The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League campaign is set to resume with a bumper nine-game schedule for Matchday 3, featuring several top contenders looking to solidify their positions in the league phase table.
Sports Illustrated anticipates a narrow victory for Arsenal in Tuesday’s main event, predicting a 2–1 win over Atlético Madrid. The Gunners, who are early favorites in their domestic league, aim to maintain their perfect start in Europe, but the forecast acknowledges Diego Simeone’s side tends to “have something up his sleeve for these sorts of occasions.”
Holders Paris Saint-Germain are projected to continue their impressive continental form, despite recent struggles in Ligue 1. The Parisians are favored to secure an emphatic 3–1 away win against a Bayer Leverkusen side revitalized by Kasper Hjulmand.
Inter Milan is also backed to maintain their winning streak with a narrow 0–1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, as “the Nerazzurri just know how to win these sort of fixtures.”
However, not all giants are expected to secure maximum points. Manchester City, who “felt hard done by in Monaco” on the last matchday, are tipped for a 1–1 draw against a strong Villarreal side that ranks among the competition’s dark horses.
Napoli, current Serie A leaders, are also projected to struggle for a result in the Netherlands, settling for a 1–1 draw against PSV Eindhoven.
Elsewhere, Barcelona, dealing with injuries, is predicted to defeat Olympiacos 3–1, while Newcastle United is expected to best Benfica 2–0 at St. James’ Park. Borussia Dortmund is favored 2–1 in their clash with Copenhagen.