Champions League Playoffs Preview - Februrary 17th-18th

ryan-allan
16 Feb 2026
Ryan Allan 16 Feb 2026
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  • Benfica vs Real Madrid - BTTS backed at the Estadio da Luz
  • Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta - Guirassy backed to score anytime
  • Qarabag vs Newcastle - Both teams tipped to score in Azerbaijan
  • Bodo/Glimt vs Inter - BTTS/Over 2.5 expected in Norway
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Can Mourinho mastermind another win against Real Madrid? (Getty Images)

Champions League Playoffs Preview - Februrary 17th-18th

Benfica vs Real Madrid - BTTS


Less than three weeks on from Benfica's remarkable 4-2 win in Lisbon, Real Madrid return to the Estádio da Luz for a high-stakes playoff clash. 

Los Merengues will be wary of the threat posed by Mourinho's side, with defensive issues still a concern for the Spaniards. Arbeloa’s side have conceded in 12 of their last 16 matches. Eight of their previous 11 games also saw both teams get on the scoresheet.

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta - Serhou Guirassy Anytime Goalscorer


A tough-to-call Champions League contest takes place in Germany, with both teams in excellent form ahead of Tuesday’s fixture.

Serhou Guirassy looks a solid pick to score, with the Guinea international netting four goals in his last three appearances. The 29-year-old also boasts a tremendous Champions League record, scoring 16 times in his last 22 appearances since August 2024.

Qarabag FK vs Newcastle - BTTS


Goals seem inevitable when Newcastle make the long trip to Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The Magpies have seen both teams score in each of their last six games, and in three previous away UCL fixtures.

Not to be underestimated, Qarabag offer plenty of attacking threat, scoring nine goals in four home UCL games this season. Each of their last three home Champions League fixtures also finished with both teams on the scoresheet. 

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter - BTTS and over 2.5 goals 


Bodo/Glimt continue their impressive Champions League campaign when they host Serie A leaders Inter in what promises to be a lively encounter in Norway.

The Yellow Horde booked their playoff spot with a stunning 3-1 win against Manchester City, and they will be confident of giving Inter a stern test this week.

BTTS and over 2.5 goals landed in seven of their eight league phase fixtures, and a similar outcome looks likely here.

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid -  Club Brugge Double Chance


Atletico arrive in Belgium in poor form, and they could struggle against a Brugge side that usually proves tough to beat at Jan Breydel Stadium. The Blauw-Zwart are unbeaten in three of four home Champions League games this season.

On the other hand, Diego Simeone's side failed to win four of their last six games and three of four away UCL fixtures this season. Atletico won only four of 16 road league fixtures since August (La Liga and Champions League). 

Best of the Rest


Elsewhere, Juventus face a stiff test against a tough-to-beat Galatasaray side in the early kick-off on Tuesday. The Italians failed to win their last three matches and may settle for a low-score draw in Turkey.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain take on Monaco in an all-Ligue 1 contest, with Luis Enrique's side likely to emerge with a narrow first-leg advantage. 

Completing the action, Olympiacos host Bayer Leverkusen in another fixture that looks likely to bring up the BTTS pick. 

Other fixtures 


Galatasaray vs Juventus - Draw 
Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain - PSG Win
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen - BTTS 

Verdict

Champions League Playoffs Preview - Februrary 17th-18th. Get our top tips for the best of this week's action. 

Best Bet1: Benfica vs Real Madrid Both Teams to Score @-188.68 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Best Bet2: Serhou Guirassy Anytime Goalscorer @105.00 at Stake.com - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Bodo/Glimt vs Inter BTTS and over 2.5 goals @-125.00 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Best Bet4: Qarabag FK/Newcastle Both Teams to Score @-111.11 at Stake.com - 3 Units
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Both Teams to Score
@-188.68 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Serhou Guirassy
Anytime Goalscorer
@105.00 - 2 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter
BTTS and over 2.5 goals
@-125.00 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com
Qarabag FK/Newcastle
Both Teams to Score
@-111.11 - 3 Units
25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

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