The road to the last 16 takes centre stage on Tuesday night, with four ties that promise history, drama, and fine margins. Catch all the action live on SuperSport.
According to Opta Predictor, Newcastle are the biggest favourites to progress from their play-off round tie, with the Magpies having an 89 per cent probability of eliminating Qarabag (11 per cent chance of progression).
Reigning champions Paris SG – who will face fellow French side Monaco – are favoured with an 86 per cent chance of reaching the last 16.
The most evenly balanced tie in the play-off round, based on probability of progression, will be between Borussia Dortmund (57 per cent) and Atalanta (43 per cent).
TUESDAY MATCHES AT A GLANCE
Galatasaray v Juventus | 7:45pm CAT
A rivalry renewed, but this time with knockout stakes. Galatasaray have lost just once in six previous meetings with Juventus, famously winning 1-0 back in December 2013. The Turkish side’s home record against Italian opposition is formidable - unbeaten in eight matches - and they return to the knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Their fortress in Istanbul has seen them topple giants before, including Real Madrid in two memorable quarterfinals.
Juventus, though, arrive under Luciano Spalletti with defensive steel. They are unbeaten in five Champions League games under his guidance, keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
Victor Osimhen’s six goals in six appearances underline their attacking edge, while 20-year-old Kenan Yildiz has emerged as a creative spark. Galatasaray’s home resilience versus Juventus’ newfound solidity makes this a clash of tradition and momentum.
Borussia Dortmund v Atalanta | 10pm CAT
The most evenly balanced tie of the round. Dortmund edged Atalanta in their only previous European meeting back in 2018, but the Italian side have since built a reputation for upsetting German opposition - three straight wins this season without conceding.
Dortmund’s recent form is shaky, with back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Inter, while Atalanta carry the burden of five consecutive knockout losses.
Missing Charles De Ketelaere, their most influential player this season, is a major blow. Yet Serhou Guirassy’s ruthless finishing and Nico Schlotterbeck’s passing range could be decisive for Dortmund, while Odilon Kossounou’s defensive presence anchors Atalanta. Expect tension, expect drama.
Monaco v Paris SG | 10pm CAT
An all-French showdown with no European precedent. PSG, the reigning champions, are favourites, but Monaco’s home resilience - three consecutive clean sheets - offers hope. Luis Enrique’s side thrive in knockout football, winning 67 per cent of such matches under his tenure, and boast remarkable depth with 11 different scorers this season.
Vitinha’s passing rhythm and Nuno Mendes’ dynamism from full-back highlight PSG’s strength, while Monaco have struggled to convert chances, with Maghnes Akliouche firing blanks despite 25 attempts. Folarin Balogun, their top scorer, will need to rise to the occasion if Monaco are to defy the odds.
Benfica v Real Madrid | 10pm CAT
A heavyweight clash dripping with history. Benfica stunned Madrid 4-2 in the league phase, but Los Blancos remain dangerous, especially with Kylian Mbappé in record-breaking form - 13 goals in seven games, the highest goals-per-game ratio in a single Champions League campaign.
Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé’s partnership has been electric, combining for 19 chances created, more than any other duo in the competition. Benfica, though, are no strangers to big scalps at home, having beaten both Atlético and Madrid with four-goal hauls in recent years. Vangelis Pavlidis is chasing history, just one goal shy of becoming Benfica’s second player to reach double figures in the competition.
Tuesday night is set to deliver everything the Champions League promises: history, resilience, and star power colliding under the floodlights. From Galatasaray’s fortress to Monaco’s defiance, Dortmund’s balancing act, and Madrid’s firepower, the drama of Europe’s greatest stage is about to unfold.