Champions League Matchday 8 Preview: Qualification Deciders and Score Predictions

Posted : 27 January 2026

The final round of the UEFA Champions League league phase, Matchday 8, arrives with everything still to play for across Europe. With automatic Round of 16 qualification, playoff positions, and elimination all on the line, teams will approach this decisive night with contrasting strategies — from cautious game management to all-out attacking intent. The margins remain tight, ensuring a tense and unpredictable evening of football.

One of the standout fixtures sees Paris Saint-Germain host Newcastle United, where both sides require a positive result to secure progression. PSG’s attacking quality and home advantage may prove decisive, though Newcastle’s pressing style could keep the contest competitive. Elsewhere, Napoli face Chelsea in a must-win encounter for the Italian side, but Chelsea’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat may tilt the balance in their favour.

Traditional European heavyweights are also expected to assert themselves. Barcelona, playing at home against Copenhagen, are tipped to control possession and create consistent scoring chances, while Juventus are likely to rely on their defensive discipline against Monaco. Real Madrid’s clash with Benfica promises intensity, but Madrid’s experience in high-pressure Champions League fixtures could be the defining factor.

In other fixtures, Liverpool are expected to dominate against Qarabağ, particularly in front of their home supporters, while Arsenal, unbeaten in the league phase, look well positioned to continue their strong run. Manchester City face a challenging test against Atalanta but should have enough attacking depth to secure victory. Tottenham Hotspur vs Porto appears evenly matched, with home advantage potentially proving decisive.

From a betting perspective, matches involving teams chasing qualification are likely to produce goals, especially where goal difference may come into play. Home wins and goal markets stand out as popular options, while several fixtures offer value in both-teams-to-score selections due to the attacking approach expected from both sides.

Match-by-Match Score Predictions:

Paris Saint-Germain vs Newcastle United – PSG 2–1 Newcastle
Napoli vs Chelsea – Napoli 1–2 Chelsea
Barcelona vs Copenhagen – Barcelona 3–0 Copenhagen
Juventus vs Monaco – Juventus 2–0 Monaco
Liverpool vs Qarabağ – Liverpool 3–1 Qarabağ
Real Madrid vs Benfica – Real Madrid 2–1 Benfica
Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty – Arsenal 4–0 Kairat Almaty
Manchester City vs Atalanta – Manchester City 3–1 Atalanta
Tottenham Hotspur vs Porto – Tottenham 2–1 Porto

Champions League Matchday 8 Preview: Qualification Deciders and Score Predictions

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics