Champions League Preview: Real Madrid vs Benfica Drama + Key Second Legs Tomorrow

Champions League Knockout Previews: Madrid vs Benfica + 7 Huge Ties Tomorrow

Wednesday Feb 25 brings Champions League play‑off second legs—8 teams fight for last‑16 spots. Benfica need goals vs Madrid, Juve face miracle vs Gala, Bodø/Glimt dare Inter. Verified previews below.

Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League intensity.

1. Real Madrid vs Benfica (Madrid lead 1-0)

Bernabéu hosts racism drama. Vinícius/Mbappé claim Prestianni slur → UEFA ban. Benfica deny, Mourinho fires back. Madrid UCL home fortress (15 unbeaten). Pred: Madrid 2-0 (3-0 agg).

2. PSG vs Monaco (PSG lead 3-2)

PSG rallied from 0-2 down (Doué brace off bench). Mbappé vs old club—Dembélé hot (5 in 6). Monaco 10 men first leg. Pred: PSG 2-1 (5-3 agg).

3. Juventus vs Galatasaray (Juve trail 2-5)

Gala thrashed Juve 5-2 in Istanbul (Lang brace, Sara/Sánchez/Boey; Koopmeiners 2; Juve red card). Need 4 goals min. Osimhen vs Icardi chaos. Pred: Juve 3-1 (5-6 agg, Gala advance).​

Galatasaray charging forward.​​

4. Atalanta vs Dortmund (Dortmund lead 2-0)

Dortmund edged first leg (Guirassy early header). Atalanta press (Lookman/Zalewski threats) vs Füllkrug aways. Pred: Atalanta 2-1 (3-3 agg, Dortmund pens).

5. Leverkusen vs Olympiacos (Leverkusen trail 0-2)

Oly stunned Alonso’s side 2-0 first leg (Costinha, Taremi). Wirtz/Frimpong must flip it at BayArena. Pred: Leverkusen 3-0 (3-2 agg).

6. Inter vs Bodø/Glimt (Inter trail 1-3)

Norwegian shock (Bodø 3-1 upset; Esposito consolation). San Siro response—Chivu demands respect. Hauge counters worry Inzaghi. Pred: Inter 3-0 (4-3 agg).​

7. Newcastle vs Qarabağ (Newcastle lead 6-1)

Gordon’s 4 goals powered rout (plus Thiaw/Murphy). Howe: “Not over.” Routine win. Pred: Newcastle 3-0 (9-1 agg).