Today (Tuesday), the play-off stage of the 2025/26 Champions League season kicks off, with 16 clubs that failed to secure direct qualification for the Round of 16 facing each other in knockout matches to earn a place in the next round of the competition.
In the opening clash, Galatasaray host Juventus in a matchup that promises plenty of intensity.
Juventus enter this encounter with significant absences in attack, including striker Jonathan David, who will miss the match due to a groin injury.
At the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Benfica take on Spanish giants Real Madrid in another high-profile clash, following a dramatic group-stage meeting between the two sides in which Benfica emerged victorious with a 4–2 win.
Benfica head coach José Mourinho has warned his team about the danger of a “wounded” Real Madrid, eager for revenge at this stage of the competition.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund will face Atalanta in a duel that promises plenty of attacking football.
Dortmund will look to gain a strong advantage in the first leg at home, despite the German club dealing with defensive injury issues ahead of this match.
The French derby between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain moves onto the Champions League stage, with PSG seen as the favourites, but Monaco aim to cause an upset at home and build an advantage ahead of the return leg.
All of these matches, except Galatasaray vs Juventus (18:45), will kick off at 21:00.
It is worth noting that tomorrow (Wednesday) the second round of play-off matches will begin, while the return legs are scheduled to be played on February 24 and 25.
