Champions League Play-off: The Decisive Week

The second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League play-off round happens this week, with fixtures expected to be thrilling, as the final results will decide the rightful teams earning spots in the round of 16.

Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge

• First leg: 3–3 | Second leg: 0:45 AM, 25/2

The most evenly matched tie in this round comes from Spain and Belgium. Atletico Madrid drew 3–3 at Club Brugge’s home, setting up a tactical second leg. Atletico often scores first and keeps clean sheets at Vicente Calderón, stats that might give them an edge against Club Brugge in the rematch. Meanwhile, Club Brugge can be confident with their recent unbeaten record against Spanish teams, but playing away remains a significant challenge.

In the upcoming match, Atletico might leverage their solid defense and quick counterattacks, whereas Brugge will need patience in attack and to capitalize on set-piece opportunities to surprise their opponents.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos

• First leg: 2–0 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 25/2

Bayer Leverkusen holds a significant advantage after a 2–0 home win in the first leg. They are currently regaining form after an early-season setback, and statistics show the German side is very strong when leading after the first leg, having won 24 of 26 knockout ties under such circumstances. Olympiacos has a solid defense but facing Leverkusen’s quality attack away is a tough challenge.

Predictions suggest Bayer Leverkusen will focus on ball control and avoid rushing to score, while Olympiacos must show greater resilience in pressing to create surprises.

Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt

• First leg: 1–3 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 25/2

Inter Milan faces a difficult situation after conceding a 3–1 defeat at home to Bodø/Glimt in the first leg. Nerazzurri have a tradition of success in knockout ties, but overturning a two-goal deficit in the second leg is a tough task. Bodø/Glimt play high-pressing football and are in excellent form after wins over Man City and Atletico Madrid, so they are confident in defending their lead.

With home advantage, Inter must push forward and play an all-out attack to reverse the scoreline. Bodø/Glimt, meanwhile, should stay composed defensively and exploit their speed on counterattacks.

Newcastle vs Qarabag

• First leg: 6–1 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 25/2

Newcastle enters the second leg with a huge advantage after a dominant performance in the first leg. The Premier League side showed clear superiority by creating a five-goal margin. With this result, Newcastle has practically secured a place in the Champions League round of 16. Qarabag has gained considerable experience in recent European campaigns, but their first-leg defeat highlights the need to improve to make an impact in Europe. Playing away in the return leg, it will be very difficult for Qarabag to cause an upset.

Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund

• First leg: 0–2 | Second leg: 0:45 AM, 26/2

Borussia Dortmund holds the advantage with a 2–0 home victory. If they maintain defensive solidity and capitalize on their forwards' threat, they will advance to the round of 16. Atalanta plays with great determination and has strong attacking power, but facing Dortmund’s well-organized defense will be a major challenge.

With a two-goal lead, Dortmund needs to keep a stable pace from the start and minimize defensive errors to protect their advantage. Atalanta, on the other hand, must attack aggressively to score early.

Juventus vs Galatasaray

• First leg: 2–5 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 26/2

The biggest shock of the first leg came from Turkey, where Galatasaray crushed Juventus 5–2. The return leg in Turin promises to be unforgettable as Juventus need to score at least three goals and keep a clean sheet, a tough task for the Italian team in recent seasons. Galatasaray is confident and has impressive scoring ability but must be cautious away at Juventus to ensure safety. Juventus must find an early goal to "unlock" the game, so they need a plan to break Galatasaray’s disciplined defense.

Real Madrid vs Benfica

• First leg: 1–0 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 26/2

Real Madrid holds a slim advantage after a 1–0 away win. Statistics show “Los Blancos” are very strong when winning on the road and usually prevail in two-legged ties. Benfica will have to play more openly in the second leg to find goals, but head-to-head history and recent form indicate Real Madrid remains the favorite.

Real Madrid is expected to control the second leg, while Benfica aims to cause an upset but should avoid complacency to prevent costly counterattacks.

PSG vs Monaco

• First leg: 3–2 | Second leg: 3:00 AM, 26/2

The French derby between PSG and AS Monaco is very close after the first leg, with only a one-goal difference. PSG holds a slight edge due to the previous result, but Monaco is resilient and can trouble any big team. This matchup promises to be one of the most exciting as both sides excel in dynamic attacking play. The small margin means neither will hesitate to attack, promising a thrilling goal chase.