
Nine sides remain perfect as we head into Champions League matchday three, but last week’s dramatic round of fixtures showed that even Europe’s biggest names are vulnerable.
Bayern Munich’s failure to win at Norwegian side Viking was Tuesday’s biggest surprise, although it could have been considerably worse for the German champions. Trailing 2-0 in the first half, they fought back to lead, only for Michael Olise’s red card to hand the hosts a lifeline. Viking seized their opportunity, equalising in the final minute of normal time to secure a memorable 3-3 draw.
There was an equally thrilling contest at the San Siro, where Club Brugge stunned Inter Milan with a 4-3 victory, providing another reminder that reputations count for little in this competition.
Wednesday brought more of the same. Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid were 3-1 down with eight minutes remaining at his former club Roma, yet somehow emerged with a 4-3 win. Even by Mourinho’s standards, it was a remarkable return to familiar surroundings.
The goals continued in Manchester, where Paris Saint-Germain ran riot before half-time against City. Enzo Maresca’s side mounted a response, but could only reduce the deficit to 4-2.
The highest-scoring encounter came in Austria, though, as Bradley Barcola opened his Liverpool account in spectacular fashion. His hat-trick helped the Reds overcome LASK 6-3 in a match that offered plenty going forward and rather less reassurance defensively.
Another entertaining midweek programme awaits. PSG’s meeting with Barcelona looks the leading candidate for fireworks, while Bayern Munich against Arsenal headlines Wednesday’s action, with a fascinating clash of styles offering a different kind of intrigue. After last week’s chaos, there is plenty to whet the appetite across both nights.
Champions League tipster Ben Smith picks out his five best bets for the midweek action, combining them into a 24/1 accumulator with BetMGM.
Liverpool’s attacking quality gives them the edge here, but Villarreal are unlikely to allow the space and freedom that LASK offered last time out. The Reds may need to spend longer working openings against opponents with a more disciplined defensive approach.
Villarreal’s win over Napoli points to improvement after their difficult start, although their away results offer less encouragement.
Injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong complicate matters for Liverpool, but there are still plenty of options in attack and I’m backing the hosts to maintain their perfect European record, with a hard-fought victory more appealing than another high-scoring Liverpool win.
2023 European champions Manchester City look well placed for a convincing success over AEK Athens, and Iliman Ndiaye appeals to either score or assist. His involvement in the final third makes him an attractive option against opponents likely to spend long periods defending.
Ndiaye has created 1.49 shots per 90 minutes since joining City, while taking 2.76 himself. Those figures highlight his potential to contribute, particularly in a fixture where the hosts can expect plenty of possession and chances.
With Erling Haaland expected to be rested and Antoine Semenyo struggling with a knee issue, the door is open for Ndiaye to take on greater attacking responsibility.
Europe’s two best teams meet in Paris, and each team to score twice appeals given the attacking quality on show. Barcelona have won all 11 matches this season, but their aggressive approach leaves opportunities for opponents, with 17 consecutive Champions League games passing without a clean sheet.
PSG have the quality to exploit those spaces, particularly with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue expected to return after being rested at the weekend. Lamine Yamal’s creativity and Raphinha’s return give Barcelona plenty of threat themselves.
Both sides are exceptional going forward, and I expect their attacks to have the better of the respective defences here.
Manchester United’s poor start continued with a 1-1 draw at Leeds on Sunday. They had the better of the first half but faded late on, with a draw ultimately a fair reflection.
Michael Carrick showed a willingness to adapt, dropping Matheus Cunha for an extra midfielder. That brought greater solidity and made United harder to play through, something they have rarely managed this season.
A similar approach could serve them well in arguably the biggest game in Como’s history. At the prices, I’m happy to back United in the double chance market, combined with under 4.5 goals.
Bayern’s attacking ambition meets Arsenal’s defensive discipline in Wednesday’s standout fixture. The hosts’ aggressive positioning offers the likes of Bukayo Saka opportunities on the break, while William Saliba’s absence makes handling Harry Kane considerably harder.
I favour Bayern to avoid defeat, but Arsenal carry enough threat to breach the Bundesliga side’s back line.
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