Champions League Fixtures 2014: Schedule, Live Stream, Predictions for Week 3
The third and fourth games of the Champions League group stage are always an intriguing facet of the campaign. Those involved play back-to-back fixtures against the same side and typically, it’s these two fixtures that determine whether a team will be battling it out to top the group, or looking to secure third position and a subsequent Europa League place.
The first of these two games is always hugely important, and a strong performance on Matchday 3 can set a strong precedent with the reverse fixture to come in just a couple of weeks' time. Subsequently, with everything to play for regarding all 32 teams competing, it’s this section of the group phase that often yields the most entertaining battles. And there are some hugely enticing ties to look forward to on Matchday 3.
TOP NEWS
Madrid Fines Players $590K 😲
'Mbappé Out' Petition Gaining Steam 😳
Star-Studded World Cup Ad 🤩
To ensure you don’t miss any of the games that catch your eye, here’s all the information you need on where to catch all the 16 matches via a live stream. Let’s also take a look at some of the key battles and how they’re likely to play out.
| Tuesday 21 October | |||
| CSKA vs. Manchester City | E | 5 p.m. | 1-2 |
| Roma vs. Bayern Munich | E | 7:45 p.m. | 1-1 |
| Apoel vs. PSG | F | 7:45 p.m. | 0-2 |
| Barcelona vs. Ajax | F | 7:45 p.m. | 2-0 |
| Chelsea vs. NK Maribor | G | 7:45 p.m. | 4-0 |
| Schalke vs. Sporting | G | 7:45 p.m. | 2-1 |
| BATE Borisov vs. Shakhtar | H | 7:45 p.m. | 0-1 |
| Porto vs. Athletic Bilbao | H | 7:45 p.m. | 2-1 |
| Wednesday 22 October | |||
| Atletico Madrid vs. Malmo | A | 7:45 p.m. | 3-0 |
| Olympiakos vs. Juventus | A | 7:45 p.m. | 1-2 |
| Liverpool vs. Real Madrid | B | 7:45 p.m. | 1-3 |
| Ludogorets vs. Basel | B | 7:45 p.m. | 0-1 |
| Bayer Leverkusen vs. Zenit | C | 7:45 p.m. | 1-1 |
| Monaco vs. Benfica | C | 7:45 p.m. | 1-2 |
| Galatasaray vs. Dortmund | D | 7:45 p.m. | 2-1 |
| Anderlecht vs. Arsenal | D | 7:45 p.m. | 2-2 |
All games will be streamed live via Sky Go, aside from Chelsea vs. Maribor, which can be viewed via ITV Player
Roma vs. Bayern Munich
Despite having a host of crucial players missing through injury, Roma have impressed plenty with displays bristling with swagger and intensity in the early stages of the season. And you suspect that, given their excellent early season form, the Giallorossi will be keen to test themselves against the might of Bayern Munich.
The 2013 champions currently top Group E after securing narrow 1-0 victories in both of their games so far. Bayern have been efficient and cohesive in Europe up to now, and while those qualities will be vital if they’re to pick up a result in Rome, Pep Guardiola’s side will need to find an effervescent attacking edge too.
In their recent 6-0 victory over Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga there were signs that incisiveness is beginning to come back. Xabi Alonso—who has been superb since his summer move to Bavaria from Real Madrid—scored this magnificent goal in that rout, per Betway:
Roma hammered CSKA Moscow 5-1 in their opening group game at the Stadio Olimpico and although Bayern are a fine outfit, it’s difficult to see Rudi Garcia’s side falling to defeat in front of their own supporters, especially given their marvellous run of form. You suspect both sides would be happy with a point here, and that looks the most likely outcome.
Prediction: Roma 1-1 Bayern Munich
Barcelona vs. Ajax
Two of the biggest names in European football will do battle at the Camp Nou on Matchday 3 of the Champions League, as Barcelona host Ajax in a match that’s vital for the qualification hopes of both sides.
While they’ve been nothing short of magnificent on the domestic front, the Blaugrana have really struggled for form in European competition. Luis Enrique’s side were unconvincing in their 1-0 win over Apoel Nicosia in their first match of the tournament, and in their second game they were simply unable to cope with the physicality and intensity of Paris Saint-Germain, losing 3-2 at the Parc des Princes.
They currently sit in second place in the group, but Enrique will know victory here is critical if they’re to have any chance of topping Group F, especially with the French champions about to play the Cypriot minnows in back-to-back matches. But in front of a capacity crowd at the Camp Nou, you’d have to fancy the four-time European champions to emerge victorious.
The Dutch giants did beat Barcelona in this competition last season though and with that triumph relatively fresh in their memory, they should be confident heading into this one:
Ajax have drawn both of their games in the Champions League, and while they look like a solid outfit under the tutelage of Frank de Boer, they lack the cutting edge to trouble the very best sides. They’d be delighted with a point in this clash, but with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar in situ, it’s difficult to see anything other than a comfortable Barca win.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Ajax
Liverpool vs. Real Madrid
Not only is this a vital clash for both sides as they look to qualify for the next round, but for those supporters lucky enough to be inside Anfield, this one should be a truly magnificent spectacle.
This match is the one that Liverpool supporters would have been looking forward to the most when the draw was made, and the prospect of seeing their players pit their wits against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale is an enticing one. With that in mind, expect a scintillating Anfield atmosphere under the iconic floodlights.
The anticipation will be stirred further as the last time they met the Spanish giants in this competition, this happened:
Liverpool could really do with similar a result in this one, although it looks admittedly unlikely. A loss in Basel for Brendan Rodgers’ side last time out represented a real dent in their qualification hopes, and another defeat here would really heap the pressure onto the Reds with three games to go, including a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
After starting the campaign with a stutter, the European Champions look to have rediscovered their swagger in recent weeks, and in Ronaldo they currently have the hottest goalscorer in the game. It’s difficult to see a ropey Reds back line keeping out the Portuguese sensation, and as such, the home side will find it extremely difficult to establish a foothold in the game.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-3 Real Madrid
