Champions League 2025/26 Matchweek 2 Preview: Premier League Clubs in Action

Matchweek 2 of the Champions League 2025/26 features all six Premier League clubs in action. Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Manchester City aim to strengthen their positions in the group stage with decisive performances over Tuesday, 30 September, and Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

Galatasaray vs Liverpool – 30 September, 20:00 BST

Liverpool travel to Rams Park in Istanbul for a crucial Champions League 2025/26 clash against Galatasaray. The Reds come off a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, secured by Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time strike.

Galatasaray suffered a 5-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in their opener. Liverpool will rely on Salah and Núñez upfront, with Van Dijk organizing the defense, while Galatasaray will lean on Gundogan, Sane, and Osimhen to create chances.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez as Liverpool’s main attacking threat.
2. Virgil van Dijk’s defensive leadership and aerial dominance.
3. Galatasaray’s use of Gundogan, Sane, and Osimhen to challenge Liverpool’s defense.
4. Rams Park’s passionate home crowd could influence game intensity.
5. Expected score: 1–2 in favor of Liverpool.

Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur – 30 September, 20:00 BST

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Aspmyra Stadion to face Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in their second Champions League 2025/26 group stage match. Spurs aim to build on their 1-0 opening win against Villarreal.

However, injuries impact their squad, with Randal Kolo Muani out, Dominic Solanke recovering from minor surgery, and Mathys Tel ineligible. Richarlison is expected to lead the line, while Bodo/Glimt will miss captain Ulrik Saltness due to illness.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Richarlison to spearhead Tottenham’s attack.
2. Spurs’ focus on possession and structured counterattacks.
3. Absences of Kolo Muani, Solanke, and Tel may affect squad depth.
4. Bodo/Glimt’s pressing style and pace on the break.
5. Expected score: 0–2 in favor of Tottenham.

Chelsea vs Benfica – 30 September, 20:00 BST

Chelsea host Benfica at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League 2025/26 following a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Jose Mourinho returns to London for his first Champions League game with Benfica since leaving Chelsea nearly ten years ago. Key players Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Andrey Santos are fitness doubts, though Pedro and Caicedo trained on Monday.

Chelsea will press high and dominate possession, while Benfica will rely on quick counterattacks.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Chelsea’s high pressing and control of midfield.
2. Fitness updates for Joao Pedro, Caicedo, and Santos.
3. Benfica’s tactical counterattacks under Mourinho.
4. Potential impact of Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge.
5. Expected score: 2–1 for Chelsea.

Union Saint-Gilloise vs Newcastle United – 1 October, 17:45 BST

Newcastle travel to Belgium to face Union Saint-Gilloise in their second Champions League 2025/26 match. Union SG, debuting in the competition, are on a five-match winning streak. Newcastle, coming off a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, will miss full-back Tino Livramento.

Nick Woltemade is expected to lead Newcastle’s attack, which will rely on defensive organization and counterattacks. Union SG will use pace and pressing to create opportunities.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Union SG’s pressing and pace on the wings.
2. Newcastle’s defensive shape and counterattacking strategy.
3. Nick Woltemade to start as striker for the Magpies.
4. Impact of Livramento’s absence on Newcastle’s defensive balance.
5. Expected score: 1–1 draw.

Arsenal vs Olympiakos – 1 October, 20:00 BST

Arsenal host Olympiakos at Emirates Stadium in Champions League 2025/26 action after a 2-0 win over Athletic Club. The Gunners have won 13 consecutive European home league phase matches and kept 10 clean sheets. Olympiakos, although Greek champions, have struggled in away European fixtures, losing their last 10.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Arsenal’s control of possession and defensive solidity.
2. Exploiting transition spaces against Olympiakos.
3. Olympiakos’ challenge of adapting to Arsenal’s home dominance.
4. Key attacking threats from Chiquinho for Olympiakos.
5. Expected score: 3–0 for Arsenal.

Monaco vs Manchester City – 1 October, 20:00 BST

Manchester City visit Monaco in their second Champions League 2025/26 group stage match, coming off a 5-0 domestic victory over Burnley. Erling Haaland scored twice to extend his season tally to 15 goals. Monaco have suffered heavy defeats to Lorient and Club Brugge. Paul Pogba may make his debut, but City’s attacking width and high press are expected to dominate the match.

Key Points to Watch:

1. Erling Haaland’s scoring streak and attacking impact.
2. City’s use of width and high pressing to dominate possession.
3. Potential debut of Paul Pogba for Monaco.
4. Monaco’s defensive vulnerability against City’s fast transitions.
5. Expected score: 0–3 in favor of Manchester City.

Champions League 2025/26 Matchweek 2 Fixtures Table

Date & Time (BST)	Fixture	Venue	Key Players	Prediction
30 Sep, 20:00	Galatasaray vs Liverpool	Rams Park, Istanbul	Salah, Núñez, Van Dijk / Gundogan, Sane, Osimhen	1–2 Liverpool
30 Sep, 20:00	Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur	Aspmyra Stadion, Norway	Richarlison	0–2 Tottenham
30 Sep, 20:00	Chelsea vs Benfica	Stamford Bridge, London	Joao Pedro, Caicedo, Santos	2–1 Chelsea
1 Oct, 17:45	Union SG vs Newcastle United	Belgium	Woltemade	1–1 Draw
1 Oct, 20:00	Arsenal vs Olympiakos	Emirates Stadium, London	Chiquinho	3–0 Arsenal
1 Oct, 20:00	Monaco vs Manchester City	Monaco	Haaland, Pogba	0–3 Manchester City

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