The UEFA Champions League is back, with Round 6 slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving each team with just three matches to secure a spot in the Round of 16. With 270 minutes left in the league phase, clubs will either advance to the next stage or see their season come to an early end.
This week’s matches promise exciting developments, especially for Liverpool, which may witness the potential exit of Mohamed Salah. On Wednesday, elite teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City will clash, as both aim to reclaim their dominance in European football.
The CBS Sports crew anticipates how the week’s events will unfold.
Make sure to catch all the Champions League excitement on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network throughout the season.
Wednesday’s Champions League Fixtures
Today’s Highlight: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Key Player: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) – Amid speculation surrounding Xabi Alonso’s future, one constant this season has been Mbappé’s scoring prowess, netting 25 goals in 21 matches. His remarkable talent was showcased nearly nine years ago against Manchester City, and he notably scored a hat-trick that eliminated them from last season’s competition.
Star Player: Jeremy Doku (Manchester City) – Josep Guardiola returns to the Bernabéu to compete against a team he’s faced frequently in his career. The Citizens are in solid form and are making a push in the Premier League, while Real Madrid struggles with only one win in their last five La Liga matches. Doku’s speed and skill could pose significant challenges for Alonso’s squad.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1, Manchester City 2 – Although Xabi Alonso is new to his role, the pressure is mounting. Manchester City’s current momentum makes them favorites, especially with Erling Haaland’s consistent performance as a threat.
Best Bet: Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland to have at least two shots on target (+164) – Despite both teams facing some difficulties recently, expect their star strikers to rise to the occasion.
Leverkusen vs. Newcastle
Player to Watch: Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle) – With the absence of Alexander Isak, Guimarães has stepped up, scoring five goals so far this season, underscored by a spectacular corner in a recent win over Burnley. His performance against Leverkusen is likely to be crucial.
Star Player: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) – Leverkusen has had a mixed bag lately but recently secured a surprising win against Manchester City. Facing Newcastle at home, Schick, having scored twice in three Champions League matches, has a strong opportunity to help his team earn valuable points.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 0, Newcastle United 1 – Both teams have had their highs and lows this season, but Newcastle holds the quality to claim three points, aided by players like Nick Waltemade and Anthony Gordon.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 goals (+110) – While Leverkusen has advantages, the match may turn into a tactical battle. Newcastle has shown solid defensive capabilities, making goal-scoring a challenge.
Fan Take
The Champions League is where the best of the best collide, and this week’s matches could have significant implications for teams’ futures. For fans, these games not only determine which clubs progress but also set the tone for the rest of the season in European football, potentially reshaping team rosters and strategies in the coming months.
