{"id":665567,"date":"2026-02-23T05:09:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T10:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=665567"},"modified":"2026-02-23T05:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T10:11:31","slug":"uefa-champions-league-knockout-round-play-offs-predictions-including-psg-vs-monaco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2026\/02\/23\/uefa-champions-league-knockout-round-play-offs-predictions-including-psg-vs-monaco\/","title":{"rendered":"UEFA Champions League Knockout Round Play-offs Predictions Including PSG vs Monaco"},"content":{"rendered":"

Both Real Madrid and PSG can punch their ticket into the next phase of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League<\/a> on Wednesday. Here is your look at all the second leg matchups across Europe.<\/p>\n

AS Monaco at PSG
\n(PSG 3-2 on aggregate)<\/h2>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

PSG trailed early and AS Monaco were exhibiting great form, but they battled for a 3-2 comeback and now at home just have to avoid defeat. PSG thrashed Metz on the weekend, and while Folarin Balogun is a playmaker for Monaco, they likely can’t prevent PSG from scoring here.<\/p>\n

With a severely depleted squad including injuries to Takumi Minamino, Mohammed Salisu, and Eric Dier, Monaco likely lacks the defensive stability to mount a comeback. PSG will be without Ousmane Demb\u00e9l\u00e9, who suffered a calf injury in the first leg, alongside Fabi\u00e1n Ruiz, but they easily have the depth to cover the losses. Monaco can welcome back Ansu Fati, and despite a stunning 3-2 weekend comeback victory against title-contenders Lens, they remain languishing mid-table in Ligue 1. PSG were ruthless in the second half of the previous match, and Monaco face an absolute mountain to climb in Paris.<\/p>\n

Expect PSG to find the net early, and perhaps often to put this game away. Prediction: PSG<\/strong> 3 AS Monaco 1<\/p>\n

Galatasaray at Juventus
\n(Galatasaray 5-2 on aggregate)<\/h3>\n

They are at home in the Champions League, but it’s a mountain to climb for Juventus as Galatasaray created meaningful separation in their home leg and now need to defend to see this match out over 90 minutes. Juventus are struggling, winless since February 1st, and having suffered three consecutive defeats including a 2-0 thrashing against Como on the weekend. Juventus couldn’t avoid defeat against Galatasaray, Noa Lang scored twice and there were four second half goals for Galatasaray, from a 2-1 first half deficit. The Juventus backline proved brittle, and while Bremer is doubtful, Juan Cabal will miss this game due to suspension.<\/p>\n

With Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David also in doubt, Juventus likely lacks the tools to mount a comeback. Galatasaray can welcome back Mario Lemina, and despite a shock defeat on the weekend, they remain 3 points clear in the Turkish Super Lig over hated rivals Fenerbahce. Galatasaray were impressive in the previous match, and Juventus have been poor all month.<\/p>\n

Prediction: 2-2 Draw, Galatasaray advances<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dortmund at Atalanta
\n(Dortmund 2-0 on aggregate)<\/h3>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with Leipzig was entertaining for Bundesliga watchers, the result snapped a four-match winning streak for the German side that included a comfortable 2-0 win over Atalanta where the home team scored two first half goals. Serhou Guirassy remains a superstar at striker.<\/p>\n

Atalanta upset Napoli on the weekend and enter this second leg with positive momentum They are in striking distance of a European table position in Serie A, while Napoli are now 14 points off Inter Milan’s pace.<\/p>\n

Atalanta at home can provide pressure, and an early goal would give them hope, but Dortmund likely only need an away goal here to avoid getting drawn into extra time. Prediction: Atalanta 2-1, Dortmund advances<\/strong> 3-2 on aggregate<\/p>\n

Benfica at Real Madrid
\n(Real Madrid 1-0 on aggregate)<\/h3>\n