The Champions League kicks off today, and there’s no better way of saluting than throwing a few winning picks in an article. This is one of the biggest competitions in the world, most famous as well.

Since the UCL changed its format, it has become much more interesting. To be honest, all the madness and the chaotic fixtures scheme have made the experience head to a whole other level.

But to cut to the chase and get down to some Champions League betting picks, along with a format guide. Over the following few paragraphs, we will deliver the best predictions, so stay tuned.

Also, for those who want UCL odds, just follow this link.

UCL 2025/26 Format

This is the second season of the Champions League under the new format, where we’ll see 36 teams compete without a traditional group stage. Instead, each team will play eight matches, four at home and four away.

A draw has determined matchups after the qualification rounds ended, and a computer algorithm was used to assign opponents.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams that finish between 9th and 24th place will enter a two-legged playoff to fight for a spot in the Round of 16. The team that finishes first in the league phase after the eight rounds will have home advantage throughout the knockout stage, up to the final. If that team is eliminated, the club that beats them inherits that home-field advantage for the remainder of the tournament.

There’s also a new rule in place this year: UEFA now allows clubs to add one additional player to their registered squad up until Matchday 6 in cases of serious injury or illness that would sideline a player for an extended period.

Another change is the final’s kickoff time, which will now start at 18:00 instead of the usual 21:00. The first final under this new time slot is scheduled to take place at Puskas Aréna in Budapest on May 30, 2026.

UCL Winner Favorites

Champions League betting odds suggest that this year, there won’t be one or two teams that sit above all the others in the title race. Outrights for winning are pretty stacked and dense, with at least five clubs having realistic chances to take the trophy.

Liverpool, Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Real Madrid are almost level. The Reds and Barca have somewhat better odds, but the difference between them and the others is negligible.

The world champions, Chelsea, are in the next tier, along with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, while Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, who reached the finals last year, are behind.

UCL Matchday 1 Picks

We would like to share a few betting tips with you regarding the first round of the Champions League campaign.

Real Madrid vs. Marseille

Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad on the road this weekend, despite playing with one player fewer on the field, which boosted their morale ahead of this event. Marseille is a good team, no doubt about that, yet they struggle to play away from home. That’s why we pick the hosts to triumph here.

  • Pick: Real Madrid wins

Ajax vs. Inter

The Lancers don’t look well. Despite winning some games in the Dutch national championship, neither the fans nor the management seems pleased with the way they play. Meanwhile, Inter did lose to Juventus in a thrilling game last Saturday, but the Nerazzurri showed much more than their upcoming rivals. That’s the reason to bet on the guests.

  • Pick: Inter Wins

PSG vs. Atalanta

The UCL champions want to start the defense campaign with authority, and Atalanta, no matter how good it looks, can’t defy the Saints. That’s why we take PSG to win and cover a 1.5-goal spread.

  • Pick: PSG -1.5

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