Champions League Knockout Playoffs: High Stakes And Storylines To Watch

After the chaos, tension, and unpredictability of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase, the competition now turns to the most unforgiving part of the tournament the knockout rounds.

‎Sixteen clubs who finished between 9th and 24th in the standings now enter the playoff stage, battling over two legs for coveted spots in the last 16.

‎Matchday 8 produced one of the most dramatic endings in Champions League history, and while the playoffs promise to be slightly calmer, the intensity is only just beginning.

‎Here’s a deep dive into the major fixtures that headline this week’s knockout action and what you can expect from each tie.

‎Galatasaray vs Juventus

‎The first kickoff of the round pits Galatasaray against Juventus, two clubs whose past meetings have often produced gritty, emotional battles.

‎This marks their seventh Champions League encounter but notably their first ever in the knockout rounds.

‎Historically, Galatasaray have lost only once in six games against the Italian giants, including a 1–0 win back in December 2013, famously sealed by Wesley Sneijder.

‎More relevant today, however, is Gala’s outstanding recent form at RAMS Park, where they’ve tasted defeat just once in their last 11 major European home matches.

‎Juventus, meanwhile, has climbed its way out of early-season chaos. Once sitting as low as 26th after Matchday 4, the arrival of Luciano Spalletti has transformed them into one of the league phase’s most resilient squads.

‎Unbeaten in five Champions League games and with three consecutive clean sheets, Juve are rediscovering their edge.

‎However, they arrive in Istanbul emotionally wounded following a painful Derby d’Italia defeat. Galatasaray, on the other hand, is flying winning four straight since losing to Manchester City, and will rely on Victor Osimhen, who boasts an impressive record against Juventus.

‎Prediction: Galatasaray 1–1 Juventus

‎Benfica vs Real Madrid 

‎Few fixtures carry as much narrative weight as Benfica vs Real Madrid.

‎The Portuguese giants shocked the world on the final matchday of the league phase, beating Madrid 4–2 in a chaotic, unforgettable encounter defined by an astonishing last-minute equalizing header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

‎That goal sent Benfica through on goal difference at the expense of Marseille and sent Madrid into the playoff round.

‎Benfica’s season has been chaotic but effective. They scraped into the playoffs in 24th place, with three wins and five defeats, but arrived with renewed belief under José Mourinho, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions.

‎Their home form at the Estadio da Luz has also been intimidating, and they’ve shown the ability to overwhelm elite opposition when given space and confidence.

‎Real Madrid, meanwhile, remains dangerous but flawed. Domestically they are flying, fresh off a 4–1 win over Real Sociedad powered by a Vinícius Júnior brace.

‎Yet their European form tells a different story, with only two wins in their last five Champions League matches and 12 goals conceded in the league phase.

‎Complicating things further are injuries and suspensions: Jude Bellingham remains out, Rodrygo is suspended, and Eder Militao continues his recovery. Kylian Mbappé is fit again, but his involvement remains a question of tactical choice.

‎With both teams capable of brilliance and defensive chaos, the tie promises unpredictability but Madrid, stung by their recent humiliation in Lisbon, may show a more controlled approach this time.

‎Prediction: Benfica 1–2 Real Madrid

‎Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta 

‎Both Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta finished the league phase poorly, but both walk into this matchup boasting excellent domestic form.

‎Atalanta rose as high as fifth after beating Chelsea on Matchday 6, but two late defeats dropped them to 15th.

‎Dortmund also ended the league phase with back-to-back losses, yet they have rediscovered their intensity in the Bundesliga, winning six straight including a commanding 4–0 victory over Mainz.

‎Historically, Dortmund have struggled against Italian opponents, winning only once in their last seven Champions League meetings with Serie A clubs.

‎Atalanta, for their part, have an even harsher record in knockout football, losing each of their last five knockout ties.

‎This meeting feels incredibly even. Only two points separated them in the league table, and they both entered with momentum but also hints of inconsistency.

‎Their last matchup dates to 2018 in the Europa League, when Dortmund narrowly advanced on aggregate.

‎At home, the Signal Iduna Park atmosphere will be a major factor.

‎Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2–1 Atalanta

‎Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain 

‎An all-French showdown adds extra spice to the playoff round, as Monaco hosts reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. Despite being a domestic rivalry, this is their first-ever European meeting.

‎Monaco has had a turbulent campaign. They managed only two wins in the league phase, were thrashed 6–1 by Real Madrid in Matchday 7, but held Juventus to a crucial draw that secured their playoff place by a single point.

‎Their knockout history is worrying, with five straight eliminations in two-legged ties but their home form provides optimism, with four unbeaten Champions League matches at Stade Louis II.

‎PSG enter the tie bruised after a 3–1 defeat to Rennes, losing top spot in Ligue 1 to Lens. The champions also underperformed in the league phase, finishing 11th and dropping out of the automatic qualification positions.

‎However, Luis Enrique’s side has historically excelled in knockout football under pressure. Last season, they obliterated Brest 10–0 on aggregate at this stage the second-biggest knockout margin in UCL history before going on to win the trophy.

‎They have injuries to manage, including Quentin Ndjantou and Fabián Ruiz, but Ousmane Dembélé is in scintillating form, scoring three goals in his last two appearances.

‎Monaco beat PSG 1–0 at home in November but doing it again on the European stage is a different challenge entirely.

‎Prediction: Monaco 0–1 PSG

‎Bodø/Glimt vs Internazionale

‎Anyone predicting a comfortable win for Internazionale should reconsider. Bodø/Glimt’s last two league phase results were sensational: a 3–1 win over Manchester City and a 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid.

‎With those wins, they became one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Another victory would make them the first Norwegian side to ever win three straight European Cup or Champions League matches.

‎Inter, however, is a different beast in knockout football. Excluding finals, they have lost only once in their last 15 knockout matches.

‎Their resilience, tactical discipline, and experience give them a commanding advantage but they will know this trip is more dangerous than it looks.

‎Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid

‎Club Brugge hosts Atlético Madrid in a tie that promises physicality, intensity, and narrow margins.

‎Brugge’s season has been erratic but filled with moments of brilliance. They finished 19th in the league phase but destroyed Marseille 3–0 in their final European game. They’ve also won four of their last five domestic matches, regaining confidence at the perfect time.

‎Their biggest concern remains their defence 17 goals conceded in eight European matches but their attack has shown enough firepower to trouble anyone.

‎Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, remains one of the continent’s most experienced knockout sides. They were stunned by Bodø/Glimt on the last matchday but have the tactical sophistication and mentality to navigate high-pressure ties.

‎This one feels like it will be decided by who handles the key moments better.