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The 2025-26 Champions League playoffs burst into life this week as 16 teams battled for a place in the coveted round of 16. With the first legs now completed, European heavyweights including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United have put themselves in strong positions ahead of the decisive return fixtures.

The new playoff format has added extra drama, with teams that narrowly missed the top eight fighting to keep their continental hopes alive.

Vinicius the Hero as Real Madrid Edge Benfica

Spanish giants Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Benfica thanks to a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian once again proved decisive on Europe’s biggest stage. However, the match was not without controversy, as allegations of racist abuse aimed at Vinicius overshadowed an otherwise intense encounter.

Despite the distractions, Madrid did what they often do in the Champions League find a way to win.

Galatasaray Stun Juventus, PSG Survive Monaco Scare

In Istanbul, Galatasaray delivered one of the shocks of the round with a stunning 5-2 demolition of Juventus, taking a commanding advantage into the second leg.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to defeat AS Monaco 3-2 in an all-French showdown.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund eased past Atalanta 2-0 to take firm control of their tie.

Newcastle Dominate, Bodø/Glimt Shock Inter

The biggest statement of the round came from Newcastle United, who crushed Qarabag FK 6-1 away from home, effectively sealing their passage to the next round.

Bayer Leverkusen also impressed with a composed 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in Greece.

But the biggest surprise unfolded in Norway, where Bodø/Glimt defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in freezing conditions, putting the Serie A side under serious pressure ahead of the return leg in Italy.

Atletico Held in Six-Goal Thriller

Atlético Madrid endured a frustrating night after twice surrendering the lead in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Club Brugge.

With the second leg set for Madrid, Diego Simeone’s side must now deliver at home to secure a place among Europe’s final 16.

Champions League Playoffs: First-Leg Results

• Galatasaray 5-2 Juventus
• Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid
• Monaco 2-3 PSG
• Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
• Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle
• Olympiacos 0-2 Leverkusen
• Club Brugge 3-3 Atletico Madrid
• Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter

Champions League Playoffs: Second-Leg Fixtures

Tuesday, February 24

• Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge – 12:45 p.m. ET
• Leverkusen vs Olympiacos – 3 p.m. ET
• Inter vs Bodo/Glimt – 3 p.m. ET
• Newcastle vs Qarabag – 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday, February 25

• Dortmund vs Atalanta – 12:45 p.m. ET
• Real Madrid vs Benfica – 3 p.m. ET
• Galatasaray vs Juventus – 3 p.m. ET
• PSG vs Monaco – 3 p.m. ET

When Is the Champions League Round of 16 Draw?

The draw for the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27. The entire knockout bracket will be finalized on that date.

Potential Round of 16 Pairings

• Monaco or PSG vs Barcelona or Chelsea
• Galatasaray or Juventus vs Liverpool or Tottenham
• Benfica or Real Madrid vs Sporting CP or Manchester City
• Dortmund or Atalanta vs Arsenal or Bayern Munich
• Qarabag or Newcastle vs Chelsea or Barcelona
• Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham or Liverpool
• Bodø/Glimt or Inter vs Manchester City or Sporting CP
• Olympiacos or Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich or Arsenal

The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for March 11 and 12, with return fixtures on March 18 and 19.

With Europe’s elite now on the brink, the second legs promise high drama, late twists, and defining moments as the race for Champions League glory intensifies.

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