European pitches are becoming the arena for decisive outcomes in the Champions League play-off round. Sixteen teams are competing for eight open spots in the round of 16, where powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Manchester City already await. At stake in the two-legged ties is not only prestige but also an €11 million bonus from UEFA. Among the most interesting matchups are the clashes between Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge, and Wednesday's highlight between PSG and Monaco.

Fight for Big Money

Clubs that secure advancement to the round of 16 will receive an €11 million bonus from UEFA.

Juventus's Difficult Mission

The Turin-based team must overcome a three-goal deficit after a 2:5 defeat in Istanbul against Galatasaray.

Highlight in Madrid

After a 3:3 draw in Belgium, Atletico Madrid is playing for everything against ambitious Club Brugge on their home turf.

Mourinho's Return Without the Bench

The Benfica coach returns to the Santiago Bernabéu, but due to suspension, he will not lead the team from the touchline.

European football's elite enters a crucial phase of the season, where the composition of the Champions League round of 16 is decided. On Tuesday, fans' eyes are primarily on Madrid, where Atletico hosts Club Brugge. The first match ended in a spectacular 3:3 draw, and with the away goals rule no longer in effect, each team needs a victory for direct advancement. Coach Diego Simeone must deal with his team's inconsistent form, which in La Liga alternates spectacular wins with painful losses. In another Tuesday clash, Newcastle United faced Benfica Lisbon. The English club built a solid lead in the first leg, winning 3:0, which positions them as favorites to advance to the round of 16. Meanwhile, Wednesday's excitement will be dominated by Real Madrid's match against Benfica and the French duel between PSG and Monaco. The "Galacticos" are defending a slim 1:0 lead, with the added spice being the return of Jose Mourinho, who, however, due to a red card, will watch the match from the stands. The current Champions League format, introduced in the 2024/2025 season, replaced the old group stage with a league system, which necessitated adding a play-off round for teams finishing 9th-24th. Italian Juventus Turin faces a nearly impossible task of overturning a deficit after a 2:5 defeat to Galatasaray Istanbul. Coach Luciano Spalletti, however, received positive signals from the medical staff – Gleison Bremer and Kenan Yildiz resumed training with the group, offering a glimmer of hope for a "miracle in Turin." The competition is also about huge sums of money; advancing to the next round guarantees a payout of €11 million, which for many clubs is a key element of their budget for the next season. „S'è allenato in modo parziale, ma alla fine è venuto a dirmi che si sente pronto. Ha carattere, è un esempio: sia nelle giocate, sia negli atteggiamenti.” (He trained partially, but in the end he came to tell me he feels ready. He has character, he's an example: both in his play and in his attitude.) — Luciano Spalletti Traditionally, the Champions League knockout phase started directly with the round of 16, but the UEFA reform aimed to increase the number of top-tier matches and the commercial appeal of the competition.

Mentioned People

  • Diego Simeone — Atletico Madrid coach fighting to stabilize his team's form.
  • Jose Mourinho — Benfica Lisbon coach returning to the stadium of his former club, Real Madrid.
  • Luciano Spalletti — Juventus coach who believes in overturning the deficit in the return leg.
  • Kenan Yildiz — Young Juventus striker who, despite an injury, declared himself ready to play.
  • Mateusz Kochalski — Polish goalkeeper for Qarabag FK, who conceded six goals in the first leg against Newcastle.