Top-5 Matches Of The 1st Champions League Round: Bookmakers' Betting Overview

On September 16 and 17, the matches of the first round of the main round of the Champions League (UCL) will be played. We would like to bring the bookmakers' bets on the most exciting matches involving European football giants to your attention.

Athletic - Arsenal

Last season, Arsenal were just one step away from the Champions League final. The team lost to the future tournament winner, PSG. Mikel Arteta's wards will start the new round of the competition with a trip to Bilbao. Here, the Gunners will play against the local Athletic.

According to bookmakers, the London club is favoured to win. Bets on Arsenal's victory are accepted with odds of 2.07, and Atletico's - 3.65, while a draw is at 3.35.

Real Madrid - Marseille

For Real Madrid, last year's performances in the Champions League ended at the quarter-final stage. At that point, the team lost to Arsenal. The Spanish giants kicked off the new season under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti as head coach.

According to Top betting sites in Nigeria, Real Madrid will defeat the French Marseille in Madrid in the opening round of the Champions League. Punters can now bet on the home team to win with odds of 1.39, a draw at 5.20, and a victory for the away team at 7.00.

Bayern - Chelsea

One of the most interesting matches of the first round of the UCL will be the confrontation between Bayern and Chelsea in Munich. In the last round of the tournament, Vincent Kompany's team reached the quarter-finals and lost to Inter.

Chelsea, in turn, under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, became the winner of the UEFA Conference League. The team defeated the Spanish Betis in the final. Bookmakers in this confrontation sympathize with the hosts: Bayern’s victory comes at odds of 1.73, a draw - 4.10, and Chelsea’s victory - 4.30.

Liverpool - Atletico Madrid

Liverpool, being on the list of the main favorites of the UCL 2025/2026, will play against Atletico Madrid in the opening round at Anfield Stadium. Bookmakers believe that the Reds have excellent chances for a successful start. Bets on Arne Slot's team come at odds of 1.70, a draw at  3.95, and the guests’ victory at 4.75.

Let us remind you that in the last round of the tournament, Liverpool lost to PSG in the 1/8 finals. Atletico, in turn, lost to Real Madrid in the Madrid derby at the same stage.

PSG - Atalanta

PSG, the reigning Champions League winners, will begin defending their title with a home game against Atalanta. According to sports analysts, the hosts are expected to have a successful game in Paris.

Bets on the victory of Luis Enrique's team are accepted with odds of 1.33,  a draw at 5.30, and the victory of Atalanta at 8.60.

Cover Credits: Wallpapers.com