It’s been a dreadful start to the season, and for that I can only apologise. A few too many near misses, a couple of bad reads, and the wallet’s taken a hit. So after a short break to clear the head, I’m back for a crack at the opening round of Champions League fixtures, and it’s a belter of a card to get stuck into.
Odds provided by Stake.com.
Borussia Dortmund v Villarreal
UEFA Champions League, Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany, 9pm CET, Tuesday 8th September
Prices: 1.82, 4.10, 4.10
Dortmund have opened their Bundesliga campaign with two wins from two, playing with real tempo and intent. Serhou Guirassy looks elite, sharp movement, ruthless finishing, and I’m surprised he wasn’t linked with a move away in the summer. Then there’s Ethan Nwaneri who adds a layer of excitement for the home crowd after a great cameo at the weekend.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are winless in La Liga and look short of confidence, struggling to find rhythm under pressure. At this price, I’m surprised Dortmund aren’t shorter. The Yellow Wall will be bouncing, and with their attacking options clicking early, they should have far too much for a Spanish side still searching for form.
Tip: Borussia Dortmund to win @ 1.82. 1 unit.
Real Madrid v Inter
UEFA Champions League, Santiago Bernebeu, Madrid, Spain, 9pm CET, Tuesday 8th September
Prices: 1.62 Real Madrid, 4.60 Draw, 4.90 Inter
Arguably the pick of the round. Mourinho returns to face one of his old clubs, and stylistically it’s fascinating. Inter are organised, physical, and hard to break down, but Real Madrid have started the season with real authority.
Jude Bellingham has been immense. He’s dictating games, scoring, assisting, and carrying Madrid forward with a maturity that’s honestly absurd for his age. Even money for him to score or assist feels generous. Against a top opponent, he’s still capable of producing something decisive.
Tip: Jude Bellingham to score or assist @ 2.00. 1 unit.
Barcelona v Feyenoord
UEFA Champions League, Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain, 6.45pm CET, Wednesday 9th September
Prices: 1.09 Barcelona, 12.00 Draw, 22.00 Feyenoord
Barcelona have started the season in ridiculous form, 17 goals in four games, and they look sharp, fluid, and dangerous from every angle. The attacking options are stacked: Raphinha’s directness, Yamal’s outrageous talent, Jesús’ link play, Adeyemi’s pace, Olmo’s intelligence, Gordon’s versatility… and then there’s Fermín López, who has been the standout.
Four goals in four, full of confidence, and he’s odds‑against to score anytime. He’s arriving late, he’s finding pockets, and he’s finishing like a player who knows he belongs at this level.
Feyenoord are brave and well‑coached, but they’re walking into a storm here. Barca have fallen short in Europe recently, and they’ll want to make a statement early.
Tip: Fermín López to score anytime @ 2.01. 1 unit.
Check out Tommy the Punter’s tipping record here.