Champions League Betting Tips: 28 January 2026

You know what? European football doesn’t do things by halves. Matchday eight of the Champions League league phase is here, and Wednesday night dishes up a full slate of intrigue, jeopardy and – if you choose wisely – betting potential. From top‑of‑the‑table duels to survival scraps, we’ve got you covered.

Key takeaways

• Arsenal are perfect so far and face bottom side Kairat.
• Monaco’s dreadful run meets Juve’s resurgence.
• Benfica’s home form collides with red‑hot Madrid.
• Dortmund rarely lose at Signal Iduna Park.
• PSG and Newcastle are level on points but have contrasting away records.

Arsenal v Kairat: Dead rubber or a goal-fest?

Arsenal have been flawless in the league phase, boasting 21 points from seven matches and scoring a joint‑high 20 goals while conceding just twice. Despite Sunday’s shock loss to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta’s rotated side should outclass the Kazakh minnows. Kairat, who have just one point and were thumped 4‑1 by Club Brugge, look out of their depth.

• Tip: Back the home win with a -2 handicap – Arsenal rarely show mercy against weaker opposition.

Monaco v Juventus: Principality nerves

Monaco head into this with a heavy cloud hanging over them. They were hammered 6‑1 by Real Madrid last week and have lost seven of their last nine domestic games. The Principality club are unbeaten at home in Europe, thanks to clean sheets against Spurs and Galatasaray, but a long injury list, including former Juve star Paul Pogba and several defenders, leaves them vulnerable. Juve arrive on a three‑match winning streak and need victory to break into the top eight.

• Tip: Both teams to score looks likely; Monaco must attack, and Juve’s forwards are in form.

Benfica v Real Madrid: History meets modern firepower

Benfica started with four straight defeats but rekindled hope with back‑to‑back wins. However, a 2‑0 loss to Juventus last week put their knockout hopes on life support. Jose Mourinho’s men still boast strong home form, thrashing Estrela Amadora 4‑0. Madrid, meanwhile, have rebounded from domestic turbulence to win three in a row. Kylian Mbappé’s brace at Villarreal and two goals against Monaco took his tally to 11 in the competition, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record. Los Blancos have won eight of their last ten UEFA games against Portuguese opposition.

• Tip: Real Madrid to win; their quality and Mbappé’s form should be decisive.

Dortmund v Inter: Signal Iduna cauldron

Despite last week’s 2‑0 defeat at Tottenham, Dortmund remain among the Champions League’s entertainers, scoring 19 goals in the league phase and losing only once in their last 21 home games. Niko Kovac’s side sit just outside the top eight but will throw everything at this in pursuit of their 100th European victory. Inter have slid down the table after three straight defeats, including a 3‑1 home loss to Arsenal. They still boast Italy’s best away record (eight wins, nine goals conceded), yet key men like Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries are missing.

• Tip: Both teams to score – Dortmund’s attack and Inter’s away prowess hint at goals.

PSG v Newcastle: Champions vs upstarts

Both clubs sit on 13 points, but their trajectories differ. PSG have won five of their last six games at the Parc des Princes and generally finish group campaigns strongly. The holders have not lost a home group match to a Premier League club since 2020, though they could lose two in one season for the first time since 2004. Newcastle, playing in the knockout phase for the first time, struggle on the road; they have only one win in their last four games away and have never beaten a Ligue 1 side in France. Their injury list is long, with key defenders and midfielders doubtful.

• Tip: PSG to win – the champions’ experience and home advantage should tell.

Barcelona v Copenhagen: La Masia vs the Lions

Barcelona are ninth but level on points with three teams above them. Hansi Flick’s side have scored 18 goals yet conceded 13, and they come off a morale‑boosting 3‑0 win over Real Oviedo. Injuries to Ferran Torres, Gavi, Pedri and Andreas Christensen, plus Frenkie de Jong’s suspension, mean the Blaugrana midfield will be makeshift. Copenhagen need a win and help from elsewhere. They’ve taken seven points from their last three Champions League matches, but key midfielder Thomas Delaney is suspended and two players are injured. Jordan Larsson, with eight goals and four assists this season, remains their main threat.

• Tip: Over 2.5 goals – expect open football given both sides’ defensive issues.

Napoli v Chelsea: Conte’s reunion

Napoli, coached by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, are 25th and need maximum points. They suffered a 3‑0 defeat to Juventus and drew with 10‑man Copenhagen. Despite that slump, the Azzurri are formidable at home, earning seven points from nine at the Maradona and boasting eight wins from 11 European matches against English teams. Chelsea have momentum after three straight wins under Liam Rosenior, but their away record in Europe is poor: just two wins in 13 trips to Italy and no Champions League away victory since 2022. Napoli are without Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa and others, while Chelsea have injuries of their own, including doubts over Cole Palmer.

• Tip: Draw or double chance on Napoli – the hosts’ home resilience and Chelsea’s travel woes make the safer play.

What are Champions League betting tips?

Champions League betting tips are informed opinions and predictions on upcoming matches in Europe’s premier club competition. They combine analysis of form, injuries and tactical trends to highlight betting angles, without quoting specific odds.

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Frequently asked questions

The final round of the league phase promises drama and goals. Whether Arsenal complete a perfect run, Monaco salvage pride or Napoli upset Chelsea, there’s plenty to savour. Keep an eye on injuries and form, shop around for the best offers, and most importantly, enjoy the football responsibly. And if European nights aren’t enough, explore our online casino guide for a change of pace.