The 2024 Champions League is heating up as matchday 27 rolls in on November 27. With ten games on the schedule, every club is either chasing a knockout berth or scrambling to stay afloat in the group. Below is a run‑through of the biggest fixtures, the odds shaping betting markets, and why each result could tip the balance for the clubs involved.
High‑Profile Showdowns
UEFA Champions League fans have their eyes glued to Anfield, where Liverpool host Real Madrid at 3:00 PM ET. Liverpool entered the evening with a flawless 4‑0‑0 record, while the Spanish giants had a modest 2‑0‑2 tally. Bookmakers gave the home side -115 odds, suggesting a slight edge, and set the over/under at 3.5 goals. Liverpool’s recent form at Anfield has been electric, but Madrid’s eight‑game winning streak against the Reds – after a 28‑year lull – adds a psychological twist.
Meanwhile, the clash between Juventus and Aston Villa promises an Italian‑English duel. Villa, fresh off a surprise win over Newcastle, will look to capitalize on Juventus’ occasional defensive lapses. Bettors are leaning toward a tight contest, with many expecting a narrow Villa victory on the road.
Other Fixtures and Predictions
Below is a quick‑fire rundown of the remaining matchups, complete with our forecast scores and a note on what each result could mean for the group table.
- Stuttgart vs Crvena Zvezda – Prediction: 2‑0 to Stuttgart. The Bundesliga side needs three points to secure a spot in the top 24, while Crvena Zvezda remains winless and fighting for survival.
- SK Sturm Graz vs Girona – Prediction: 1‑2 to Girona. Both clubs come in hot from defeats (Graz 0‑1 to Dortmund, Girona 0‑4 to PSV), but Girona’s attacking firepower should prove decisive.
- Monaco vs Benfica – Prediction: 1‑1 draw. Both teams possess solid home records, and a draw would keep the race for second place in Group C wide open.
- PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk – Prediction: 2‑0 to PSV. The Dutch side has been ruthless at home, highlighted by a 4‑0 demolition of Girona, whereas Shakhtar’s away form has been barren.
- Celtic vs Club Brugge – Prediction: 1‑1. A stalemate reflects Celtic’s defensive resilience and Brugge’s ability to snatch points on the road.
- Bologna vs Lille – Prediction: 0‑1 to Lille. Lille’s compact midfield should silence Bologna’s attack, especially after their recent 2‑0 loss to PSG.
- Dinamo Zagreb vs Borussia Dortmund – Prediction: 1‑2 to Dortmund. Dortmund’s recent 2‑0 win over Sturm Graz shows they can break down defensive setups, and they’ll look to add three more points.
All told, the outcomes on November 27 will reshape the knockout‑stage picture. Teams like Liverpool and Real Madrid are fighting for top‑seed placement, while clubs such as Stuttgart and Crvena Zvezda are battling to stay in the competition. The weekend will also test whether underdogs like Aston Villa can continue their surprise runs, and if the back‑handed odds on clubs like Girona will translate into real‑world points.
Fans should keep an eye on injury reports, especially for Madrid, whose midfield has been dealing with fatigue. Those late‑game tactical shifts often decide whether a match ends at the predicted scoreline or turns into a goal‑fest that defies the over/under set by bookmakers.
With the group stage half‑way through, every point feels like a lifeline. Expect intense press conferences, strategic squad rotations, and perhaps a few upsets that keep the Champions League intrigue alive right up to the final whistle.