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

Four clubs will secure their places in the Champions League knockout stage on Tuesday evening, as the initial set of playoff matches reach their conclusion across western Europe.

The opening legs from last week certainly delivered plenty of goals to maintain hopes of stunning upsets. The return fixtures promise to provide excitement and unpredictability.

Which teams will maintain their composure to progress, and which will crumble under the weight of expectation? The answers await us.

Here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts Tuesday's playoff return legs will unfold.

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Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge

Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge

Ivan Leko's prolific Club Brugge continued their attacking form last week, engaging in a thrilling opening encounter with Atlético Madrid.

Diego Simeone allowed his team to play with freedom in Belgium, and they appeared poised to carry a 3–2 advantage into Tuesday's second leg. Nevertheless, Christos Tzolis's dramatic late leveller ensures everything remains open at the Metropolitano, with Brugge seeking to replicate their playoff shock of Atalanta from last campaign against the Spanish outfit.

Atlético have found the net four times in their last two matches at home, while Brugge secured their third straight domestic triumph over the weekend.

The home team are expected to progress, but don't entirely dismiss Leko's energetic squad.

Prediction: Atlético Madrid 3–1 (6–4 agg.) Club Brugge

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos

Bayer Leverkusen made amends for their league stage loss in Greece by securing a 2–0 triumph in last week's opening leg against José Luis Mendilibar's team.

Olympiacos remained competitive throughout, and arguably could've capitalized better on the opportunities they created, but the visitors were undone by Patrik Schick's second-half double.

Therefore, Tuesday's home side are firmly in command, and they're positioned to reach the Champions League round of 16 for the second straight campaign. Olympiacos, conversely, haven't prevailed in a two-legged tie in this tournament since defeating Ajax in the opening round of the 1983–84 European Cup.

They face a significant challenge if they're to extend their European journey this time.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 1–1 (3–1 agg.) Olympiacos

Inter Milan vs. Bodø/Glimt

Inter Milan vs. Bodø/Glimt

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

Inter Milan became the most recent victims of Bodø's unique qualities, as Kjetil Knutsen's team produced another brilliant display on their synthetic pitch.

The Nerazzurri responded to Bodø/Glimt's rapid opening through a characteristically clinical Pio Esposito strike, but the Norwegian side regrouped after being equalized. The protagonist of their remarkable run, Jens Petter Hauge, shone once more, netting Bodø's second before Kasper Høgh sealed a third.

Inter must now overcome a two-goal first leg disadvantage for the first time in their Champions League journey.

Although Bodø are formidable at home, their recent performances in Dortmund and Madrid suggest a team that has rapidly grown more assured away from home.

Prediction: Inter 2–1 (3–4 agg.) Bodø/Glimt

Newcastle United vs. Qarabağ

Newcastle United vs. Qarabağ

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

Football is an absurd, capricious sport that can produce the most bizarre outcomes. However, we can state with complete confidence that Newcastle United will not surrender a five-goal lead at home to Qarabağ on Tuesday evening.

The Anthony Gordon-led Magpies dominated in Baku last week, with Gordon netting four times in the opening half alone to effectively end the contest. Further strikes from both teams after halftime mean Newcastle hold a commanding 6–1 advantage at the midway stage.

Qarabağ were among the surprises of the league phase and can take pride in their achievements to this point, but the Azerbaijani club were utterly poor in the first leg. Trips to St. James' Park under floodlights can be intimidating even for Europe's elite, so concerns exist for Gurban Gurbanov's team here.

Prediction: Newcastle 4–0 (10–1 agg.) Qarabağ

Matchday 2/24 Predictions

Matchday 2/24 Predictions