The Champions League resumes mid-week with Matchday 3 looming and there will be plenty of exciting showdowns between some of the biggest names in European football. You can watch all games on Paramount+.
Arsenal will hope to maintain their hot start to the season against a lively Atletico Madrid side on Tuesday, while Wednesday's fixtures are highlighted by Juventus' clash with Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are off to a perfect start to the new season and look unstoppable. Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli and Barcelona? Not so much, and with an early defeat and six games remaining, every mistake could cost them in the league stages.
Expert picks from the CBS Sports football editorial staff. Dive into our predictions below.
Don't miss a Champions League game. As always, you can watch all coverage throughout the season on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Tuesday’s Champions League matches
Match of the Day: Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid, 3 p.m. ET
Player to watch: Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal: Mikel Arteta, the midfield maestro who has been in fine form since joining from Real Sociedad, will surely feel comfortable welcoming his compatriot to north London. Rather than having the ball advantage of the Spanish playmaker, Zubimendi focused on providing quick passes to the players in front of him in a way that allowed Arsenal to move forward dangerously. — James Benge
Best player of the match: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal: We expect the forwards to face a tough challenge from the defense organized by Argentina coach Diego Simeone on Tuesday, which is why players like Bukayo Saka play a vital role in one-on-one situations and in transition. Saka has already scored a goal in the Champions League against Olympiacos, he is such an attacking player. — Francesco Borzio
prophecy: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid – In a showdown between a team whose defense is nearly impenetrable and another who relies on attack to survive, it looks like Arsenal's smart bet on defensive resolve will pay off. Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez is the kind of shooter who can break through even the best defenders, and the Gunners may still have to answer the question of which of their many attackers is actually the most effective, but regardless of who starts, the Gunners' other big bet on depth should pay off. ——Pardeep Cat
Top Pick: Bukayo Saka Score or Assist (+240): Saka has not lived up to his usual high standards this season, scoring just three goals and no assists in his first eight games, but he will get his chance against Atletico Madrid at home. This isn't the usual defensively solid Atletico side, and even if Victor Chokres doesn't pass up the chance Saka creates, the space provided by the Swedish striker would give Saka a chance to score of his own and clear the line in Arsenal's win. — Chuck Booth
Barcelona vs. Olympiacos, 12:45 p.m. ET
Player to watch: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona: The pressure is on to sign a loan signing from Barcelona, and it's worth noting that his performances were suspected by many as being above his level after he left Manchester United on loan. With Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamar all still working their way back to full fitness, Rashford will be under pressure to provide shots and create chances for his teammates. — James Benge
Man of the match: Pedri, Barcelona – The Spanish midfielder is the most creative midfielder in Hansi Flick's side and his abilities will be crucial for Barca in this game. With Barcelona expected to dominate the match with Luis Co., he could be a player who can help the forwards score some goals. — Francesco Borzio
prophecy: Barcelona 4, Olympiacos 0 — Barcelona are the favorites in this competition for a reason, so expect the Champions League hopefuls to act accordingly. Lamine Yamal looks set to play a big role, but for a game like this, head coach Hansi Flick will be spoiled for choice with his attacking options, with everyone capable of finishing chances against the Greek visitors. A lopsided win is expected for the reigning La Liga champions as they chase their second Champions League win of the season. ——Pardeep Cat
Best bet: Over 1.5 goals in first half (-110): Barcelona should look to create chances quickly, which will benefit both them and Olympiacos. The Greek side may only have a chance to counterattack that day, so why not attack the goal market in the first half. Barcelona's high defensive line under Hansi Flick means goals will come pouring in from somewhere, and with Lamine Yamal back in the starting XI, the odds are in the Spanish side's favour. — Chuck Booth
Wednesday's Champions League match
Match of the Day: Real Madrid vs. Juventus, 3 p.m. ET
Player to watch: Jonathan David, Juventus: David was the hero a year ago when Lille beat Real Madrid in the league. He faces the Spanish giants, this time desperate to prove he is the kind of striker who can rival Mbappe in European competition, as he did last season. So far, he hasn't come close. There has been just one shot on target so far this season, and there have been zero shots on target in back-to-back games against AC Milan and Como. The bar couldn't be lower. — James Benge
Man of the Match: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid – Juventus are currently going through a challenging moment and they need a positive result, but it won't be easy against Real Madrid. In particular, their disappointing defensive performance will be challenged by France forward Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 15 goals in 11 games in all competitions so far, including a hat-trick in the opening game of the season against Kairat. — Francesco Borzio
prophecy: Real Madrid 3, Juventus 1 – Xabi Alonso's version of Real Madrid is essentially an exercise in limiting efficiency, so modest scorelines are more natural for Real these days than lopsided victories, but they can make a rare exception, and they may do so on Wednesday. Juventus have made a somewhat impressive start to the new season, which could open up an opening for Kylian Mbappe and Co. as they look to extend their perfect start to the Champions League. Alonso also has a host of attackers at his disposal, each likely keen to make their mark in Europe, as the manager continues to rotate his options while keeping Kylian Mbappe front and centre. ——Pardeep Cat
Best Bet: Both teams score and Real Madrid wins (+187): They have too much for Juventus to overcome offensively, especially if the Italian side are unable to face Como away at the weekend. But Xavi Alonso's defense also gave up chances, and with an attacker as talented as Kenan Yildiz, Juventus will find a way to score. Unfortunately, once they do that, they have to deal with stopping Kylian Mbappe. — Chuck Booth
Chelsea vs. Ajax, 3 p.m. ET
Player to watch: Pedro Neto, Chelsea: Enzo Maresca could be without a number of key attackers on Wednesday, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and potentially Enzo Fernandez. In their absence, someone will need to step up and Neto is probably the most senior striker in Chelsea's starting XI. The Portuguese winger has yet to reach a plateau of form, which could justify the $70 million-plus the Wolves paid for him. However, a good game against Nottingham Forest was at least worth the effort. — James Benge
Man of the match: Estevo, Chelsea: The talented Brazilian striker is expected to start his first Champions League game on Wednesday after playing 45 minutes between games against Benfica and Bayern Munich. Game after game, he became an increasingly important part of Enzo Maresca's rotation, scoring the late winner against Liverpool. Now, he looks ready to take the next step and leave his mark on the European stage. — Francesco Borzio
prophecy: Chelsea 3, Ajax 0 ——For an inconsistent team, there is no better treat than an opponent who allows them to turn things around, even if the joy only lasts 90 minutes. Chelsea may have some injuries to contend with and a habitual red card that hinders their ability to win games more often than they should, but Ajax have been incredible in their first Champions League season in three years, conceding six goals in two games without scoring, being vulnerable from set pieces and prone to errors at the back. The Blues have just punished Nottingham Forest of similar nature at the weekend, so expect Enzo Maresca's side to pick up their second win of the European season in the process. ——Pardeep Cat
Best bet: Chelsea win zero (+120): Although the Blues have had their ups and downs this season, this iteration of Ajax looks completely different to the previous teams that have challenged the last 16 in every Champions League game. Chelsea's defense and former Ajax player Jorel Hutto will be able to secure a much-needed three points in the league stage at Stamford Bridge. — Chuck Booth