On Wednesday, January 21, fans are in for another nine Champions League matches. In some games the fight promises to go down to the last second, while in others the favorite is obvious even before the opening whistle. The TipsGG team of analysts has decided to help you figure out the main trends of the matchday and has prepared betting options for each match.
Galatasaray vs Atlético Madrid
The leader of the Turkish Super Lig “Galatasaray” is considered by bookmakers as a team capable of causing serious problems for Madrid’s “Atlético”. A favorable draw could have secured the “Lions” an early passage to the playoffs, but two consecutive minimal defeats (0:1) to “Monaco” and “Royal Union SG” somewhat halted the progress of the Turkish champions. The calendar year 2026 Okan Buruk’s charges started not in the best way: a loss in the Turkish Super Cup final to “Fenerbahçe” and dropped points in a match against modest “Gaziantep” (1:1), who was considered an obvious outsider.
“Atlético” approaches this meeting on a streak of two wins. The current 4th place in La Liga is unlikely to satisfy Diego Simeone’s ambitions, but in European competitions the “mattress makers” currently hold the coveted 8th position, which grants direct passage to the 1/8 finals. Ahead of the Madrid side are two matches where maximum points are desirable. And while the home game against “Bodo/Glimt” should not be an obstacle, the trip to Istanbul for three points is a real “task with an asterisk”.
István Kovács will be in charge of order on the pitch – the referee who in the current Champions League season shows an average of 5 cards per game. Considering the tournament weight of the match, the traditionally electrified atmosphere of the “Rams Park” stadium and the explosive character of both teams, the confrontation promises to be rich in tough tackles and tactical fouls.
Bet on the match: Total yellow cards over 3.5 (odds 1.64).
Qarabağ vs Eintracht
Qarabağ still retains chances of advancing to the next stage and will host Eintracht at their stadium, who need nothing less than a victory to continue at least theoretical fight for the playoffs.
The Azerbaijan championship is currently on pause, so Qarabağ prepared for this match through friendly games. And the preparation turned out more than successful – three wins in three meetings, which allowed the team to maintain game rhythm and approach the match in good physical condition.
Eintracht after a short winter break has already played three rounds of the Bundesliga in the new year. The results did not always please the “eagles” fans, but there are definitely no complaints about the entertainment of the game – 21 goals scored by both teams in three matches speak for themselves. The team plays boldly, with emphasis on attack, often sacrificing defensive reliability.
On the hosts’ side – home advantage, frenzied crowd support and targeted preparation specifically for this Champions League match. The guests have the advantage in something else – better game tone, higher individual class of players and significantly greater experience in a top championship, despite the overflowing infirmary.
A win would significantly increase Qarabağ’s chances of reaching the playoffs, while for Eintracht there is simply no scenario other than victory. It is precisely such a situation that often opens up matches and forces teams to take risks. Qarabağ should not be underestimated – the “horsemen” have repeatedly proven that they can punish opponents mercilessly for mistakes.
In such circumstances, it is logical to expect an open game with goals on both sides, and the guests’ class should help them at least avoid defeat.
Bet on the match: Eintracht Double Chance (X2) + both teams to score – yes (odds 1.93)
Juventus vs Benfica
At “Allianz Stadium” in Turin, a meeting of two European giants will take place, the start of the season for whom is hard to call successful. As a result, both clubs changed head coaches during the campaign, which nevertheless contributed to improved results.
Juventus approaches the match after a largely illogical away defeat to Cagliari – the hosts scored after their only shot on target against Mattia Perin. The Turinese significantly dominated the opponent in all statistical indicators, but failed to convert their superiority. Overall, under Luciano Spalletti, the “Old Lady” has suffered only two defeats in all competitions.
Benfica under José Mourinho for a long time suffered failures exclusively in the Champions League. However, already in January the negative trend spread to domestic cups – the Lisbon “eagles” were eliminated from the League Cup and the Portuguese Cup. Thus, now the team can fully focus on the championship and the Champions League, which makes them even more dangerous in decisive matches.
Historically, Benfica is an extremely inconvenient opponent for Juventus. In the 21st century, excluding friendlies, the teams met five times – four Benfica wins and one draw. However, if we look at the coaching duels, there is a minimal but advantage on Spalletti’s side – 4 wins against 3 for Mourinho, with two draws.
The confrontation has extremely important tournament significance for both teams, but especially for the guests. Benfica is currently outside the top-24, and in case of failure in Turin, considering the match against Real in the last round, they may finally lose chances for the playoffs. Add to this the status of two renowned coaches – their head-to-head meetings are often accompanied by a large number of cards, emotions and even scandals.
Considering the tension, tournament pressure and the character of the mentors, it is hard to imagine this match being calm.
Bet on the match: Total yellow cards over 4 (odds 2.03)
Atalanta vs Athletic Bilbao
“Atalanta” approaches the sixth round of the Champions League in good form. Even despite the lost victory in the last game against “Pisa”. Raffaele Palladino’s team should be motivated by the finish of the general stage, when there is an opportunity not just to reach the playoffs, but to go straight into the top eight, significantly easing their calendar. The Bergamaschi look very confident at home this season, including in European competitions, where there was a win over “Chelsea” (2:1) – a top opponent from the EPL.
“Athletic” looks absolutely average. Relatively recently the Basques had a win over “Atlético” and a draw with PSG, but overall such successes are sporadic for the team. A large number of injured players and pathologically weak play away from “San Mamés” do not add confidence.
Games away against Italian teams rarely brought success to the Basques. It is quite reasonable to assume that “Atalanta” will take three points at home.
Bet on the match: Atalanta to win (odds 1.93)
Newcastle vs PSV
At “St. James’ Park”, traditionally strong at home Newcastle will host PSV, who are currently in phenomenal form with a streak of 6 consecutive wins in all competitions.
Since the start of the season at home, the “Magpies” have lost only 4 times. Notably, three of those defeats were minimal, and only in the last home match did Manchester City manage to take a win with a two-goal difference (0:2). An interesting pattern: after every home failure, Eddie Howe’s charges have always won the next match at “St. James’ Park”. However, the last EPL game against “Wolverhampton” (0:0) showed that the team somewhat lacks creativity in attack due to fatigue among the leaders.
PSV, in turn, demonstrates simply anomalous away form. Since the start of the season, the team has not lost away in 14 consecutive matches (12 wins and only 2 draws). The “Farmers” have already proven their strength on English soil in this Champions League draw, thrashing Liverpool at “Anfield” 4:1. However, other away trips in the League Phase – to Germany (Bayer) and Greece (Olympiacos) – were less successful and ended in draws (1:1).
The hosts had one less day to rest after the exhausting trip to “Wolves”, which may affect the intensity of pressing. In addition, Newcastle’s infirmary still includes important players for the team: Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and others. I expect a tense and even match where the home factor will help the “Magpies” not to lose or even minimally defeat the Dutch championship leaders.
Bet on the match: Newcastle win by 1 goal or draw (odds 2.35)
Slavia Prague vs Barcelona
While the Czech championship is on winter break, Slavia fans have no time to rest. They are in for a real football holiday, as legendary “Barcelona” will visit Prague. The “Sewn” have somewhat gotten used to not playing in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, which directly affects their results: only 3 points after 6 rounds and almost zero chances of reaching the playoffs. However, successes in the Czech elite give hope that we will see this team in the league phase next year as well. Currently the team holds first place in the domestic league, and the last 6 matches have all ended in victories. The “Slavists” have nothing to lose, so they will simply enjoy playing against one of the best clubs in the world.
“Barcelona” was stunned by the result of the last La Liga round, where they lost away to “Real Sociedad”. Two disallowed goals for the “blaugrana” at the start of the match and the response goal emotionally knocked the team down. The Catalans managed to equalize in the second half, but conceded immediately after the kick-off from the center in the next attack of the opponent. As a result, they lead Madrid “Real” in La Liga by just one point. In the Champions League, Hansi Flick’s charges are in 15th place. If the club intends to fight for a top-8 spot, they need not only to beat “Slavia” and “Copenhagen” in the final rounds, but also to take care of the goal difference. This indicator may prove decisive in the distribution of places in the table.
The opponents are at different levels and have radically opposite tasks. It is extremely important for “Barcelona” to rehabilitate after the last defeat and confidently overcome the opponent, which should be facilitated by the lack of game practice among Slavia players.
Bet on the match: Barcelona Handicap -1.5 (odds 1.85).
Marseille vs Liverpool
In Marseille, they did not grieve long over the unfortunate defeat in the French Super Cup final and immediately set about rehabilitation. The “Provencals” left nothing of amateurs from “Bayeux” in the Coupe de France and professionals from “Angers” in Ligue 1, once again demonstrating the highest level of attacking play.
“Liverpool” managed to stabilize, but there is still a lot of work to do to return to former results. The guests’ unbeaten streak currently stands at 12 matches, but it is still difficult for the “reds”, and the fact that Slot did not give any of the leaders rest ahead of time adds anxiety to the fans.
It is hard to identify a favorite. “Marseille” this season at the “Vélodrome” does not perform impeccably, but always brightly and aggressively. “Liverpool” away from “Anfield” acts unconvincingly, although they have several significant wins to their credit. I assume a spectacular and high-scoring draw to the delight of the public.
Bet on the match: Draw and both teams to score – yes (odds 4.20)
Bayern vs Royal Union SG
At “Bayern” everything is in perfect order right now. In the last Bundesliga round, the “Record Masters” met “RB Leipzig” away. Despite the “bulls” scoring first, five unanswered goals in the second half put everything in its place. An 11-point handicap in the championship and a confident second position in the overall Champions League group can play a cruel joke on the Munich side – they can quite afford to ease off a bit to save strength for the decisive part of the season. However, it is worth remembering that matches at “Allianz Arena” usually turn into goal feasts. 71 goals scored in 18 Bundesliga rounds and 18 goals in 6 European games make the “Star of the South” the most productive team in Europe.
“Royal Union” is also in excellent form: the Belgians are unbeaten in 5 consecutive matches and lead the domestic championship, ahead of the nearest pursuers by 3 points. However, things are not going so smoothly on the international arena. With 6 points after 6 rounds, David Hubert’s charges are obliged to cling to results in the remaining matches. Considering that the opponent is “Bayern”, only a real football miracle will help the guests gain points. It is quite likely that the club will place their main bet on the final match against “Atalanta” on January 28. Interestingly, in the last 5 games the “Unionists” have not gone over total (2.5), but this does not apply to the Champions League, where the Belgians concede an average of 2.5 goals per match.
The German giant has recently been much more active precisely in the second halves, and the Belgians need to try to maintain balance as long as possible. Therefore, it is worth considering the option where there will be no early advantage for either side in the game.
Bet on the match: Match result at the 15th minute – draw (odds 1.5).
Chelsea vs Pafos
The Londoners approach the match with a working European cup dynamic: the team retains chances of rising to the top-8 and regularly creates chances, although the overall form is far from ideal and does not always maintain uniformity throughout the distance. At home this imbalance is smoothed out thanks to a stable structure that allows playing as the first number without pronounced risks. Personnel nuances are present, but they are not critical and rather limit depth.
“Pafos” acts as an underdog, betting on compactness, patience and minimization of mistakes. Such a model brings points through draw scenarios, but noticeably reduces attacking potential and complicates attempts to turn the course of the game. Away this caution intensifies, and the limited squad depth reduces space for tactical maneuver under pressure.
In conditions of strong home advantage for the opponent, “Pafos” needs to maintain concentration for a long time and avoid breakdowns, but even in such a scenario, defeat cannot be avoided.
Bet on the match: Chelsea to win and total goals under 3.5 for 2.35