UEFA Champions League expert predictions, playoff picks: Can Juventus, Inter come back? Will Real Madrid win?
CBS Sports
by
Pardeep Cattry
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The UEFA Champions League playoff round is heating up as eight teams fight for a spot in the Round of 16. Heavyweights Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain hold narrow one-goal advantages heading into their home matches, while Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge remain tied after an exciting 3-3 draw. Italy's remaining clubs, including Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus, face critical challenges as they aim to advance.
Real Madrid and PSG are under pressure to defend their leads against Benfica and Monaco, respectively. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s clash with Club Brugge is a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for progression. In Italy, Inter Milan’s match against Bodo/Glimt is a must-win game, while Atalanta battles Borussia Dortmund, who hold a two-goal advantage from the first leg.
Juventus faces a daunting task to overturn a three-goal deficit against Galatasaray. Meanwhile, underdogs like Bodo/Glimt and Borussia Dortmund are making waves, with Bodo/Glimt holding a strong position against Inter Milan despite being the outsiders. The playoff round promises thrilling upsets and dramatic comebacks, keeping fans on edge.
This week’s action is pivotal for several top European clubs looking to secure their place in the knockout stage. The matches highlight the unpredictability of the Champions League, where underdogs can challenge even the strongest teams. Fans will be captivated by the potential for historic upsets
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026