Champions League Matchday 2 Showdowns: Expert Predictions for Europe's Elite Clash

Tuesday delivered a Champions League preview filled with compelling storylines, as Real Madrid pursued retribution against José Mourinho while Victor Osimhen aimed to demonstrate to Juventus their missed opportunity.

Now, four additional first-leg encounters await, with tonight's matches beginning in Eurasia and finishing across the continent, spanning territories once explored by Erik the Red and Alexander the Great.

Another thrilling evening of European football approaches, and here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts these upcoming playoff matches will unfold.

Qarabağ vs. Newcastle United

Qarabağ vs. Newcastle United

Trailblazing Qarabağ not only became Azerbaijan's first club to secure consecutive Champions League victories, but their ten-point tally earned them playoff qualification. They now face an injury-depleted Newcastle United across two legs with an opportunity to extend their extraordinary campaign.

While Qarabağ endured three losses in their final four league phase matches, their crucial victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on the penultimate matchday virtually secured their progression beyond early elimination that many had anticipated.

They claimed points from Chelsea during the Blues' lengthy eastern journey, and Newcastle's struggles away from St. James' Park, despite some impressive recent away performances, suggests the home side could realistically remain competitive for the return leg at Tyneside, possibly even carrying an advantage.

Eddie Howe's team showed quality throughout most of the league phase, earning a 1–1 result at Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 8. Following early 2026 concerns about stagnation, the Magpies are regaining momentum—though Bruno Guimarães' absence for this tie represents a significant setback.

Prediction: Qarabağ 0–0 Newcastle

Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter Milan

Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter Milan

It seemed particularly cruel that newcomers Bodø/Glimt managed only three points through six matches, requiring victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid to secure playoff advancement.

Nevertheless, Bodø capitalized on City's weaknesses and completely dominated them in a stunning 3–1 victory, then recovered from a deficit in Madrid to achieve an arguably even more remarkable triumph at the Metropolitano.

Bodø's remarkable turnaround occurred during their domestic break, and they won't commence their 2026 league season until March.

Inter Milan represents their next prestigious target, with the Nerazzurri likely to struggle in conditions unfamiliar to most of Cristian Chivu's roster. For Chivu, Wednesday's opening leg might evoke memories of 2009–10, when José Mourinho's Inter, which included him, visited Rubin Kazan, Dynamo Kyiv and CSKA Moscow during their Champions League triumph.

Such unique occasions deserve appreciation, especially with sub-zero temperatures expected in Bodø on Wednesday evening.

Prediction: Bodø/Glimt 1–2 Inter

Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid

Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Atlético Madrid certainly displays contrasting personalities, having demolished Barcelona 4–0 in the Copa del Rey last week before suffering a 3–0 defeat to relegation-battling Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday.

Diego Simeone did rotate his starting eleven significantly at the weekend, clearly prioritizing cup competitions during the final stretch.

However, they've drawn a challenging playoff opponent in the team that eliminated Atalanta at this stage last season. That experience under Nicky Hayen could prove crucial against the cunning Spaniards, a side many prefer to avoid during Champions League knockout rounds, despite their disappointing recent record.

Brugge offers entertaining football, with Ivan Leko developing Hayen's solid framework, and this could develop into an outstanding playoff encounter between these clubs.

Prediction: Club Brugge 2–1 Atlético Madrid

Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. GMT / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

This matchup has occurred previously, and Bayer Leverkusen will urgently seek a different result on Wednesday evening.

Kasper Hjulmand's team was defeated by clinical Olympiacos finishing during Matchday 7 of the league phase. The Greeks converted both shots on target before surviving a second-half onslaught.

José Luis Mendilibar brings Europa League-winning experience and his squad performed commendably, considering their challenging fixture list, to advance to this stage.

Since their Athens defeat, Leverkusen have claimed victory in five of their last six matches across all competitions. Hjulmand's squad has regained fitness, and they're targeting Champions League round of 16 qualification for consecutive seasons.

Prediction: Olympiacos 1–1 Bayer Leverkusen

Matchday 2/18 Predictions

Matchday 2/18 Predictions