Champions League Showdown: Bold Predictions for Matchday 9 Drama

The inaugural week of Champions League action concludes on Thursday, featuring several top-tier clubs launching their respective journeys.

Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabağ, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur all secured wins on day one while Juventus and Borussia Dortmund battled to an entertaining eight-goal stalemate. Now Liverpool, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea take center stage to begin their campaigns, with all four certainly anticipating advancement to the knockout rounds come next year.

Wednesday delivered genuine blockbuster matchups as Liverpool's clutch performances extended into European competition with a triumph over Atlético Madrid. Additionally, Bayern Munich and Harry Kane gave Chelsea a harsh welcome back to the tournament with a commanding 3–1 result at the Allianz Arena.

The excitement wraps up on Thursday, bringing the three-day celebration to its conclusion with Barcelona, Manchester City, Napoli and Newcastle United all taking the field.

Here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts these matches unfolding.

UEFA Champions League Predictions: Matchday 9/18

Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Kick-off time: 5.45 p.m. BST / 12.45 p.m. ET / 9.45 a.m. PT

Xabi Alonso departed Bayer Leverkusen following last season and now resides at Real Madrid. Erik ten Hag temporarily stepped into the Spaniard's role, though his stint proved brief.

Currently, Kasper Hjulmand assumes control for their Champions League debut, returning to Denmark after securing a win in his Leverkusen inaugural match. The 2023–24 Bundesliga title holders meet Copenhagen in their league phase kickoff.

Both teams settle for a scoreless stalemate to earn a single point.

Prediction: Copenhagen 0–0 Leverkusen

Club Brugge vs. Monaco

Kick-off time: 5.45 p.m. BST / 12.45 p.m. ET / 9.45 a.m. PT

Club Brugge earned their league phase spot by overwhelming Scottish Premiership powerhouse Rangers 9-1 across two legs—a scoreline that showcased the Belgian outfit's sustained development at elite level.

Their opening day opponents arrive as Monaco, who notably acquired Paul Pogba as a free agent this summer. The principality side have started Ligue 1 positively, claiming victory in three of four matches thus far, yet confront a challenging task to secure three points in Bruges.

Scoring is anticipated and splitting the points could launch both squads successfully.

Prediction: Club Brugge 1–1 Monaco

Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Galatasaray

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Previous Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt make their Champions League comeback for the first time since 2022–23, with their finances boosted considerably following Hugo Ekitiké's transfer to Liverpool.

They encounter a Galatasaray squad that spent significantly during summer, acquiring one of football's most coveted forwards, Victor Osimhen, alongside winger Leroy Sané, goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakir from rivals Trabzonspor, and former Manchester City skipper Ilkay Gündoğan.

However, these reinforcements might prove insufficient for a positive outcome in Germany—Frankfurt typically excel at home in European competition and will enjoy passionate local backing.

Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt 2–1 Galatasaray

Sporting CP vs. Kairat Almaty

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

A genuine David versus Goliath encounter awaits in Lisbon, as Portuguese giants Sporting CP host Champions League debutants Kairat Almaty in the capital.

Realistically, only one outcome seems likely as Sporting's facilities, roster and financial resources exist on a completely different level compared to Kairat's capabilities—yet dismissing the underdogs entirely would be unwise after they demonstrated their quality against Celtic during qualification.

Sporting should prevail, though expect a determined, resilient display from the visitors.

Prediction: Sporting CP 3–0 Kairat Almaty

Newcastle United vs. Barcelona

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Newcastle United re-enter the Champions League featuring fresh attacking talent spearheading their forward line. Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga should all experience their Champions League premieres for the club—whether starting or substituting— and their offensive capabilities may prove crucial against one of the tournament's top contenders.

Barcelona arrive, though, minus Lamine Yamal for the St James' Park visit—an omission that even Hansi Flick's talent-rich squad will deeply notice. Marcus Rashford should feature prominently following his loan arrival, and with in-form Raphinha comfortable playing on English soil, the defending La Liga winners may possess excessive quality for the Magpies.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2–4 Barcelona

Manchester City vs. Napoli

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Much attention surrounding Thursday's fixtures will center on the two Premier League representatives, with Manchester City instantly greeting Kevin De Bruyne's return to the Etihad Stadium after his departure concluded last season following ten years of excellence.

De Bruyne's current club, Napoli, also feature Rasmus Højlund making his England return with something to demonstrate—his Serie A opener last weekend produced a goal, helping erase memories of a disappointing Manchester United period.

City's transfer activity impressed but they haven't experienced the smoothest 2025–26 beginning, despite comfortably winning the Manchester derby. Napoli may possess sufficient quality to claim a draw.

Prediction: Manchester City 2–2 Napoli

Matchday 9/18 Predictions