The Round of 16 in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League continues on Wednesday, with several top teams in action. PSG faces Chelsea, Real Madrid takes on Manchester City, and Bayer Leverkusen aims to upset Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders. Here are predictions for these matches.
Arsenal at Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen is currently 6th in the Bundesliga and faces a tough challenge in this match and the rest of their domestic season. Arsenal has only lost three times in the Premier League and holds a seven-point lead over Manchester City. They are aiming to win the two major European titles this year.
This Arsenal team is known for its physical play and patience, making it difficult for opponents to break through. They excel in scoring crucial goals, especially from set pieces. Though Bayer Leverkusen considers the BayArena their stronghold, they need a solid performance here to keep hopes alive for the return leg in North London.
Arsenal’s squad has some absences, with Martin Odegaard and William Saliba out, and Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard also possibly missing. Leverkusen is without Patrik Schick, Lucas Vasquez, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken, among others. Leverkusen may not have enough to challenge Arsenal, and while Arsenal might not control the match entirely, a draw would be a satisfactory result for them in Germany. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0
Sporting CP at Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt is the smallest team remaining in the Champions League but carries a strong belief in their abilities. The Norwegian team is fearless at home and has solidified their reputation in European competitions. After defeating Inter Milan in the previous round, they aim to unsettle Sporting CP early in the match. Bodo/Glimt is on a nine-match unbeaten streak across competitions and is mostly fit.
Sporting CP had a recent draw, leaving them four points behind FC Porto in Portugal, though they have not lost in their last 12 matches across competitions, including a recent cup win over Porto.
Bodo/Glimt’s strength lies in their team chemistry and confidence. Sporting CP has highlighted Colombian striker Luis Suarez as a key player to push for further success in Europe. However, they are missing a few players, including Maxi Araujo, Pedro Goncalves, and Geovany Quenda. Bodo/Glimt’s strong home record suggests a loss is unlikely here. Prediction: 2-1 Bodo/Glimt
Chelsea at PSG