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UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 Preview (November 5, 2025) – 5.11. 2025

Pafos FC vs Villarreal (5.11.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Villarreal to win

Pafos are making their historic debut in the Champions League this season and have shown courage and solid organization in the opening stages. The Cypriot champions managed to draw with Olympiacos and Kairat and even put up a decent fight against Bayern at home, though the result was harsh. Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo’s team relies mainly on compact defense and collective effort, although they lack European experience and individual quality going forward. Villarreal, after a slow start to the season, are back in form, as shown by three consecutive wins, including a 4–0 thrashing of Rayo Vallecano. Marcelino has stabilized the defense, and the creative attack led by an improving Ayoze Pérez, supported by Buchanan and Pepe, looks much more balanced. The visitors have a better structure of play and faster transitions, which should be evident against an opponent who tends to play from a deep block. The absences of Correia and Pedrao will limit the hosts’ counterattacking options, while Villarreal have the squad depth to handle the European schedule. Experience, finishing quality, and tactical control give the Spanish team a clear advantage. Tip: Villarreal to win.

Qarabag FK vs Chelsea (5.11.2025, 18:45)

Tip: Chelsea to win

Qarabag have been one of the pleasant surprises of the early rounds, but this match against Chelsea will be a completely different level. The Azerbaijani champions play brave attacking football and, thanks to wins over Benfica and Copenhagen, have already proven capable of upsetting stronger sides — yet their record against English teams is dreadful. Chelsea, after an opening setback in Munich, have significantly improved their performances, adding two convincing home wins and looking increasingly cohesive. Coach Enzo Maresca has built a solid defensive core and rotates his young players wisely, bringing energy and attacking drive. The return of Joao Pedro after suspension boosts the attacking options, while the duo of Estevao and Gallagher adds creativity and aggression in midfield. Chelsea are in excellent rhythm, having won six of their last seven matches across all competitions, and now look a complete side. Qarabag will rely on Andrade and Zoubir but will be under constant pressure and are likely to choose a cautious approach. Physically and technically, Chelsea are superior and should show their class even on a difficult surface. Tip: Chelsea to win.

Ajax vs Galatasaray (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Double chance X2 (draw or Galatasaray to win)

Ajax are going through a difficult period, and their European record of three defeats with only one goal scored speaks volumes about the problems across the board. The confidence and fluency that once defined the Amsterdam club are gone, and the defense looks shaky under pressure. Coach Heitinga also faces a shortage of options due to the absences of Berghuis, Dolberg, and Taylor, whose red card in London further weakens the midfield. Galatasaray, in contrast, look like a confident and organized side who have found their rhythm again after a harsh defeat to Frankfurt. Victories over Liverpool and Bodo/Glimt showed that Okan Buruk’s team have both strength and quality. Victor Osimhen is in outstanding form and, supported by Yunus Akgün and Ziyech, can tear apart the weakened Ajax back line. The hosts will try to use the support of the home crowd and the pace of Godts on the wing, but the mental pressure and the loss of key players work against them. Galatasaray have a more balanced structure, greater physical power, and discipline in transitions. The match could be closer than it seems, but the Turkish side’s attacking quality gives them a real chance to take points. Tip: double chance – draw or Galatasaray to win.

Benfica vs Bayer Leverkusen (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Double chance 1X (Benfica not to lose)

Benfica are struggling in Europe despite being unbeaten domestically and showing excellent defensive stability. Mourinho has yet to find the right balance between control and attacking creativity, and his team continue to have problems converting chances in the Champions League. At home, however, Benfica play with high intensity and could benefit from Pavlidis’s excellent form. Leverkusen, after setbacks against PSG and Bayern, are looking to bounce back, though under Hjulmand they still maintain an attractive style and a consistent ability to create chances. The German side are missing key midfielders — Andrich and Palacios — which reduces the fluidity of their build-up and control in the middle. Benfica’s strong defense and effective wing play could take advantage of the home support and psychological edge. Leverkusen can still be dangerous on the counter, especially with Schick back from injury, but must improve defensive concentration. Considering the group standings, neither side will want to risk a loss, which could lead to a cautious, tactical battle. Tip: double chance 1X (Benfica not to lose).

Club Brugge vs Barcelona (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Barcelona to win

Club Brugge are enjoying a good domestic run but face far tougher challenges in the Champions League. After a strong start against Monaco came defeats to Atalanta and Bayern, exposing the Belgian champions’ defensive weaknesses. Coach Nicky Hayen’s team have attacking creativity, especially through Tzolis and Tresoldi, but without the experienced Mignolet they look fragile at the back. Barcelona, with Lewandowski and Olmo back in the lineup, have regained their balance, and Flick has restored a winning rhythm. Despite the injuries to Gavi, Pedri, and Raphinha, the Catalans possess enough quality and depth to remain dangerous. Young Lamine Yamal adds pace and energy, which could be crucial against the Belgian defense. Barcelona are handling their European fixtures better than last season and remain second in La Liga, giving them every reason to maintain momentum. Brugge will try to play bravely, but against Barcelona’s combination of quality and experience, it will be hard to keep up. Tip: Barcelona to win.

Inter Milan vs Kairat Almaty (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Inter to win

Inter are among the most compact teams in this year’s Champions League and, after three wins without conceding a goal, are close to securing qualification. Coach Chivu leads the team with precision reminiscent of the golden eras of Italian football. The defense functions superbly, the midfield is creative, and the attack led by Lautaro Martínez poses a constant threat. The Argentine captain has scored eleven goals in his last ten European games and remains one of the competition’s most reliable strikers. Kairat, while improving domestically, are paying a heavy price for inexperience in Europe. The Kazakh champions lack seasoned players and are missing key Brazilians who were left out of the squad, relying instead on youngsters like Satpayev. Inter have enough depth even when rotating, allowing them to maintain high standards. Their run of seventeen consecutive home games without a European defeat is another factor in their favor. Everything points toward a straightforward victory and confirmation of Inter’s dominance. Tip: Inter to win.

Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Manchester City to win

Two attacking sides meet at the Etihad, but with very different approaches. Manchester City are once again operating in machine-like rhythm, seven points from nine and a winning streak in the Premier League confirming the power of Guardiola’s system. Haaland is back in peak form and will be highly motivated against his former club. City traditionally dominate possession and tempo at home, something Dortmund will find extremely difficult to cope with. The German side have scored plenty in Europe — twelve goals in three matches — but have also conceded too many. Niko Kovac has Schlotterbeck and Süle available, but their defense can still look shaky. Their attack, led by Nmecha and the younger Bellingham, has flair, yet English away trips tend to be more punishing. City have won their last eleven home games against German opposition, a statistic that underlines their superiority. Their technical quality, depth, and control should once again prove decisive. Tip: Manchester City to win.

Marseille vs Atalanta BC (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Marseille to win

Marseille return to their home ground, where they traditionally perform at their best. De Zerbi’s team handle European nights at the Vélodrome with energy few sides can withstand. After a narrow defeat in Lisbon, motivation will be immense, especially with key forward Paixao returning, already with three goals in the competition. Atalanta, meanwhile, have lost their attacking spark after a run of draws and frustrating performances — their forwards Lookman and Scamacca are lacking confidence. Coach Juric has managed to stabilize the defense, but the offensive phase suffers from a lack of movement and self-belief. Marseille rely on aggressive pressing and creative wing play, with Aubameyang still capable of turning matches through moments of brilliance. The Italian side depend on organization and experience but lack speed in transitions. The French vice-champions also have an excellent home European record and know how to feed off the passionate crowd. Tip: Marseille to win.

Newcastle United vs Athletic Bilbao (5.11.2025, 21:00)

Tip: Newcastle to win

St. James’ Park remains a fortress that few teams can breach. Newcastle have won their last four home games and have kept two clean sheets in the Champions League. Eddie Howe’s side play compact, high-intensity football that causes problems for almost any opponent. After victories over Union SG and Benfica, confidence is high, even though a recent domestic defeat to West Ham exposed some weaknesses away from home. Athletic Bilbao arrive with inconsistent form and a significantly weakened squad. The long-term absence of Inaki Williams is a major blow, depriving the attack of pace and directness. Defensively, the Basques have also struggled, losing four of their last five away matches — an alarming trend. Newcastle boast greater squad depth and attacking versatility, which could be decisive on home soil. The visitors will rely on the younger Williams brother, but the pressure and intensity of the English crowd will be immense. Tip: Newcastle to win.

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