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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
10 Apr 2026 | Sportsbetting
Champions League Matchday Predictions 2025/26: Quarter-finals Second Legs
All predictions for the second legs of the 2025/26 Champions League quarter-finals. Current form, background insights and exciting matchups. Info on Europe’s elite competition.
approx. 3 min.
Champions League Matchday Predictions 2025/26: Quarter-finals Second Legs
Our Champions League matchday prediction takes a close look at the decisive second legs of the 2025/26 quarter-finals. Following the first-leg results, everything is still open: Bayern travel home with strong momentum after a 2–1 away win in Madrid, while Arsenal have also secured a slight advantage thanks to a late 1–0 victory in Lisbon. Paris Saint-Germain managed to put themselves in a promising position for the return leg with a 2–0 win against a Liverpool side that has recently been below its best form. The all-Spanish clash adds particular intrigue, as Barcelona are already under significant pressure following their 0–2 home defeat to Atlético Madrid and now need a strong comeback away from home.
MERKUR Quick Tips for the Champions League quarter-final second Legs
Arsenal FC vs. Sporting CP
Thanks to Kai Havertz’s late goal, Arsenal secured a 1–0 away win in Lisbon, giving them a solid foundation for the return leg. The Gunners controlled large parts of the first leg but lacked cutting edge in front of goal. Sporting held their own for long stretches and created dangerous moments, particularly towards the end. In front of their home crowd, Arsenal are expected to play more dominantly, while Lisbon will have to take more risks to keep their semi-final hopes alive. The individual quality slightly favours the English side.
Tip: 1
FC Bayern vs. Real Madrid
FC Bayern made a major statement with their 2–1 away win at the Bernabéu, marking their first victory in Madrid in 25 years. The Munich side controlled large phases of the game but had to withstand several high-quality chances from Los Blancos, which were ultimately denied by an outstanding Manuel Neuer. Another high-class encounter is expected in the second leg: Bayern will aim to play even more proactively at home, while Real rely on their quality and efficiency in transition.
Tip: 1 + both teams to score
Liverpool FC vs. PSG
Paris Saint-Germain underlined their quality once again with a confident 2–0 home win, dominating Liverpool. Goals from Doué and Kvaratskhelia reflected their superiority, while the Reds struggled to make an impact offensively. PSG could have extended their lead further, meaning Liverpool still have a slim chance heading into the return leg despite the defeat. Anfield is known for its special atmosphere, which could provide the Reds with additional energy. However, PSG remain the more in-form team and can rely on their individual quality.
Tip: 2
FC Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid secured an excellent position with a clinical 2–0 away win at Camp Nou, even though Barcelona were the more dominant side overall. Los Rojiblancos made the most of their limited chances, while Barça had to play with ten men for a long period following Cubarsí’s red card. Nevertheless, Barcelona showed promising attacking approaches and recorded significantly more offensive actions. In the second encounter, Atlético will once again rely on defensive stability, while Barcelona must throw everything into attack. It points towards an intense clash in which Barcelona will need to apply early pressure to beat Atlético on their home ground.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
MERKUR Champions League matchday prediction: The highlights of the quarter-final second legs
Bayern Munich go into the second leg with a 2–1 lead and are expected to take control of the game in front of their home crowd. The Munich side will dictate the tempo through extended spells of possession and structured build-up play, while Real Madrid aim to exploit their strengths in quick counter-attacks and individual attacking quality.
FC Bayern have been highly consistent this season and are among Europe’s most in-form teams. In the Champions League in particular, they have impressed with their attacking power and versatility. For the clash in Munich, it will be crucial how stable their defence performs over 90 minutes, as Real are known to create high-quality chances from limited situations. The midfield battle, in particular, is likely to feature intense duels and require strong structural organisation in build-up play.
Los Blancos bring immense international experience and have repeatedly proven in the past that they can deliver under pressure, especially in knockout matches. Even away from home, Real are always capable of turning a game through individual moments. However, their clinical edge in front of goal—so often a defining trait in difficult matches—was missing in the first leg, not least due to Manuel Neuer’s outstanding saves.
Prediction: It points towards a close and attack-oriented match at the Allianz Arena. Bayern appear slightly more composed, but Real’s mentality and comeback qualities could keep the tie open for a long time.
We can expect a tightly contested knockout clash, with Arsenal taking a narrow lead into the second leg and likely to control proceedings at home. The Gunners rely on possession and patient build-up play, while Sporting aim to create danger primarily through transitions and individual actions.
Despite minor setbacks such as losing the Carabao Cup final, the Gunners are in strong overall form and remain unbeaten in the current Champions League campaign. Kai Havertz’s last-minute goal in the first leg gives Arsenal a slight psychological edge heading into the home fixture.
Sporting Lisbon performed on equal terms for long stretches at home and created good opportunities, especially in the opening and closing phases. The Portuguese side is characterised by a well-coordinated team, excelling through pace on the wings and short spells of pressure. However, they have so far lacked the cutting edge in the final third to reward their efforts.
Prediction: It points towards a rather cautious match in which Arsenal, with their advantage, focus on control while Sporting are forced to find solutions. Overall, the Gunners appear more stable and consistent. The combination of game control and individual quality could ultimately make the difference.
