Get ready for a thrilling Matchday 4 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, where the league phase reaches its halfway point with 18 matches packed full of drama and intrigue. But here's the real kicker: some of these matchups could redefine the season for these teams. Let’s dive into the key stats and storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Tuesday 4 November kicks off with Slavia Praha vs Arsenal (18:45). Did you know their last encounter was in the 2020/21 Europa League quarter-finals, where Arsenal turned a 1-1 draw into a 4-0 victory in Prague? But here's where it gets controversial: Slavia has a poor record against English teams, yet they’ve scored in 26 of their last 27 home European games. Can they break Arsenal’s seven-match winning streak in the league phase? And will Gabriel Martinelli continue his scoring streak?
Next up, Napoli vs Frankfurt (18:45). Napoli dominated their last meeting in the 2022/23 Champions League round of 16, winning 2-0 away and 3-0 at home. But this is the part most people miss: Frankfurt has lost their last three matches against Italian teams without scoring. Will Napoli’s home fortress hold, or can Frankfurt turn the tide?
Atlético de Madrid vs Union Saint-Gilloise marks their first-ever meeting, with Union SG facing Spanish opposition for the first time. Here’s the twist: Atleti has lost just one of their last 16 home Champions League matches, but Union SG has won three of their last four away European games. Will experience prevail, or will the underdog surprise us?
Bodø/Glimt vs Monaco features Bodø’s only previous encounter with a French team ending in a 1-1 draw against Nice. But here’s the catch: Monaco hasn’t won in their last six Champions League matches. Will Bodø capitalize, or can Monaco finally break their winless streak?
Juventus vs Sporting CP brings a familiar foe, with Juventus unbeaten in their last four meetings. However, here’s the debate: Juventus has won only two of their last 11 European games, while Sporting has scored in their last 19 European group stage matches. Who will come out on top?
Liverpool vs Real Madrid is a clash of titans. Liverpool ended an eight-match winless run against Real Madrid last season with a 2-0 win. But here’s the question: Can Mohamed Salah become the first African player to reach 50 Champions League goals, or will Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham steal the show as the youngest player to make 50 appearances?
Olympiacos vs PSV Eindhoven revisits their 2020/21 Europa League encounter, where Olympiacos advanced 5-4 on aggregate. The real story here: PSV needs two goals to reach 150 in the Champions League. Will they hit the milestone, or will Olympiacos’ home advantage prevail?
Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern München is a heavyweight battle. Paris has lost only two of their last 41 home Champions League group stage matches, but here’s the twist: Bayern has won 13 of their last 15 matches against French teams. Will Paris’ home dominance continue, or will Bayern’s streak extend?
Tottenham vs Copenhagen sees Spurs unbeaten in their last 21 home UEFA matches. But here’s the underdog angle: Copenhagen has never won away against English teams. Can they break the curse, or will Tottenham’s fortress remain unbreached?
Wednesday 5 November brings more action, including Pafos vs Villarreal, where Pafos faces a Spanish team for the first time. The question is: Can Pafos maintain their impressive form, or will Villarreal’s experience shine through?
Qarabağ vs Chelsea revisits their 2017/18 group stage, where Chelsea won 6-0 and 4-0. But here’s the challenge: Qarabağ has lost all seven matches against English teams. Can they finally score, or will Chelsea’s dominance continue?
Ajax vs Galatasaray is a rematch from last season’s Europa League, where Ajax won 2-1. The twist: Ajax has lost their last six European games. Will Galatasaray exploit this, or will Ajax turn their fortunes around?
Club Brugge vs Barcelona sees Barcelona aiming to maintain their perfect record against Belgian teams. But here’s the debate: Club Brugge is unbeaten in their last four matches against Spanish teams. Who will come out on top?
Inter vs Kairat Almaty is a first-ever meeting, with Inter unbeaten in their last 17 home Champions League matches. The real question: Can Kairat score against Inter’s solid defense, or will the Nerazzurri continue their dominance?
Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund features Erling Haaland facing his former club. But here’s the controversy: Dortmund has won three of their last four matches against English teams. Will Haaland haunt his old team, or will Dortmund’s form prevail?
Newcastle United vs Athletic Club revisits their 1994/95 UEFA Cup encounter, where Athletic Club advanced on away goals. The challenge: Newcastle has lost six of their last nine matches against Spanish teams. Can they reverse the trend?
Marseille vs Atalanta is a rematch from the 2023/24 Europa League semi-finals, where Atalanta advanced. But here’s the debate: Marseille is unbeaten in their last nine home UEFA matches. Will they avenge their loss, or will Atalanta’s form continue?
Benfica vs Leverkusen sees Benfica with just one defeat in six meetings. However, here’s the twist: Benfica has won only one of their last eight home Champions League matches. Can they break the curse, or will Leverkusen’s streak continue?
And this is the part most people miss: With so many storylines and stats, every match could be a turning point. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? Don’t miss out—these matches are more than just games; they’re battles for legacy.
Thought-provoking question: With so many underdogs aiming to upset the favorites, which team do you think will pull off the biggest surprise this Matchday? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments!
