The opening contests for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League have finally arrived. On Tuesday, UCL kicks off with the first six matches, including some high-powered matchups. Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid seeks to add another UCL title to their trophy case, while French side Olympique Marseille looks to play spoiler.
Real Madrid are -260 favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook for this one, with a draw available at +450. If you favor a Marseille upset, they are +300 on the moneyline.
Real Madrid vs. Marseille Prediction, Pick
It’s been the perfect start to the season for Real Madrid. They’re 4-0 in their first four La Liga matches—a great start as they look to reclaim the number one spot in the Spanish top flight. After a “disappointing” debut season for Real, where Kylian Mbappé broke the club record for goals in a debut campaign, the superstar French forward has scored four times in four contests. He’s doing things you rarely see on the pitch.
Mbappé and Arda Güler have been a fierce attacking pairing in front of an always-stout Madrid defense, and it’s a squad that has the look of a serious UCL contender. Currently, Madrid is sixth in odds to take home the trophy at +900. But before we get that far, there’s the group stage to consider.
After a second-place finish in Ligue 1 this past season, Marseille hoped to push for a league title this year. And despite an excellent start for their attack, they haven’t hit the mark just yet, with two wins and two losses across four league ties. The attacking has been mercurial, to say the least—Marseille have been shut out twice, while scoring four and five goals in their two victories. If they have any hope of knocking off Madrid, it’s with their attack.
Madrid should clean up in this game, but it’s hard to find value on their line. One thing is for sure: the attacking talent in this match is high, and the Marseille defense is suspect. You can count on a high goal total.
