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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 Champions League matchday predictions for the play-off return legs promise maximum excitement once again. Some duels are still completely open, while others seem to have already been decided, but are still explosive. After their 6-1 win in Baku, Newcastle United can practically start planning for the round of 16. Juventus and Inter, on the other hand, are under massive pressure after significant setbacks. PSG and Real Madrid also go into their home games with narrow or shaky leads and cannot afford to be careless.
Merkur quick tips for the Champions League play-off return legs
Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brügge
Bruges fought back courageously in the first leg after falling behind 0-2 early on and consistently capitalized on the visitors' mistakes. Atlético showed unusual weaknesses in defense. In the end, the Belgians were so strong that the 3-3 draw was even fortunate from the Spanish side's point of view. At the Wanda Metropolitano, however, Atlético are likely to be more compact and allow less space. Bruges must once again start courageously and play purposefully going forward.
Tip: 1 + under 3.5 goals
Inter Mailand vs. Bodö/Glimt
Once again, the underdogs from Norway surprised everyone. Bodö/Glimt's winning streak continues. They consistently exploited their opponents' mistakes, ultimately securing a strong 3-1 victory. Inter were surprisingly harmless in attack and struggled to find solutions against the Norwegians' pace. The team will have to be much more dominant at San Siro. Bodö will be challenged.
Tip: 1 + both teams score
Newcastle United vs. Qarabag Agdam
Newcastle dominated the first leg in Baku 6-1 at will. The score was already 5-0 at halftime. Anthony Gordon excelled with four goals, while Qarabag was completely overwhelmed defensively. In the second leg, the newcomers from Azerbaijan will now be looking to limit the damage. The Magpies remain the superior side in terms of quality. Qarabag will need an early goal to build momentum.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiakos
Leverkusen took full advantage of Greece's carelessness in the first leg. Schick scored twice within minutes after counterattacks and set pieces. Olympiacos started strongly but lost their structure after falling behind. At the BayArena, the Werkself now have their own fans behind them and will focus on controlling the game. Piraeus must consciously take risks and thus open up space for Bayer.
Tip: 1 + both teams score
Atalanta Bergamo vs. Borussia Dortmund
Despite numerous absences, Dortmund got off to a dream start in the first leg thanks to Guirassy and controlled Atalanta for long periods. Bergamo hardly had any clear chances and looked uninspired in attack. Playing at home, the Italians are likely to start much more aggressively and press earlier. An early goal could change the entire dynamic of the game.
Tip: Draw
Real Madrid vs. Benfica Lissabon
The 1-0 win in Lisbon was a close call in sporting terms, but emotionally charged after the historic 4-2 victory on matchday 8. Vinícius' goal, the long interruption, and Mourinho's yellow-red card shaped the game. Benfica lost control after falling behind and couldn't find a solution in attack. At the Bernabéu, Real will try to dictate the pace and settle the game early on.
Tip: 1
Paris SG vs. AS Monaco
After the defending champions unexpectedly slipped into the play-offs, PSG once again put in a rather shaky performance in their 3-2 win in Monaco. Defensively vulnerable but offensively boasting enormous individual class, they improved towards the end of the game. At the Parc des Princes, we can expect to see much more determination and possession. Monaco will struggle to withstand PSG's home dominance and depth of play for 90 minutes.
Tip: 1
Juventus Turin vs. Galatasaray Istanbul
The 2-5 defeat on the Bosporus was a shock for Juventus – especially after Cabal's yellow-red card and Bremer's injury-enforced substitution, which completely turned the game on its head. Galatasaray took full advantage of their numerical superiority and went on an offensive rampage. In Turin, Juve must now build pressure from the start and appear more structurally stable in order to maintain even the slightest chance of reaching the round of 16.
Tip: 1
