Champions League predictions for Wednesday’s games: PSG and Liverpool up and running but Chelsea to struggle

Some of Europe’s big-hitters open their Champions League campaigns tonight with Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Liverpool all in action.

The first matchweek in Europe’s elite club competition has thrown up some tantalising fixtures.

Here, we cast our eye over Wednesday’s action and offer some thoughts as to what might happen.

Olympiacos v Pafos (1745)

Pafos’ immediate reward for qualifying for the Champions League is a mouthwatering trip to Greece to face Olympiacos.

They will be backed by a large following who will make the short trip over from Cyprus for Pafos’ first game at this level.

The 48-time Greek champions are favourites and extended their 100 per cent record in the domestic league to three games at the weekend with a 5-0 hammering of 10-man Panserraikos. With games against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Arsenal to come, it is vital Jose Luis Mendilibar’s men get off to a strong start.

Prediction: Olympiacos 2-0 Pafos

Slavia Prague v Bodo\Glimt (1745)

Two more sides that will look to get off to a flyer mindful of what’s to come are Slavia Prague and Bodo/Glimt.

For Bodo\Glimt, it is a maiden appearance at this stage and continues the upward trajectory of the Norwegian champions, who beat Sturm Graz 6-2 on aggregate to advance to the league phase.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season before losing to Tottenham and won’t be overawed by a trip to the Czech capital.

Prediction: Slavia Prague 1-1 Bodo/Glimt

Ajax v Inter Milan (2000)

Last season’s beaten finalists Inter will look to bounce back from the weekend disappointment in the Derby d’Italia when they visit Ajax tonight.

Cristian Chivu’s side went down to a last-minute goal at Juventus at the weekend, losing 4-3, and will hope for a response in Amsterdam.

Ajax have made a solid start in the Eredivisie, winning three and drawing two of their first five games, and will fancy their chances of getting something from the game.

Prediction: Ajax 1-1 Inter Milan

PSG v Atalanta (2000)

PSG open the defence of their Champions League crown at home to 2024 Europa League winners Atalanta.

It has been a wonderful 12 months for the Parisians, who added a domestic league and cup double to their maiden trophy in Europe’s elite club competition.

The only blemish was the Club World Cup final defeat to Chelsea but, nevertheless, Luis Enrique continues to build the most entertaining team in Europe and they are rightly among the favourites to go back to back.

Atalanta have won just one of their first three Serie A games of the season after taking the surprise decision to replace Gian Piero Gasperini, who departed for Roma, with Ivan Juric.

PSG will be without star duo Ousmane Dembele and Désiré Doue but should still have enough.

Prediction: PSG 3-1 Atalanta

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid (2000)

Defeat to PSG in the Champions League round of 16 was arguably the biggest disappointment in Liverpool’s otherwise triumphant 2024/25 season and Arne Slot’s side will be determined to do better this time round.

Atletico are never easy opponents – Diego Simeone will see to that – and will come to Merseyside looking to frustrate.

Liverpool have yet to hit top gear this season as they attempt to integrate a host of new signings, yet they still sit top of the Premier League with a 100 per cent record from four games.

Slot could hand Alexander Isak his Liverpool debut with the Sweden star expected to be on the bench having missed Sunday’s win at Burnley.

Atleti finally registered their first win of the season at the weekend, beating Villarreal 2-0.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich v Chelsea (2000)

Two teams expected to contend for the Champions League this season clash on matchweek one as Chelsea visit Bayern.

Enzo Maresca’s men won the Conference League last season and followed that up with victory in the Club World Cup over the summer. They appear set for a Premier League title challenge this year but will hope to back that up with progress in Europe.

Bayern are certainties to win the Bundesliga so attention turns to the Champions League.

Vincent Kompany’s men eased past Hamburg at the weekend and will fancy their chances against the west London club.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Chelsea