The UEFA Champions League knockout rounds are here, and Wednesday night promises drama across Europe. From Baku to Bruges, giants and dreamers collide in ties rich with history, tension, and possibility.
Newcastle embark on their longest-ever European journey, Olympiakos chase a record-breaking run, Bodø/Glimt carry Norway’s hopes against Inter’s pedigree, and Club Brugge’s fearless youth face Atlético’s seasoned grit. Catch all the action live on SuperSport.
It’s a night where narratives will twist, reputations will be tested, and new heroes could emerge under the floodlights.
Qarabag v Newcastle United, 7:45pm GMT
Azerbaijan meets England once again, and history leans heavily toward the Premier League side. Qarabag have faced English opposition nine times in Europe, yet remain winless — Newcastle arrive unbeaten, with eight victories and a draw across those encounters.
The Magpies’ journey to Baku is a record-breaker: 2 529 miles, the longest ever trip for an English team to face Qarabag. Eddie Howe’s men will be determined to make it worthwhile.
They’ve already claimed four wins in this season’s competition, and another would put Howe alongside Bobby Robson and Graham Potter for the most victories by an English manager in a single Champions League campaign.
Qarabag started brightly with wins over Benfica and Copenhagen but have faltered since, losing four of their last six. Their defensive frailties are glaring — they’ve conceded at least two goals in each of their last six matches, with only Kairat shipping more in this edition.
Colombian forward Camilo Durán has been their shining light, scoring four times, chasing the footsteps of Jackson Martínez and Radamel Falcao.
For Newcastle, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have been the heartbeat of their attack, involved in 76 per cent of their goals. Gordon’s six strikes and Barnes’ five make them a lethal duo. Behind them, Bruno Guimarães has quietly orchestrated play, delivering more line-breaking passes than almost anyone in Europe.
This is uncharted territory for both clubs — their first-ever knockout tie in the Champions League. Expect nerves, but also history in the making.
Olympiakos v Bayer Leverkusen, 10pm GMT
Olympiakos have already shown they can topple Leverkusen, beating them 2-0 last month in Piraeus. That victory added to their strong record against German opposition, and they now chase a milestone: four consecutive wins in Europe’s premier competition, something they’ve never achieved in 165 matches.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, carry the burden of a poor knockout record — just two wins from 19 ties, the worst per centage of any side with 10+ games at this stage. Their away form in Greece is equally bleak, with no victories since 1993.
Olympiakos thrive on intensity. They led the league phase in high turnovers and pressures, suffocating opponents in advanced areas. Mehdi Taremi has chipped in with two goals and two assists, their most productive European campaigner since Stoltidis in 2007-08.
Daniel Podence has dazzled too, completing dribbles at the best success rate of any winger in the competition.
Leverkusen, though, bring control. Their matches have the second-highest ball-in-play average this season, and midfielder Aleix García has been a passing machine, breaking lines more than anyone else. Loïc Badé has shown composure under pressure, completing nearly 80 per cent of his forward passes when pressed.
Bodø/Glimt v Inter Milan, 10pm GMT
From the Arctic Circle to Milan’s grand stage, Bodø/Glimt continue their fairytale. Their only previous meeting with Inter came back in 1978, a heavy defeat, but times have changed. The Norwegians stunned Manchester City and Atlético Madrid late in the group stage, and now dream of becoming the first Norwegian side to win three straight Champions League matches.
Inter arrive with pedigree. They’ve lost just once in their last 15 knockout ties outside of finals, though heartbreak in recent finals against PSG and Manchester City still lingers. Federico Dimarco embodies their attacking thrust, with nearly half of Inter’s attacks flowing down his left flank.
Lautaro Martínez, meanwhile, is chasing legends — his 25 Champions League goals put him within reach of Inzaghi and Shevchenko.
Bodø/Glimt’s Jens Petter Hauge has been electric, the only player to combine 20+ chances created with 20+ successful dribbles. Alongside him, three teammates have played every minute of the campaign, a testament to their resilience.
Club Brugge v Atlético Madrid, 10pm GMT
Two clubs with intertwined history meet again, and the balance couldn’t be tighter: three wins apiece, two draws. Yet Atlético arrive with scars. They’ve failed to score in their last three Champions League games against Brugge, and another blank would mark their longest drought against any opponent in Europe.
Diego Simeone’s side are also on their worst away run in knockout football, losing four straight. Their defense has been porous too, conceding in eight consecutive matches. Julián Álvarez, usually prolific with 16 goals in 23 starts, is suddenly misfiring — two games without a goal, and he’s never gone three.
Brugge, by contrast, are brimming with youthful energy. They lead the competition in goals scored by players aged 21 or younger, with five different youngsters finding the net. Brandon Mechele has been a rock at the back, beaten just once in 21 tackles.
Atlético still boast bite, ranking top for defensive line-breaking passes despite modest possession. Álvarez also leads all strikers in high-intensity pressures, epitomizing their relentless style.