Match-by-match preview

1) Kairat — Real Madrid (Kickoff 17:45 local / check local listings)

Probable XIs

Kairat (likely 4-2-3-1) — Kalmurza; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Arad, Kasabulat; Jorginho, Gromyko, Mrynskiy; Dastan Satpaev.
Real Madrid (likely 4-2-3-1) — Courtois; Valverde (as makeshift RB), Asencio, Huijsen, Fran García; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Arda Güler, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Player to watch

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) — Every space becomes dangerous when he runs into it; Madrid will look to create quick overloads to free him.

• Dastan Satpaev (Kairat) — homegrown striker with confidence; he’ll live for the rare moments he gets in behind.

Tactical battle (human read)

Real want to dominate possession and force Kairat to defend long spells. But Madrid’s injury-driven backline (Valverde at RB, makeshift center pair) creates the match’s key micro-drama: will Madrid keep the defensive shape while feeding the front three? Kairat will be disciplined, compact, and hope to pounce on transition chances — a classic David vs Goliath with tactical nuance: patience vs intensity.

Prediction

Real Madrid on paper should win — but don’t expect a stroll if Kairat are clinical on counters. Suggested score: Kairat 0–3 Real Madrid.

2) Bodø/Glimt — Tottenham Hotspur (Kickoff 20:00 local)

Probable XIs

Bodø/Glimt (4-3-3) — Lund; Sjovold, Bjortuft, Nielsen, Aleesami; Fet, Berg, Auklend; Blomberg, Hogh, Hauge.
Tottenham (4-2-3-1) — Vicario; Porro/Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, ???; Sarr, Palhinha; Johnson/Odobert, Bergvall, Kudus; Richarlison.
Important: Dominic Solanke and Cristian Romero are confirmed to miss the match — Spurs will adjust personnel and perhaps shape.

Player to watch

• Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) — can destabilize with dribbling and late runs into the box.

• Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt) — the midfield metronome; if he controls rhythm, Bodo can stifle Spurs.

Tactical read

Tottenham will try to control territory and use width to create overloads. Bodø/Glimt thrive on quick, purposeful counters and set-piece organisation — and playing at home (often on synthetic surfaces) can scrunch up visiting timing. Expect Spurs to be patient but watch transitions: that’s where Sunderland-style quick counters can sting.

Prediction

Spurs have the depth, but missing Solanke and Romero means margin for error. Suggested score: Bodø/Glimt 0–1 Tottenham (or 1–1).

3) Chelsea — Benfica (Kickoff 20:00)

José Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge as Benfica manager — a heavy emotional subplot. Chelsea face a list of injury doubts (Cole Palmer, others), and Enzo Maresca’s side have been shaky.

Probable XIs

Chelsea (probable 4-2-3-1) — Garnacho/other; fullbacks & midfield depending on fitness (Caicedo/Joao Pedro doubts).
Benfica (4-2-3-1) — Trubin; Dedić, Otamendi, Silva, Dahl; Barrenechea, Ríos; Lukébakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Player to watch

• Benfica: Mourinho’s teams are organized and resilient; watch the midfield pivot who will try to choke Chelsea’s creativity.

• Chelsea: If Cole Palmer is out, Chelsea will miss a creative spark — whoever steps into that role will shape the game.

Tactical edge

This is as much about nerves and narrative as tactics. Mourinho knows Stamford Bridge — he’ll set Benfica up compact and dangerous in transition. Chelsea must break lines without overcommitting and avoid the classic Mourinho counterpunch.

Prediction

A tight, tense encounter. If Chelsea’s injury list bites them, Benfica could steal a result. Suggested score: Chelsea 1–1 Benfica (or 1–2 if Mourinho’s plan clicks).

4) Galatasaray — Liverpool (Kickoff 20:00)

Probable XIs & news

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has indicated Federico Chiesa will not feature in Istanbul — a rest/rotation decision that gives Galatasaray hope. Still, Liverpool has depth and quality.

Player to watch

• Liverpool: watch whoever Slot turns to on the right — the player’s decision will reveal the attacking pattern.

• Galatasaray: home atmosphere is massive; their front line will hunt pockets left open by any Liverpool rotation.

Tactical read

Liverpool will try to assert control and recover from any weekend wobble; Galatasaray will use home momentum and wide permutations to unsettle. The discipline of Liverpool’s full-backs and whether they can shrug off defensive lapses will be decisive.

Prediction

Liverpool sis till a favorite, but Istanbul is a tricky place. Suggested score: Galatasaray 1–2 Liverpool.

5) Inter Milan — Slavia Prague (Kickoff 20:00 / 21:00 CET depending on local time)

Probable XIs

Inter (3-5-2 / 3-4-1-2) — Sommer; Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro (or similar attacking pairing).

Player to watch

• Lautaro Martínez (Inter) — focal point for attacks; his runs create space for Thuram and midfield runners.

Tactical read

Inter will press through the front pair and aim to overload central zones. Slavia Prague will try to be compact and exploit set-pieces and counters, but Inter’s control of midfield is the likely deciding factor.

Prediction

Inter to assert home advantage. Suggested score: Inter 2–0 Slavia Prague.

6) Marseille — Ajax (Kickoff 20:00)

Probable XIs

Marseille (4-2-3-1) — Gerónimo Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Aguerd; Emerson; O’Riley, Højbjerg; Greenwood, Paixão, Weah; Aubameyang.
Ajax (4-3-3) — Jaros; Sutalo, Itakura, Wijndal; Regeer, Klaassen, Taylor; Edvardsen, Godts, Konadu.

Player to watch

• Mason Greenwood / Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille) — combined experience and finishing threat.

Tactical read

Expect an open duel: Ajax wants to play through midfield triangles; Marseille will try to combine pace and experience up front. Midfield battles (Højbjerg vs Klaassen) will determine territorial control.

Prediction

A close, entertaining match. Suggested score: Marseille 1–1 Ajax (or 2–1 to Marseille at home).

7) Pafos — Bayern Munich (Kickoff 20:00)

Probable XIs & context

Pafos — Cypriot debutants in the Champions League, tactically compact and proud; Bayern arrive as heavy favorites, but Vincent Kompany has warned about underestimating Pafos. David Luiz may feature for Pafos as a veteran presence.

Player to watch

• Harry Kane (Bayern) — main scoring outlet; if Bayern breathe control into the game, Kane will profit.

Tactical read

Bayern will aim to dominate possession and break Pafos early; Pafos will defend deep, press selectively, and try set pieces. Kompany emphasises respect — Bayern might rotate, but they’ll still expect to win.

Prediction

Bayern is the heavy favorite. Suggested score: Pafos 0–4 Bayern (but expect a disciplined Pafos for 60–70 minutes).