Champions League Playoffs First Legs: Benfica vs Real Madrid & More – Predictions

The Champions League knockout round playoff first legs unfold tonight, with a quartet of compelling ties taking center stage. Benfica hosts Real Madrid in a rematch of a recent upset, while Juventus travels to Galatasaray seeking a favorable result. Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund welcomes Atalanta, and Paris Saint-Germain clashes with Monaco in an all-French affair.

The most intriguing matchup arguably pits Benfica against Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz. Less than three weeks after a stunning 4-2 victory over Los Blancos in the league phase, the Portuguese side aims to replicate that success on the biggest stage. Real Madrid, stung by that defeat which cost them a guaranteed spot in the last 16, will be desperate to avoid another slip-up.

Benfica boss José Mourinho has already engaged in pre-match mind games, labeling his former club “wounded.” The Portuguese manager will undoubtedly seek to exploit any lingering vulnerabilities in the Real Madrid squad, hoping to extend Benfica’s unbeaten run to six games. However, Real Madrid will arrive in Lisbon with a bolstered lineup, confident of a different outcome this time around.

In Istanbul, Galatasaray faces a stern test against Juventus. Galatasaray are into the knockout rounds for the first time in 12 years, riding a wave of momentum from their domestic form. Juventus, however, carry the weight of a concerning trend – having lost their last five elimination ties in European competition. The Turkish side have been in excellent form, winning nine and losing none of their Super Lig home fixtures, and will look to leverage that home advantage.

The all-French clash between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain promises a tactical battle. Monaco recently secured a 1–0 Ligue 1 victory over PSG at the Stade Louis II in November 2025, providing a psychological edge. However, PSG’s greater squad depth and experience in knockout competitions could prove decisive.

Rounding out the first legs, Borussia Dortmund hosts Atalanta. Dortmund, former Champions League winners, will rely on their pedigree and home record. Atalanta, however, are in fine form and pose a significant threat, particularly in the second half – nine of their ten Champions League goals this season have come after the interval.

Sports Mole’s predictions suggest a narrow 2-1 victory for Galatasaray over Juventus, fueled by their strong home form and Juventus’s recent struggles in elimination ties. They forecast a 0-2 win for Real Madrid at Benfica, citing Madrid’s experience and ability to control big moments. A 1-2 victory for PSG at Monaco is predicted, acknowledging Monaco’s recent home success against PSG but emphasizing the Parisians’ depth. Finally, a 1-1 draw is anticipated between Dortmund and Atalanta, recognizing Atalanta’s form and Dortmund’s home advantage.

The first legs promise drama and intrigue as teams battle for a place in the Champions League last 16. Benfica’s recent triumph over Real Madrid adds a compelling narrative to their encounter, while Galatasaray’s resurgence and Juventus’s struggles set the stage for a captivating clash in Istanbul. The all-French showdown and the meeting between Dortmund and Atalanta further enhance the excitement of this pivotal round.

Real Madrid will be looking to avoid a repeat of their January 28, 2026 defeat to Benfica, a match that saw them lose 4-2 and finish with nine men. That result significantly impacted their Champions League campaign, forcing them into these playoff rounds. The return of key players should bolster their chances of securing a positive result in Lisbon.

The knockout phase playoffs represent a high-stakes gauntlet for these teams, with the reward being a coveted spot in the Champions League last 16. The first legs will be crucial in setting the tone for the ties, and fans can expect intense competition and tactical battles as teams vie for a place among Europe’s elite.

Benfica’s recent form has been solid (WWDWW), while Real Madrid’s has been more inconsistent (WWWLW). Juventus and Galatasaray both appear to be in good form heading into their match, while Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta are also enjoying positive runs of results. PSG and Monaco will undoubtedly bring their best to the table in their all-French encounter.