Eight Knockout Battles Set the Stage for a Chaotic Champions League Playoff

Defector’s Luis Paez-Pumar previews the 2025-26 Champions League knockout playoffs, breaking down eight two-legged ties (PSG–Monaco, Juventus–Galatasaray, Real Madrid–Benfica, Atalanta–Dortmund, Newcastle–Qarabag, Atlético Madrid–Club Brugge, Inter–Bodo/Glimt, Leverkusen–Olympiacos) and weighing injuries, recent form, and managerial upheavals to gauge likely outcomes and potential upsets, with the standout note that most matches should be competitive even if a few favorites look vulnerable.