Published 2025-11-18 20.45
The focus is on women’s football on Wednesday as Häcken will try to advance further in the European Cup. In addition, we will look at five matches from the Champions League where there are both clear spikes and the occasional potential bang. The conclusion takes place in Brazil.
End of game: 18.29, Wednesday 19/11
In the large South American country, a heated derby between Fluminense and Flamengo will be played, among other things. The latter top the table with three rounds left to play, but have a lot of players away on national team assignments. It can cause it. The same applies to table runner-up Palmeiras, who are shown as clear favorites in their match. I work there terribly. It can also be heard in Vålerenga’s match, while Lyon is a super sure nail to build the system around.
Of course we will play together and if you like my thoughts, just click on the link in the text. Now it’s time to get started!
More of my early thoughts can be found below:
Stable nail!
Match 3 (Lyon)
If there is any team that will stop Barcelona this season, it is probably Lyon. The French giants, with plenty of CL titles under their belt, look really good and have won all their competitive matches this season. The squad is absolutely packed with quality all the way from goalkeeper Endler, who is one of the best in the world, up to the top. Renard is still one of the best centre-backs, especially in the air, and at the top there is both speed and physicality in Katoto, Chawinga, Dumornay and Hegerberg. A complete team.
Juventus have done well given their conditions and defeated both Benfica and Atlético Madrid during the autumn. However, this is not just one step up, but rather five steps. Despite being at home, Juventus have no chance. Easy win for Lyon.
Salt the peel!
Match 7 (Palmeiras)
Palmeiras topped the Brazilian league until a few days ago, but two consecutive defeats have seen Flamengo slip past. The last loss against Neymar’s Santos was really heavy. The only goal of the match then fell in the 91st minute. Lots of players were missing then and the same applies now even though Pereira is back from his suspension. Piquerez, Martínez and Torres are away with Uruguay, Vitor Roque is selected in Brazil’s national team and Sosa and captain Gómez are training with Paraguay. In addition, goalkeeper Weverton has been injured for some time. It’s no wonder things are getting worse with these huge breaks.
Vitória are below the relegation zone and have huge injury problems. In addition, they are one of the worst away teams in the series. However, they face Palmeiras in exactly the right position. I’m picking with all the signs and hope that the hosts’ poor form lasts.
Brief about all matches
1. Inter – Hecken 1
Häcken made a fine effort at home against Inter and managed to win 1-0 after an early own goal. Players like Anvegård and Wickenheiser put in an enormous amount of work in the middle, while Bergström was constantly steaming along the right wing. However, Inter created some chances without getting the ball in, and players like Wullaert and Magull will have more of a say in Milan. 1X is first out, but I’m happy to have the second on a corner as well if the wallet allows.
2. Wolfsburg – Manchester United 1
Manchester United didn’t make a big effort at home against PSG and Anna Sandberg had big problems keeping clean on her side. In the end, however, it was she who became a minor match hero when she served Fridolina Rolfö to decide 2-1. Thus, United have three consecutive victories in the Champions League. That streak ends now. Wolfsburg were slaughtered by Lyon, but earlier in the autumn won big at home against PSG. On German soil, I like the left side the most. 1X is tested.
3. Juventus – Lyon 2
Lyon is perhaps the only team in the world that can measure up to Barcelona. The squad is absolutely teeming with quality and there are so many ways the visitors can attack. It matters less if Hegerberg, Katoto or Chawinga get the chance, Lyon will score. Juventus have had a good league phase so far, but now they have no chance despite being at home. Second place is a given and nailed without a doubt.
4. Vålerenga – St. Pölten 1
Vålerenga has done most of the right things during the autumn and in the last round of the Champions League they beat Roma away from home. Before that, the Norwegians have pressured both Wolfsburg and Manchester United. They are rightful favorites now, but the question is how the hosts will cope with the pressure to carry the game. St. Pölten is last in the table and is nothing extra. Here, however, they are drawn a bit low. Preferably all signs and freak jobs.
5. Arsenal – Real Madrid 1
It is something that is not right at Arsenal. Slegers does not get its star-studded team to play particularly well and this weekend The Gunners were actually downright weak in the derby against Tottenham. Williamson is missing, but that shouldn’t affect much. Now Blackstenius and her friends are visited by Real Madrid in an important fight after the last defeat against Bayern Munich. Then I think Arsenal will pull themselves together. Real Madrid was not good last time against Paris FC (1-1) and this is even tougher. It is with shivers on the bar, but one is nailed.
6. Paris FC – Benfica 1
Paris FC started the Champions League weakly with a cross against small Leuven and a big loss against Chelsea. The effort against Real Madrid was all the better and then the Parisians were just seconds away from winning. However, it ended 1-1 and PFC would need a win on Wednesday. Benfica do what they can and the player material is equivalent to the opponents. However, they are most comfortable at home in Portugal and here one is a sensible exit in my book.
7. Palmeiras – Vitória 1
Palmeiras are undoubtedly one of the best teams in South America and they are at the top of the Série A table. Now, however, more than half of the regular starting eleven is missing due to injuries and national team assignments. Of course it affects the performance, just like it did last time when Palmeiras were beaten by Santos. Vitória is certainly nothing extra, but if there’s ever a time they’re going to beat Palmeiras, it’s now. We pick with all signs and work hard.
8. Fluminense – Flamengo 1
We end it all with a really cool derby from Rio de Janeiro where Flamengo will try to defend their first place in the series. However, they have the same problem as runner-up Palmeiras, half the team is on national team duty. In addition, Jorginho is injured and then this could be a tough derby. Fluminense is led by midfield giant Thiago Silva and he may well keep the hosts close. I go for the value and test 1X.
48 lines
1. Inter – Hecken 1x
2. Wolfsburg – Manchester United 1x
3. Juventus – Lyon 2
4. Vålerenga – St. Pölten 12
5. Arsenal – Real Madrid 1
6. Paris FC – Benfica 1
7. Palmeiras – Vitória 1×2
8. Fluminense – Flamengo 1x
216 lines
1. Inter – Hedge 1×2
2. Wolfsburg – Manchester United 1x
3. Juventus – Lyon 2
4. Vålerenga – St. Pölten 1×2
5. Arsenal – Real Madrid 1
6. Paris FC – Benfica 1x
7. Palmeiras – Vitória 1×2
8. Fluminense – Flamengo 1x
