Champions League Play-Off Round: Second Leg Predictions & Analysis

Contents

1 Which Teams Will Secure a Spot in the Round of 16?
2 Tuesday, February 18 – Champions League Play-Off Predictions
3 Wednesday, February 19 – Champions League Play-Off Predictions
4 Who Will Advance?

Which Teams Will Secure a Spot in the Round of 16?

Champions League play-off second legs take place on February 18-19
PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid hold commanding leads
Six of the eight ties are finely poised with one-goal differences

The new Champions League format has introduced an additional play-off round, creating more knockout drama and high-stakes matchups. While some away teams secured crucial first-leg victories, several ties remain wide open as teams fight for a place in the Round of 16.

Let’s take a look at the key fixtures and predictions for this week’s matches.

Tuesday, February 18 – Champions League Play-Off Predictions

AC Milan vs Feyenoord (First Leg: 0-1)

Venue: San Siro, Milan | Kick-off: 17:45 GMT

Milan produced a lackluster performance in Rotterdam, allowing Feyenoord to claim a 1-0 first-leg advantage. However, with home support at San Siro and a fully fit squad, the Italian giants will be confident of overturning the deficit.

Santiago Gimenez, a former Feyenoord star, will be eager to make his mark after scoring for Milan in Serie A last weekend. Feyenoord, missing key players and still without a permanent manager, will need a disciplined defensive display to survive in Italy.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Feyenoord

Atalanta vs Club Brugge (First Leg: 0-1)

Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Atalanta were unlucky to lose in Belgium, conceding a soft late penalty that handed Club Brugge the win. However, La Dea have been inconsistent in recent weeks, and their attack has struggled to deliver.

A potential return from injury for Ademola Lookman could give Atalanta a much-needed attacking boost. Meanwhile, Club Brugge will aim to protect their narrow lead with a solid defensive setup.

Prediction: Atalanta 3-1 Club Brugge

Bayern Munich vs Celtic (First Leg: 2-1)

Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Bayern Munich are in a comfortable position after winning in Glasgow. Goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane put the Bundesliga giants in control before Celtic responded late on.

Celtic face an almost impossible task in Munich, with Bayern unbeaten at home in the Champions League for nearly four years. Expect Thomas Tuchel’s side to finish the job convincingly.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 4-1 Celtic

Benfica vs Monaco (First Leg: 1-0)

Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Benfica took advantage of Monaco’s lack of discipline in the first leg, capitalizing after Al-Musrati’s red card. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis was the difference-maker, scoring the winning goal.

Monaco will need a much-improved performance in Lisbon, but Benfica’s home form and defensive stability should see them progress.

Prediction: Benfica 2-0 Monaco

Wednesday, February 19 – Champions League Play-Off Predictions

Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP (First Leg: 3-0)

Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund | Kick-off: 17:45 GMT

Despite struggles in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund produced a dominant first-leg performance in Lisbon, securing a 3-0 victory. Sporting CP face an uphill battle in Germany, and Dortmund will look to finish the tie comfortably.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Sporting CP

PSG vs Brest (First Leg: 3-0)

Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

PSG crushed Brest in the first leg, extending their unbeaten run and demonstrating their attacking firepower. With Kylian Mbappé leading the charge, the Ligue 1 giants should ease into the Round of 16.

Prediction: PSG 3-0 Brest

PSV Eindhoven vs Juventus (First Leg: 1-2)

Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Juventus have been solid but unspectacular under Thiago Motta, and they hold a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg. PSV will look to mount a comeback at home, but Juve’s defensive discipline should see them through.

Prediction: PSV Eindhoven 1-1 Juventus

Real Madrid vs Manchester City (First Leg: 3-2)

Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid | Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

Arguably the biggest tie of the round, Real Madrid pulled off another Champions League comeback at the Etihad, scoring twice in the final minutes to win 3-2.

Manchester City will now need a historic performance at the Bernabéu, a stadium where they last won in 2020. Given Madrid’s knockout pedigree and home advantage, another European masterclass from Carlo Ancelotti’s side could be on the cards.

Prediction: Real Madrid 4-2 Manchester City