Champions League Showdowns: Bold Predictions for Matchday 2's Epic Clashes

The Champions League knockout playoff stage kicks off on Tuesday night, featuring 16 clubs competing to secure their spots alongside the top eight teams from the league phase in the round of 16.

Following a frantic and overwhelming Matchday 8 that delivered excitement, we anticipate a more composed start to the playoff rounds. The two-leg encounters are about to commence, with clubs likely testing each other before the crucial second legs.

Nevertheless, the fixture organizers have created compelling storylines and a rematch that was inevitable. Here's how Sports Illustrated forecasts these upcoming playoff matches will unfold.

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Galatasaray vs. Juventus

Galatasaray vs. Juventus

Juventus have suffered defeats in both their visits to Istanbul, with former Inter legend Wesley Sneijder delivering the decisive blow in their last encounter in 2013.

RAMS Park presents a challenging venue for visiting teams, though Union Saint-Gilloise managed to shock Galatasaray at home during the league phase. Luciano Spalletti's squad will believe that avoiding defeat on Tuesday night will secure their passage to the round of 16.

Yet, they arrive for the opening leg demoralized following a heartbreaking loss in another captivating Derby d'Italia. Manuel Locatelli appeared to have salvaged a draw for the depleted visitors, but Piotr Zielinski then struck for the Serie A frontrunners to strengthen their championship position.

The Turkish side, conversely, have secured four consecutive victories since their 2–0 loss at Manchester City, and they'll be hoping star striker Victor Osimhen maintains his excellent form against the Bianconeri. The Nigerian has triumphed in five of seven encounters, contributing four goals and assists.

Prediction: Galatasaray 1–1 Juventus

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

Three weeks following Anatoliy Trubin's goal that propelled Benfica into the next round, Real Madrid travel back to Lisbon with vengeance on their agenda. A 4–2 loss to José Mourinho's team cost them a top-eight position and direct qualification to the round of 16.

They'll now face the Portuguese outfit following an impressive domestic performance. Madrid dominated one of Europe's in-form sides, Real Sociedad, in convincing fashion on Saturday, with Álvaro Arbeloa not requiring top scorer Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, who found the net in their recent memorable clash, should therefore be rested for the first leg.

Benfica's performances since Trubin's heroics have been rather disappointing, though this has characterized much of Mourinho's tenure. They'll simply hope to remain competitive by the time the "special one" returns to the Bernabéu.

Prediction: Benfica 1–2 Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

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

Just two points and positions divided Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta in the league phase standings, setting up an intensely competitive playoff encounter between these sides.

They clash at Signal Iduna Park with both teams carrying three consecutive domestic victories, though both also concluded the league phase with back-to-back losses.

This marks their first meeting since 2018, when Dortmund secured a 1–1 result in Bergamo to progress to the Europa League's last 16. Gian Piero Gasperini was just beginning his transformation of La Dea into a continental powerhouse then, and they're now targeting their second Champions League round of 16 appearance—having reached the quarter-finals in 2019–20.

They're resurging under Raffaele Palladino and face a somewhat lackluster Dortmund side, but Tuesday's hosts boast an excellent record in this tournament. BVB have advanced to the last 16 in six of the past seven campaigns.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2–1 Atalanta

Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain

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

Following their late surge in last season's league phase, Paris Saint-Germain encountered domestic rivals in the playoffs. Brest were mercilessly eliminated and this time, Monaco will aim to provide greater resistance.

They did claim victory in their previous encounter in November with a 1–0 result and are beginning to show improvement under Sébastien Pocognoli, securing two wins in their last three Ligue 1 matches. Furthermore, this PSG team has yet to find their dominant rhythm, despite showing glimpses on several occasions.

A 3–1 loss at Rennes in their latest outing means Luis Enrique's team sits behind Lens in the league table, and they underwhelmed at times during the league phase. Two draws and one defeat to finish saw the defending champions drop out of the top eight.

Monaco, meanwhile, drew half of their eight matches and scraped into the playoffs with ten points.

Prediction: Monaco 0–1 PSG

Matchday 2/17 Predictions

Matchday 2/17 Predictions