There is something elemental about the UEFA Champions League that consistently defies logic.
The draw for the knockout playoffs on January 30 sits in that uncertain space between elation and panic, and it produced a set of ties that feel less like straightforward progression and more like fate testing its own resolve.
Eight pairings offer eight different narratives. Some point clearly towards expected outcomes, while others carry the quiet threat of chaos waiting to unfold.
This season’s expanded format, adopted and introduced last year, sees the top eight teams from the league phase qualify automatically for the round of 16.The remaining 16 teams are divided into seeded and unseeded groups for two legged playoff ties. The winners then join the pre-qualified eight in March for the round of 16.
This week, the first leg of the playoff round takes place, the first step in deciding who advances.
Real Madrid vs. Benfica
If you were scripting a drama, it would be hard to do better than this. Real Madrid’s slip to ninth in the league phase, after a 4-2 defeat to Benfica, sent them into the playoffs. Fate then handed them the same opponent again.
After finding themselves at this stage last season, you would have hoped Madrid would learn and avoid it altogether, but they have not.
Benfica’s win was significant, as it put them into this position. They played without fear and stripped away much of Madrid’s usual sense of inevitability. For Madrid, this playoff is less about progress and more about response. They must show the league phase was a momentary lapse or risk seeing the campaign fade away.
Madrid are favourites. But this is less routine than they would like.
Benfica needed one goal to reach the UCL knockout stages…
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 29, 2026
Step up, Anatoliy Trubin ? pic.twitter.com/v5iCDCIsrg
PSG vs Monaco
PSG will tell themselves this is manageable. A domestic opponent, familiar and well studied. But familiarity cuts both ways.
Monaco have already shown this season that PSG can be rattled, having beaten them 1-0 in November.
PSG’s league phase inconsistencies are what brought them here. On their best nights, they look untouchable. On their worst nights, they look unsure of what they are trying to be.
Over two legs, PSG’s individual quality should show, but Monaco will play without fear.
PSG are favourites, but that does not make them comfortable.
Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter
On paper, this is straightforward. Inter are one of the most organised teams left in the competition. Bodø/Glimt are newcomers, still writing their European story.
Bodø/Glimt play with a freedom that comes from having nothing to lose. Inter will not underestimate them. They can’t afford to. Last season’s run to the final sharpened their edge, but it also left scars. There is a sense that Inter need to prove something again, and that they are not just nearly men.
Inter should win this. Their structure, discipline and experience give them control across two legs. But Bodø/Glimt will test them in ways that feel uncomfortable, especially away from home.
If there is magic left in this round, it may live here.
Juventus vs Galatasaray
Juventus know how to survive. It is embedded in their identity, and they know how to win ugly if required.
Galatasaray bring something different. Emotion, intensity, and noise. Their home leg will be hostile in the best possible way, and Juventus will need calm heads to navigate it.
This is not a glamorous tie, but it is a dangerous one. Juventus are favourites by experience alone. Galatasaray will believe the atmosphere can tilt the balance.
This would be very tight.
Galatasaray will face Juventus in the UCL play-off…
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 30, 2026
Luckily Osimhen knows a thing or two about playing them ??pic.twitter.com/704aO2bGJg
Newcastle vs Qarabag
Newcastle’s return to the Champions League knockout rounds has been one of the quieter stories of this season.
Against Qaraba?, they should advance. Their physicality, organisation and depth are superior. The danger here is not tactical, it is psychological. Carrying expectations in Europe is new for Newcastle.
Qaraba? will try to fight. But this feels like a tie Newcastle should manage, if they remain patient and professional.
Anything else would be a shock.
Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
Atlético Madrid are no longer the immovable force they once were. They are still competitive, and still difficult to play against, but the edges are softer now.
Club Brugge sense that, and don’t shy away from stronger opponents. Their game against Barcelona is a testament.
Atlético remain favourites because of experience. But this has the feel of a game that could become uncomfortable if momentum shifts early.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Dortmund will meet Atalanta in a tie that promises open, fast-paced football. Dortmund, historically a high-energy side, bring pace and unpredictability. Atalanta, the Italian tacticians, excel at structured pressing and exploiting gaps.
Dortmund will rely on attacking instincts and moments of individual brilliance. Atalanta will aim to control tempo and force mistakes.
It’s exciting and precarious, and neither side can afford to underestimate the other.
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen have quietly matured into a side that blends tactical discipline with youthful energy. Olympiacos, the Greek powerhouse, bring intensity and home support that can be overwhelming.
Leverkusen are favourites due to consistency and European experience, but Olympiakos at home are never pushovers. The key will be how Leverkusen manages the atmosphere, pressure, and transitions.
Expect an edge-of-the-seat first leg in Piraeus and a tactical chess match in the return.
