Champions League: Real Madrid, Galatasaray & More Win First Leg Play-offs | Live Updates & Predictions

The UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs delivered a compelling slate of first-leg ties on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with several European powerhouses securing advantages, though not without drama. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray, and Borussia Dortmund all claimed victories, setting the stage for potentially decisive return legs.

Madrid Edges Benfica Amid Racism Concerns

Real Madrid secured a 1-3 victory over Benfica in Lisbon, a rematch of their dramatic league phase finale where Benfica emerged victorious 4-2. However, the match was marred by allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior following his opening goal, prompting a 10-minute pause as the referee initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol. The incident casts a shadow over the result and underscores the ongoing battle against racism in football. Los Blancos, anchored by the in-form duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, and bolstered by the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold from injury, will look to close out the tie at the Santiago Bernabéu.

PSG Navigate Tricky Tie Against Monaco

Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain began their title defense with a 0-2 win against fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco. Despite being favored to advance, PSG entered the match in a downturn in form, adding pressure to France’s first treble-winning side to perform in the knockout stages. The victory, however, wasn’t without its challenges, suggesting a potentially tight return leg in Paris.

Galatasaray Stuns Juventus

In a surprising result, Galatasaray defeated Juventus 2-1 in Istanbul. Predictions favored a Juventus win, but Galatasaray defied expectations to take a lead into the second leg. The match was closely contested, with experts predicting a 2-1 scoreline, and the result highlights the unpredictable nature of Champions League knockout football.

Dortmund Claims Advantage

Borussia Dortmund also secured a first-leg victory, though details of their match and opponent were not fully available in the provided sources. The win positions Dortmund favorably heading into the return leg.

Expert Predictions Mixed

Ahead of the playoffs, experts at CBS Sports offered their predictions. The consensus pointed towards Real Madrid and PSG as strong contenders for the title, but acknowledged the challenges posed by their respective opponents. The Benfica match, in particular, was seen as a potential stumbling block for Madrid, given their previous defeat to the Portuguese side in the league phase. The experts’ predictions, however, did not fully anticipate the disruption caused by the alleged racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior.

Supercomputer Weighs In

A supercomputer also weighed in on the playoff matchups, predicting Real Madrid would be seeking revenge against Benfica. While the supercomputer’s prediction of a Madrid victory proved accurate, it did not account for the off-field issues that overshadowed the match.

Looking Ahead to the Second Legs

The first legs have set the stage for compelling return matches. Real Madrid will be eager to capitalize on their away goal advantage, but will also need to address the serious allegations of racism that marred their victory in Lisbon. PSG will aim to solidify their position as title favorites, while Galatasaray will look to complete a stunning upset against Juventus. The second legs promise to be filled with drama, tension, and high stakes as Europe’s elite clubs battle for a place in the round of 16.

Fans can follow all the action on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, and CBS Sports Golazo Network throughout the season. The Champions League continues to deliver captivating storylines and unpredictable results, solidifying its status as the premier club competition in world football.