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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
11 Feb 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Predictions Play-offs 25/26
All predictions for the first legs of the 2025/26 Champions League play-offs. Current form, background insights and match-ups at a glance. Information on Europe’s elite competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Predictions Play-offs 25/26
With the league phase now behind us, heavy hitters like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have already booked their tickets straight to the round of 16. Our current focus shifts to the teams forced to take the longer route through the play-offs. This includes giants like Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid—teams that showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain the consistency needed to avoid this stage. Meanwhile, clubs like Napoli, Marseille, and Ajax have been knocked out of the competition entirely.
The upcoming first-leg ties will be a fascinating clash of styles: raw ambition versus seasoned experience, and high-energy euphoria against tactical discipline. Underdogs like Club Brugge, Qarabag, and Bodø/Glimt are stepping up to challenge inconsistent powerhouses such as Dortmund and Juventus. At this stage, the goal for most teams isn't necessarily to kill the tie early, but rather to maintain composure, dictate the tempo, and build a safe foundation for the second leg.
Quick Betting Tips from Merkur for the Champions League Play-offs
Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Juventus Turin
Even after a tough loss to Manchester City, Galatasaray managed to fight their way into the play-offs. However, that match exposed some worrying gaps in how they build their attacks, so they'll be leaning heavily on their home crowd for inspiration. Juventus enters this clash as a bit of a wild card; while they are showing signs of recovery after a slump, a draw with Monaco and a bruising 3–0 loss to Atalanta in the Coppa Italia show they aren't fully back. Expect a cautious, tactical battle where neither side wants to overextend.
Tip: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Benfica Lisbon vs Real Madrid
Benfica rode a wave of emotion to a 4–2 victory over Real, utilizing an aggressive press and clinical finishing. The highlight was a stunning header from goalkeeper Trubin, which helped secure their spot in the play-offs. Real Madrid, on the other hand, saw their grip on a top-eight finish slip away due to a chaotic defensive display. Now, just one game later, the big question is whether Benfica can replicate that same intensity against the Spanish giants.
Tip: Both teams to score
AS Monaco vs Paris SG
Monaco's recent 0–0 draw with Juventus proved they can be a wall defensively, but it also highlighted a lingering struggle to create chances. PSG finds themselves in the play-offs alongside Newcastle after a frustrating 1–1 result. As the technically superior side and defending champions, PSG will look to dictate the pace and be clinical in front of goal, while Monaco will likely sit deep and rely on quick breaks to find a way through.
Tip: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Bergamo
Dortmund's recent defeat to Inter served as a stark reminder that they are currently lacking a clinical edge in the final third. Atalanta isn't faring much better; their own struggles with scoring led to a slide down the rankings following a loss to Saint-Gilloise. Their only recent bright spot was a victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia. BVB should brace themselves for a high-intensity, physical encounter.
Tip: 1
Qarabag Agdam vs Newcastle United
Qarabag has a history of reaching the play-offs, but their journey hit a wall in a humbling 6–0 drubbing by Liverpool. Now, the Azerbaijani side faces another English opponent in Newcastle. The Magpies are desperate for a win after a string of losses to the likes of Brentford, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. If Newcastle can stay focused and patient, they should be the clear favorites here.
Tip: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Bodö/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Bodø/Glimt have been the surprise package, grinding their way forward with shocking wins over Atlético and Manchester City. The Norwegian side has played with a level of bravery and speed that has caught many off guard. However, Inter Milan remains the favorite; they are currently on a five-game winning streak, most recently putting in a professional 2–0 performance against Dortmund. This matchup is essentially a clash between Inter's structured discipline and Bodø/Glimt's unpredictable energy.
Tip: 2 + both teams to score
Olympiakos Piraeus vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Olympiakos showed they can thrive in high-pressure games by efficiently knocking out Ajax. They already have a psychological edge over Leverkusen, having beaten them 2–0 a few weeks back. Now, they meet again. The 'Werkself' are currently in great form, having dominated Villarreal with an aggressive high press. The key to this match will be whether Olympiakos can break Leverkusen's rhythm and keep their defense tight.
Tip: Draw
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
Club Brugge entered this stage with plenty of confidence after a dominant win over Marseille, though that game showed they rely heavily on scoring early to control the narrative. Their opponents, Atlético, are looking for redemption after a shocking loss to Bodø/Glimt. We expect Brugge to start aggressively, while the visitors will likely focus on a rigid defensive structure and game management. It looks to be a disciplined affair with very few risks taken.
Tip: 2
