too have a chance here to get something. We believe this game will be an end-to-end, entertaining encounter that ends in a draw.
Score Prediction: Lens 2–2 Sporting
Sabah vs Slavia Praha
Sabah were welcomed to Europe’s elite competition with a 4–0 thrashing by English giants Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, that’s the only game Sabah have lost in their last five, although they were held to a draw in their last league encounter.
Slavia Praha, on the other hand, have only been defeated once in their last five games: a loss that came against Lens in their opening game of the Champions League season. They have recovered since then to win four consecutive games, the most recent one being a narrow win against Zlín.
Injury-wise, Sabah only have one concern, with Khayal Aliyev out with a hamstring injury, while Slavia have a fair few players out: Pavel Kacor and Igoh Ogbu are unavailable for this game, with Adonija Ouanda doubtful and Mikulás Konecny suspended.
Sabah have been superb at home so far, having not been beaten there. That said, Slavia were unlucky to lose to Lens and are capable of scoring loads; they could exploit Sabah’s inexperience in the competition and may come away with all three points from Azerbaijan.
Score Prediction: Sabah 1–2 Slavia
Arsenal vs Lille
Arsenal come into this game with a lot of confidence, having come back from a 1–0 deficit to defeat an unbeaten Leeds United side at home. The Gunners also won their opening encounter of the Champions League against Napoli in a closely fought game.
As for their French opponents, Lille won their latest league encounter against Le Havre but were defeated by Real Betis in their first Champions League fixture of the season. While Arsenal have only lost once this season, Lille have lost twice: once in the UCL and once in Ligue 1.
For this game, Arsenal will be without William Saliba and Christos Tzolis, while Lille will miss Ethan Mbappé and Hamza Igamane.
Looking at the two teams on paper, the hosts are easily the overwhelming favourites for the win as they have the home advantage and a superior squad compared to Lille. Our prediction for this game is a comfortable victory for the North London outfit.
Score Prediction: Arsenal 2–0 Lille
Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United
This is the blockbuster fixture that many will be watching with interest. Atlético Madrid opened their Champions League campaign with a defeat at Anfield but have recovered well to win four consecutive games, including a derby win over inter-city rivals Real Madrid.
In contrast, Manchester United have endured their worst start in the Premier League in a long time, although they made a winning start to their UCL campaign against Sabah. However, Atleti are a much more difficult challenge, that too away from home.
The Rojiblancos have a fully fit squad at their disposal for this game, while the Red Devils will be without Patrick Dorgu, Benjamin Sesko, Tom Heaton, Manuel Ugarte, and Matthijs de Ligt.
Diego Simeone’s side are a formidable defensive unit, superb on turnovers thanks to their pacy wingers. Julian Alvarez is a massive goal threat for them, with Pablo Barrios breaking up opposition attacks in midfield. United, too, have some superb attacking options in Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Bruno Fernandes, but they possess serious defensive vulnerabilities as well, which the hosts could exploit.
Looking at the form of the two teams, we believe Atleti have the edge in this fixture and could bag three crucial points.
Score Prediction: Atleti 2–1 Man United
Galatasaray vs Barcelona
Turkish giants Galatasaray will face their toughest test of the season as high-flying Barcelona visit them this midweek.
Although Galatasaray won their last league game at the weekend, they have endured a topsy-turvy start to the season, having lost two games in their last five fixtures across all competitions. In contrast, Barça are still unbeaten; in fact, they have won every game they’ve played so far this season, scoring goals in heaps, almost more than three every game. Their UCL opener was a 5–1 thrashing of Feyenoord at home.
Injury-wise, Galatasaray will have Wilfried Singo doubtful and Lesley Ugochukwu suspended for this game, while Barcelona will be without Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, and Roony Bardghji, with Frenkie de Jong back in training.
The Blaugrana have been in exceptional form, blowing away anyone and everyone in their path, and even though they might concede one goal here or there, their attack has been lethal and brilliant to watch. Galatasaray aren’t well-equipped to handle the quality of Lamine Yamal, Gabriel Jesus, and Karim Adeyemi, with Rodri and Pedri pulling the strings in midfield. We believe Barcelona will continue their winning streak and win this game comfortably.
Score Prediction: Galatasaray 0–4 Barça
Inter Milan vs Club Brugge
Inter Milan have started the new season similar to the way they ended the last one. They currently sit top of the table in Serie A, having won five games and drawn one. In the Champions League, though, they had a tough opener that they lost to Real Madrid.
As for their Belgian opponents, Club Brugge have seven wins and a defeat from their eight games in the Jupiler Pro League. In the Champions League, they too suffered a defeat to Aston Villa away from home in their opener, but they have managed to string a streak of three wins since then.
Inter will be without Curtis Jones and John Stones for this game, while Club Brugge will be without defender Joel Ordóñez.
A trip to San Siro is a very difficult proposition for any side, and although Club Brugge are a decent team, they are not a match for Inter, especially away from home. This is the first-ever encounter between the two sides, and we believe the hosts will take the three points from this one.
Score Prediction: Inter 3–1 Club Brugge
Leipzig vs PSV Eindhoven
RB Leipzig hasn’t had a great start to the new season, having lost three of their last five games in all competitions. They also suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in their Champions League opener. However, they came back to form in style last weekend with a 6-1 thumping of Eintracht Frankfurt.
As for PSV, they have done much better to their opponents, losing only one game from their last five. Their Champions League opening game ended in a 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Leipzig will be without Marc Guiu, Assan Ouédraogo and Christoph Baumgartner for this game while PSV have been struck a massive blow with too many injuries early in the season. Ricardo Peps, Adamo Nagolo, Kilian Sildillia, Alassane Pléa, Sami Ouaissa, Sam Lammers and Jerdy Schouten are all on the sidelines.
With the Dutch champions decimated by injuries, this is a great opportunity for Leipzig to grab the three points. They have the added advantage of playing at home and should seize this chance with both hands. We believe the hosts will win this game in a close encounter.
Score Prediction: Leipzig 2–1 PSV
Viking vs Bayern Munich
Norwegian debutants Viking will face European giants Bayern Munich in their first home fixture in the Champions League.
Viking has only suffered one defeat in their last five games that too came in the Champions League away to German opponents VfB Stuttgart. Bayern Munich has been unbeaten in all competitions so far with their most recent league fixture ending in a 2-2 draw against Augsburg.
From an injury viewpoint, Viking will be without Sondre Bjørshol, Nicholas D’ Agostino, Anders B?rtelsen, Veton Berisha and Martin Roseth while Bayern will only be without Jamal Musiala.
Although Viking is playing on home turf, the opposition is far superior to them, especially the front three of Luis Diaz, Harry Kane and Michael Olise. We believe the Bavarians are the overwhelming favourites for this one and may win by a big margin.
Score Prediction: Viking 1–5 Bayern
Villarreal vs Napoli
Villarreal hasn’t started the season well, already having lost three games out of their last five encounters. The Yellow Submarines also suffered a narrow defeat at the weekend against Real Madrid. They also lost their Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund.
As for Napoli, they have performed only slightly better, having lost two games out of their last five. They lost their opening UCL game against Arsenal. However, they won their game at the weekend against Frosinone in the Serie A.
Villarreal will be without Nicolas Pepé and Tajon Buchanan while Napoli has a fair few out. Mathias Olivera, Antonio Vergara, Alisson Santos and Alessandro Buongiorno are all out with Frank Anguissa doubtful for this game.
Both teams have been inconsistent so far this season and although Napoli could have done better, their injury issues could be a reason that they cannot perform up to the level they would like. We believe this would be a tight affair that may end in a draw.
Score Prediction: Villarreal 1–1 Napoli
LASK vs Liverpool
Austrian giants LASK face an uphill battle as they face English heavyweights Liverpool. However, both of these sides will enter this game on the back of rather disappointing defeats at home.
While LASK slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home against Rapid Wien, Liverpool were outclassed by Manchester City at Anfield by a 3-0 scoreline in which midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for two bookable offences.
In terms of their Champions League exploits, LASK lost out to Greek side AEK by a narrow 1-0 scoreline, while Liverpool eked out a battling 2-1 win against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
In terms of injuries and absences, LASK will be without defender George Bello, who suffered a muscle injury in the Vienna game and is ruled out for this clash. Forward Moses Usor is also doubtful following a shoulder injury in the same game. For Liverpool, there are multiple injuries to deal with. Hugo Ekitike remains a long-term absentee, while Giovanni Leoni is unavailable as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring), Alexander Isak(thigh), and Cody Gakpo(ankle) are all being assessed day-to-day and seem to be unlikely to be fit in time for this clash.
Despite the key absentees for Liverpool, they will be expected to deliver a result, especially after their feeble loss yesterday. For LASK though, this is a golden opportunity to take advantage of the weakened state their more illustrious opponents find themselves in. But all things said and done, expect Andoni Iraola’s men to take all the 3 points.
Score Prediction: LASK 0–2 Liverpool
Feyenoord vs Como
A battered and bruised Feyenoord will look to get back to a more stable footing as they take on UCL new boys Como in what promises to be a fascinating clash between two sides who place emphasis on attacking and entertaining football.
Feyenoord were thumped in their first game this Champions League with a 5-1 margin against Barcelona, which was a stark contrast to Como, who marked their maiden Champions League game with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig in a game that stood out for head coach Cesc Fabregas’ tactical flexibility.
In their respective leagues, Feyenoord beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0, while Como were held to a goalless draw against AS Roma.
Feyenoord without the likes of Jakub Moder, Bart Nieukwoop (both knee), and Gjis Smal (ankle) until the end of this month, while Thomas Beelen and Jordan Bos are long-term absentees. Como will likely miss the services of Moise Kean, who is a doubt for this game. While the likes of Assane Diao and Alberto Dossena continue to be long-term absences.
This is bound to be a clash of two sides high on attacking football, so expect goals in abundance, but we believe that Como will be the favourites entering this clash.
Score Prediction: Feyenoord 2–3 Como
Shakhtar Donetsk vs AEK Athens
Shakhtar Donetsk will lock horns against Greek side AEK who are running high on confidence and will be looking to claim another scalp of an opponent fancied against them.
While Shakhtar are the home side in theory, due to tensions in their home country, they will be playing their home games at Stamford Bridge this season of the Champions League.
Shakhtar began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven, while AEK were 1-0 victors against LASK to give them a victory in their game to send their fans into delirium and joy.
Shakhtar will kiss winger Eguinaldo who is out due to a shoulder injury while Marlon Santos is a doubt with a muscle issue. AEK are without Barnabas Varga who is suffering a thigh issue and Thomas Strakosha who is nursing an injured hand.
This has all the markings of a cagey encounter with both sides looking to bank on their backlines and find opportunities on the break, but expect Shakhtar to be the ones coming away with the win
Score Prediction: Shakhtar 2–1 AEK
Real Betis vs Porto
A high-flying and supremely confident Real Betis side will fancy themselves to get another positive result as they face Portuguese champions FC Porto in another clash that will see two well-rounded attacking sides line up against each other.
Real Betis flexed their muscle by winning 5-2 in the La Liga against Osasuna, with midfielder Isco helping himself to a brace. Porto, on the other hand, managed to earn a battling 2-1 win against Maritimo. Betis began their UCL campaign with a 3-2 win against Lille, while Porto began theirs with a 2-0 loss against Manchester City.
Real Betis have a host of injury issues to deal with. Antony (muscle), Marc Bartra (hamstring), Aitor Ruibal (meniscus), Junior Firpo (adductor), and Dani Ceballos all either out or are doubts for this game. Porto are without Samu, who is out with an ACL tear, while winger William Gomes is out for weeks with an ankle injury.
Betis have been prolific scorers in the La Liga and are on a great run of form themselves, making them the favourites in this contest against Porto.
Score Prediction: Betis 3–1 Porto
Roma vs Real Madrid
AS Roma will look to put a disappointing draw against Como on the back burner as they prepare to take on Real Madrid in what promises to be a cracking contest between two heavyweight sides.
Roma’s goalless draw against Como meant that they failed to stay at the top of the table in a clash that saw their leading scorer Donyell Malen sent off. Real Madrid, on the other hand, secured a 1-0 win against Villarreal with new signing Yan Diomande scoring his first goal, but also seeing a man sent off as Vinicius Jr was given a red for pulling the hair of the opponent minutes after seeing his goal disallowed by VAR.
Roma will be without goalkeeper Mile Svilar and defender Bryan Cristante, while Real Madrid do not have any injury issues to worry about.
It is set to be a tough game, with both sides having enough attacking arsenal within their ranks to make this a highly enthralling contest. However, we believe that Real Madrid will squeak through with a win in what will mark manager Jose Mourinho’s return to the Italian capital where he managed for a couple of years.
Score Prediction: Roma 1–3 Real Madrid
Slovan Bratislava vs VfB Stuttgart
Newcomers Slovan Bratislava will look to build some momentum in their campaign early doors as they face fellow new boys VFB Stuttgart.
Yaya Toure’s men were handed a harsh initiation to the Champions League with a 6-1 trouncing at the hands of the defending champions PSG. Stuttgart opened their campaign with a professional and convincing 3-1 win against Norwegian side Vikings to mark their Champions League journey with a victory.
Slovan have absolutely no injury issues and will enter this contest with a clean bill of health, while Stuttgart are without key defenders Maximilian Mittelstadt, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Nicholas Nartey, and Jeff Chabot due to injuries.
For this game, it is hard to look past Stuttgart getting the win, and for that reason we place the German side as favourites.
Score Predictions: Slovan 0–3 Stuttgart
Aston Villa vs Fenerbahçe
Aston Villa face Fenerbahce in an intriguing clash between two energetic and unpredictable sides, adding to the level of fascination between the teams.
The Villans were hard-fought winners against Club Brugge of Belgium, winning 3-2 in a highly entertaining and competitive clash. Fenerbahce, on the other hand, split points against AS Roma in a 1-1 draw after falling behind.
Amadou Onana remains a long-term absentee after tearing his ACL, while Ian Maatsen, Matteo Ruggeri, Leon Goretzka, and Brian Madjo are all sidelined until the end of the month. Fener have a bit of a defensive crisis with their key defenders like Mert Muldur, Caglar Soyuncu, and Jayden Oosterwolde all out with muscle injuries.
Fenerbahce have the attack to bang in the goals, but then lack of options in the backline gives Villa a fighting chance after they have found their way back after a topsy-turvy opening spell of the season. It is set to be a close game, so we believe that this game will be a draw.
Score Prediction: Aston Villa 2–2 Fenerbahce
Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain
In what promises to be the marquee clash of this gameweek, Manchester City pit their wits against reigning champions PSG in a clash of styles, ideology, and a little bit of a stain on the side of the much-maligned aftermath of state-owned sides.
Manchester City are unbeaten in all competitions, starting their campaign with a 2-0 win against Porto, while PSG hit Slovan Bratislava for 6 in their opening game.
As far as injuries go, both teams have relatively full squads to select from, with only Senne Mayulu from PSG the one confirmed absentee for this match.
This is a clash of two managers who enjoy keeping the ball, use the same philosophy in terms of pressing, and are champions of attacking football. It is very close to call a winner in this game, but we are going for a narrow PSG win.
Score Prediction: Man City 0–1 PSG
Bodø/Glimt vs Borussia Dortmund
Bodo come up at home against a Dortmund side where they will be looking to use the frigid temperatures to their advantage and claim another big scalp in their Champions league sojourn.
Bodo were convincingly beaten 5-0 by Bayern Munich while Dortmund emerged 3-2 winners against Villarreal.
Bodo have a few injury issues, with Hakon Evjen and August Mikkelsen out with knee and groin issues respectively. Dortmund have Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck out.
Expect Dortmund to emerge victorious despite Bodo’s supremacy at home
Score Prediction: Bodø 1–3 BVB
