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Champions League predictions - 17 February 2026, Knockout Round Play-offs

Simon Lewis
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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Expect an exciting series of European football encounters with potential goal-fests in the Galatasaray-Juventus and Benfica-Real Madrid matches. Galatasaray is predicted to secure a victory in a high-scoring match, while Benfica and Real Madrid are expected to deliver an entertaining game with over 3.5 goals. Dortmund aims to leverage their strong home form to triumph over Atalanta. Meanwhile, Monaco may face challenges against PSG’s formidable lineup. These analyses provide insights into potential outcomes and betting opportunities.

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  • Galatasaray to put Juventus to the test at home.
  • Benfica to beat Real Madrid in back-to-back Champions League matches.
  • Dortmund to outmuscle in-form Atalanta on home turf.
  • Monaco look set to struggle to hold off PSG.
Abdulkerim Bardakci of Galatasaray
Abdulkerim Bardakci of Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup (Getty Images).

Champions League Predictions, K/O Round Play-offs


Galatasaray vs Juventus


Galatasaray are a team in form, winning their last four matches on the bounce. Juventus have lost two of their last three matches, drawing the other match 2-2 at home to Lazio.

Juve have scored 21 goals in their last 10 matches, which included five wins before their recent mini-slump. Galatasaray have 22 goals in their last 10 matches, with six wins, two draws and two losses. 

Galatasaray have lost just two of their last 15 games at home, while Juve have lost four of their last five on the road, so I’m backing a high-scoring home win.

Benfica vs Real Madrid


This is lining up as a battle royale, with Benfica winning six of their last 10 matches and Real Madrid winning seven. Benfica have 18 goals in their last 10 matches while Real have scored 28 in their last 10 games, so they might need a set of replacement goal nets on hand.

Benfica have won four and lost one of their last five games at home, while Real have lost three and won two of their last five on the road. Here’s the clincher for me: the two teams have met just twice before, with Benfica winning both matches by 5-2 and 4-2 score lines at home. 

Their last meeting was in the Champions League group stage just over two weeks ago, Benfica winning 4-2. It’s a brave punter to bet against Real, but the facts are lining up for a home win… with lots of goals. 

Dortmund vs Atalanta


This should be a fierce match-up between two good sides who are both enjoying strong runs of form. Atalanta have only lost one match away from home in five while Dortmund have won four of their last five home games. 

Atalanta have scored 13 goals in their last seven games while Dortmund have scored 17, so this is stacking up as a game with plenty of goals, especially as it’s the first-round of playoff knockouts. Dortmund have extra goals and wins in the tank, so I’m backing them to take the win in a game which should see both sides score.

Monaco vs PSG


PSG comes into the match on the back of a 3-1 away defeat to Rennes on the back of three wins and a draw. Monaco beat Nantes 3-1 in their last match, but had just one win in their previous seven matches, which included three defeats. 

Monaco have won four and lost four of their last nine home matches, while PSG have won five and drawn one of their last nine. PSG are one point behind Lens at the top of Ligue 1, while Monaco are 20 points back in eighth place, so I’m backing PSG’s star power and their form over the season to lift them to take the win away from home.

Verdict

Goals to flow in the Galatasaray-Juventus and Benfica-Real Madrid clashes.

Dortmund’s home form should be enough for them to see off Atalanta, while Monaco look set to be undone by PSG.
     
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