Champions League: Playoff Round Picks & Preview (Feb 17-18)

Important action in the UEFA Champions League is set for this week, as the first legs in the playoff round will be staged. Find the standout Champions League picks for this week’s clashes here.

Champions League Playoff Round Schedule

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Champions League Playoff Round Picks

Galatasaray vs. Juventus

An interesting clash is set for Turkey, as Galatasaray host Juventus. The Old Lady have won just once in their last five in all competitions, while the Turkish club have won their last four.

Alarmingly, the Old Lady have failed to win in their last three away matches against their opponents. Galatasaray have also suffered just two defeats in their last eleven against clubs from Italy. Home advantage could be crucial this week, with the Turkish side having lost just one of their last eleven at RAMS Park in European competition. 

Monaco vs. PSG

For the second season running, PSG will need to navigate the playoff round to keep their hopes of European success alive. Just like last term, the Parisians will come up against a club from their own country.

Luis Enrique has a stunning record in the knockout stages of the UCL, winning 67% of his matches. However, this could be an interesting challenge against a Monaco side that have gone four without defeat in home fixtures in the competition. Despite that, the obvious preference is for the visiting side, as PSG bid to keep their hopes of a second consecutive Champions League success alive.

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

Benfica and Real Madrid met in a thriller to round off the League Phase, with the Portuguese club’s goalkeeper netting a dramatic late goal to secure his team’s spot in this stage. Interestingly, Benfica have won three of their last four against Los Blancos.

However, Real Madrid have won eight of their ten against Portuguese opponents. Experience at this stage of the competition could be vitally important, with Real Madrid boasting the quality required to get a first-leg advantage in Lisbon.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

Atalanta have impressed against German clubs in recent seasons, winning each of their last three. It would be a major concern that Dortmund have won just once in their last seven against Italian rivals.

However, Atalanta have struggled in the knockout stage of the UCL, losing each of their last five. Based on the trends, though, a strong case could be made for the visitors to upset the odds in Dortmund on Tuesday.

Qarabag vs. Newcastle

Newcastle have bounced back to form with wins in their last two games, showing their away efficiency in a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Qarabag have been weak defensively throughout the campaign, allowing 1.25 goals per game in home fixtures, and 1.70 overall. Newcastle’s return to form is notable, and they look like the solid chance to take a first-leg advantage in Azerbaijan.

Other Champions League Picks