The UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase enters a crucial second-leg play-off week on 25 February 2026, featuring elite European clubs battling to advance to the Round of 16. These matches are among the most decisive of the season — where aggregate leads can disappear and underdog triumphs rewrite expectations.

This article gives you everything about that date’s fixtures:
✔ Full fixture list
✔ Historical context & club perspectives
✔ Tactical breakdowns
✔ Key players to watch
✔ Predictions
✔ Impact on the rest of the season

Let’s unlock the details.

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📅 Section I — UEFA Champions League Fixtures on 25 February 2026

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, four elite second-leg play-off matches will decide which clubs enter the Champions League Round of 16.

Here is the complete scheduled lineup:

🕒 Kick-Off Times (CET)

(Match schedule and kick-offs confirmed from UEFA official fixture list.)

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🔎 1. Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund — 18:45 CET

🏟️ Venue

📍 Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy

📊 First Leg Recap

Borussia Dortmund took a 2-0 victory in the first leg, giving them a strong advantage to control the tie.

⚽ Tactical Preview

Atalanta are renowned for their progressive attack and fluid forward movement. However, defensively they have been inconsistent this season, leaving gaps Dortmund may exploit.

Borussia Dortmund blend pace on the wings with midfield creativity. Their pressing transitions and smart off-ball movement make them dangerous on the counter.

👉 Key Player Battles:

• Atalanta: Jeremie Boga’s creative runs vs Dortmund’s full-back coverage

• Dortmund: Niclas Füllkrug’s aerial presence vs Atalanta’s center-back pairing

📈 Prediction Factors

• Dortmund can leverage their two-goal cushion

• Atalanta needs early momentum to unsettle Dortmund’s rhythm

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🔥 2. Juventus vs Galatasaray — 21:00 CET

🏟️ Venue

📍 Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy

📊 First Leg Recap

Galatasaray emphatically won the first leg 5-2 away in Istanbul, leaving Juventus with a significant hill to climb.

📊 Match Stakes

Juventus historically excel in resilient tactical adjustments, but the three-goal deficit means an early offensive burst is essential. Galatasaray’s away goals and attacking depth provide confidence.

👉 Tactical Themes:

• Juventus must assert dominance from kick-off

• Galatasaray focus on disciplined defense and transition counters

⭐ Players to Watch

• Juventus: Federico Chiesa — creativity and direct attacking play

• Galatasaray: Kerem Demirbay — midfield control and set-piece delivery

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⚜️ 3. Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco — 21:00 CET

🏟️ Venue

📍 Parc des Princes, Paris, France

📊 First Leg Recap

PSG won 3-2 away to Monaco, but Monaco’s two goals make this tie finely poised.

🔍 Tactical Preview

PSG blend world-class attacking talents with a more physical midfield, while Monaco’s pace and organized defensive shape under pressure have kept them competitive.

👉 Match Focus:

• PSG need solid possession control

• Monaco aim to leverage quick break opportunities

⭐ Player Matchups

• PSG: Kylian Mbappé — lethal in space and quick transitions

• Monaco: Sofiane Diop — creative link play

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👑 4. Real Madrid vs SL Benfica — 21:00 CET

🏟️ Venue

📍 Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain

📊 First Leg Recap

Real Madrid edged a narrow 1-0 victory in Lisbon.

📊 Match Importance

With a small aggregate lead, Real Madrid can’t make mistakes. Benfica will look to overturn the deficit by matching intensity and pressure early.

👉 Tactical Themes:

• Madrid aim to dominate midfield control

• Benfica seek compact defending and quick forward surges

⭐ Key Players

• Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham — dictating tempo

• Benfica: João Neves — disciplined box-to-box creativity

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🏆 Section II — Historical Context & Club Perspectives

👑 Real Madrid – European Heavyweights

Real Madrid hold a record 15 Champions League titles, and their European pedigree makes them perennial favourites even when aggregate scores are tight. Their experience in high-pressure knockout ties can be crucial in embracing fine margins.

🔷 Paris Saint-Germain – Stars and Strategy

PSG combine top attacking talent with elite infrastructure, yet European success has eluded them compared to domestic dominance. A narrow lead over Monaco means tactical discipline will be key.

🟡 Juventus – Tactical Resilience

Juventus’ defensive tradition and adaptability under pressure make them capable of miraculous comebacks — but a three-goal deficit is a steep ask.

🔴 Borussia Dortmund – Youth and Dynamism

Dortmund’s mix of youth and experience allows them to shift momentum quickly in two-leg ties. Their first-leg advantage positions them well for this tie.

🔵 Galatasaray & AS Monaco – Dark Horses

Both clubs are traditionally strong in their respective leagues and carry momentum into Europe. Their attacking danger cannot be underestimated in these decisive legs.

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📊 Section III — Predictions & Tactical Forecasts

🔮 Match Predictions (26 February 2026)

Predictions based on first-leg performances, tactical analysis, and club history. Actual outcomes can vary with form and lineup changes.

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📍 Section IV — Importance of 25 February Fixtures

These second legs decide who progresses to the Round of 16 — a competition phase where history shows that momentum is vital for later success. A tie won today sets up crucial March fixtures that can define a club’s European season.

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📚 People Also Ask

❓ What Champions League matches are on 25 February 2026?

On this date, four second-leg knockout play-off matches are scheduled: Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund, Juventus vs Galatasaray, PSG vs Monaco, and Real Madrid vs Benfica.

❓ What time do Champions League fixtures start?

Most matches on 25 February kick off at 21:00 CET, while Atalanta vs Dortmund is at 18:45 CET.

❓ How do the second legs work?

Second legs decide progression to the Round of 16 by aggregate score over two matches. Away goals rules may apply depending on competition rules.

❓ Which clubs are favourites on 25 February?

Clubs like Real Madrid and PSG are favourites given first-leg advantages and European pedigree, while teams like Galatasaray pose serious threats.

❓ Where can I watch these fixtures?

Broadcast rights vary by country but major sports networks and UEFA’s official platforms broadcast Champions League fixtures live.

❓ Why is this date important in UCL?

25 February represents the decisive second legs of the knockout play-offs, determining which eight clubs advance to the Round of 16.

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📌 Final Takeaway

25 February 2026 is one of the most pivotal nights in this Champions League season. With top clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, Dortmund — and rising threats like Galatasaray and Monaco — Europe’s elite collide for knockout glory.

Stay tuned — the results from this date will echo throughout the rest of the campaign and signal the real contenders for the 2026 Champions League title.