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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
23 Feb 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Play-off second legs
All predictions for the second leg of the 2025/26 Champions League play-offs. Current form, background information, and exciting matchups. Information about the premier class.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League matchday predictions 2025/26 – Play-off second legs
Our latest previews for the Champions League play-off return legs promise high drama once again. While some ties feel decided, others remain wide open and volatile. Following a dominant 6-1 rout in Baku, Newcastle United are practically halfway to the round of 16. In contrast, Juventus and Inter are facing an uphill battle after devastating first-leg results. Meanwhile, PSG and Real Madrid hold slim leads heading into their home fixtures, meaning there is absolutely no room for error.
Quick betting tips from Merkur for the Champions League play-off returns
Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge
Bruges showed incredible resilience in the first leg, clawing back from a 2-0 deficit by ruthlessly punishing the visitors' mistakes. Atlético looked uncharacteristically shaky at the back, and honestly, the Spaniards were lucky to escape with a 3-3 draw given how strong the Belgians played. However, back at the Wanda Metropolitano, we expect a much more disciplined and compact Atlético. For Bruges to progress, they'll need to maintain that same courage and aggressive attacking intent.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
Inter Milan vs. Bodø/Glimt
The Norwegian underdogs have stunned the football world once more. Bodø/Glimt's winning streak is still intact after they capitalized on every error to secure a convincing 3-1 win. Inter looked strangely toothless in front of goal and couldn't keep up with the pace of the Norwegian side. To turn this around at the San Siro, the Italians must dominate the game from the start, as Bodø will be eager to cause another upset.
Tip: 1 + both teams to score
Newcastle United vs. Qarabag Agdam
Newcastle completely dismantled Qarabag in Baku with a clinical 6-1 victory, racing to a 5-0 lead by halftime. Anthony Gordon was the star of the show, netting four goals against a defense that simply collapsed. In the return leg, the Azerbaijani side will likely focus on damage control. Given the gap in quality, the Magpies are heavy favorites, though Qarabag will need a very early goal to stand any chance.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiakos
Leverkusen took full advantage of a lapse in concentration from the Greek side in the first leg, with Schick scoring twice via quick counters and set pieces. While Olympiacos started with intensity, they fell apart once they conceded. Now playing at the BayArena with their home crowd behind them, the Werkself will look to control the tempo. This forces Piraeus to take risks, which will likely leave them exposed to Bayer's attack.
Tip: 1 + both teams to score
Atalanta Bergamo vs. Borussia Dortmund
Even with a depleted squad, Dortmund enjoyed a dream start to the first leg, with Guirassy helping them dictate the pace for long stretches. Atalanta looked devoid of ideas and struggled to create any real danger. Now on home soil, the Italians are expected to come out much more aggressively and press high. A quick early goal could completely flip the momentum of the tie.
Tip: Draw
Real Madrid vs. Benfica Lisbon
The 1-0 victory in Lisbon was a tight affair, though the atmosphere was electric following that historic 4-2 win on matchday 8. The game was defined by Vinícius' goal, a lengthy stoppage, and Mourinho seeing red. Benfica lost their composure after conceding and failed to find a breakthrough. At the Bernabéu, Real will aim to control the rhythm and kill the game off early.
Tip: 1
Paris SG vs. AS Monaco
After an unexpected slide into the play-offs, the defending champions, PSG, looked shaky again in their 3-2 win over Monaco. Despite some defensive fragility, their individual brilliance saved them late in the game. At the Parc des Princes, expect a much more determined PSG to dominate possession. It will be a massive challenge for Monaco to survive 90 minutes against the depth and quality of the Parisian side at home.
Tip: 1
Juventus Turin vs. Galatasaray Istanbul
The 2-5 thrashing in Istanbul was a nightmare for Juventus, triggered by Cabal's early red card and Bremer's forced exit due to injury. Galatasaray seized the numerical advantage and launched an unrelenting offensive. Back in Turin, Juve must apply pressure from the first whistle and show far more structural discipline if they hope to keep their Round of 16 dreams alive.
Tip: 1
