The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first legs are scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2026, featuring intriguing matchups across Europe. Teams like Benfica and Real Madrid prepare for a rematch, while others chase milestones in their bids to advance to the round of 16. Key statistics highlight historical trends and player form ahead of these decisive games.
The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League enters a critical stage with the knockout phase play-off first legs on February 17 and 18, determining the final eight teams for the round of 16. Already qualified sides include Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sporting CP, and Tottenham, who bypassed this round after strong league phase performances.
On Tuesday, February 17, Galatasaray host Juventus at 18:45 CET in Istanbul. The Turkish side hold a historical edge, winning two of six prior meetings and unbeaten at home against Italian teams since 1963. Juventus, participating in their 10th knockout phase in 12 seasons, have not lost a first leg in their last six two-legged ties.
Benfica welcome Real Madrid in Lisbon later that evening. The Portuguese club stunned Madrid 4-2 on Matchday 8 thanks to goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's late header, securing their play-off spot. Real Madrid, unbeaten in ten prior games against Portuguese teams before that defeat, boast Kylian Mbappé's scoring streak of 13 goals in seven appearances this season.
Monaco face Paris Saint-Germain in an all-French clash, their first UEFA meeting. Monaco recently ended a winless run against PSG with a 1-0 Ligue 1 victory in November, but have lost their last five European two-legged ties. PSG, the holders, have won six of their last seven such ties.
Borussia Dortmund host Atalanta, renewing their 2017-18 Europa League encounter. Dortmund seek their 100th Champions League win, while Atalanta remain unbeaten in four away games against German sides.
Wednesday's fixtures include Qarabağ vs Newcastle at 18:45 CET in Baku, the Azerbaijani debutants' first knockout phase appearance. Club Brugge take on Atlético Madrid in Belgium, where the hosts are unbeaten in four prior UEFA meetings. Bodø/Glimt face Inter in Norway, with the Norwegians scoring prolifically but up against Inter's strong tie record. Olympiacos host Bayer Leverkusen, building on their recent 2-0 league phase win over the Germans.
Power rankings place Arsenal at the top, followed by Bayern Munich and PSG, reflecting their domestic dominance. Inter, ranked fifth, are surging under Cristian Chivu ahead of their tough draw. These play-offs, part of the new format, promise surprises, as seen with Qarabağ's league phase success.
