The penultimate matchday of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League unfolds on December 5 and 6, featuring critical matchups that could influence the knockout stage. Among the highlights is Arsenal’s visit to Italy to face Inter Milan, a clash between two football giants vying for top honors in Europe.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Arsenal leads the UEFA Champions League table and arrives in Milan with strong momentum from their Premier League campaign. In contrast, Inter Milan is grappling with mixed results in both Serie A and the Champions League, having suffered two consecutive defeats that have dimmed their hopes of finishing in the top eight. The absence of key players such as Denzel Dumfries and Hakan Calhanoglu raises concerns for the home team. Both teams recognize the importance of this game, with Inter needing a strong performance to keep their knockout phase hopes alive.
Analysts predict a closely contested match, with a final score of 2-2 likely as both teams aim to capitalize on their offensive strengths.
Another notable match features Bayer Leverkusen facing Olympiacos in Greece. Leverkusen, currently struggling in the Bundesliga and sitting sixth in the table, needs a win to secure their place in the knockout phase. They have a long injury list, including two first-choice center-backs and Exequiel Palacios, making their task more daunting. On the other hand, Olympiacos, who are nearly at the top of the Liga Portugal standings, see this match as an opportunity to advance further in the Champions League. A prediction of a 1-1 draw seems plausible given the circumstances both teams face.
Additional Matches of Interest
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) takes on Sporting CP in another significant matchup. PSG, currently third in the Champions League and second in Ligue 1, is looking to secure their advance to the knockout stage without complications. Sporting CP, despite sitting mid-table in the Champions League, has shown resilience in Liga Portugal, ranking second. However, they will miss key players, including Pedro Goncalves. PSG, coping with absences of their own, including Joao Neves and possibly Achraf Hakimi, is still expected to overpower Sporting CP, with a predicted score of 2-1.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid hosts AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu. Under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid is just one point off the La Liga lead and is poised to secure a spot in the next phase of the Champions League. Monaco, struggling in Ligue 1 and mid-table in the Champions League, faces significant challenges if they are without striker Folarin Balogun and other key players. A home victory for Real Madrid is anticipated, with a prediction of 2-0.
Finally, Napoli travels to Copenhagen, where they face a crucial match to maintain their Champions League aspirations. With injuries plaguing their squad, including the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli’s chances appear slim. Conversely, Copenhagen capitalizes on home advantage and the return of striker Rasmus Hojlund. This match could mark a turning point for Copenhagen, with a predicted outcome of 2-1 in their favor.
As the Champions League intensifies, these matches promise excitement and critical implications for the teams involved. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these encounters will unfold, shaping the landscape of European football for the remainder of the season.