Champions League knockout play-off results were filled with history, tension, and milestones, but one case was marked by a deeply troubling controversy.
Taking each match one at a time, the narratives from across Europe show just how layered this round has already become.
Table of Contents
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Turkey
In Istanbul, Galatasaray welcomed Juventus in a meeting that carried historical weight. Galatasaray reached their 200th appearance in the competition, becoming the first Turkish club to hit that mark.
Their recent record against Italian opposition is strong, with just three defeats in their last 17 UEFA matches against Serie A sides, and they have not lost at home to Italian opposition since 1963.
Juventus, however, arrived with knockout pedigree, having avoided defeat in the first leg of their last six UEFA two legged ties. Interestingly, although Juve have lost only twice in ten UEFA games against Turkish teams, both defeats came against Galatasaray. With the Turkish side also just two goals shy of 250 in the competition, this tie feels finely balanced heading into the return leg.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Portugal
In Lisbon, Benfica faced Real Madrid in a fixture rich with European history. Benfica famously defeated Madrid 5-3 in the 1962 European Cup final and also won 5-1 in Lisbon in the 1964/65 quarter-finals before losing 2-1 away. But modern trends favour Madrid, who have won ten of their last 12 two-legged Champions League ties and are appearing in the knockout stage for the 29th straight season.
Benfica, meanwhile, has lost its last five UEFA two-legged ties against Spanish clubs.
The match, however, was overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior. The Real Madrid forward was reportedly called a “monkey” five times during the game a deeply disturbing and unacceptable incident that again highlights the persistent issue of racism in football.
The abuse sparked anger on the pitch and condemnation off it, shifting focus away from the football itself. Such incidents not only stain the occasion but also reinforce the urgent need for stronger action and accountability in European competitions.
Amid the controversy, Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable form, taking his tally to 13 goals in seven appearances this season, eight of them in his last three games. But the racism directed at Vinícius became the defining talking point of the night.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in France
In France, Monaco and Paris met in UEFA competition for the first time. Monaco came into the tie having lost their last five two-legged UEFA ties, yet their recent Champions League form offers encouragement, with just one defeat in their last seven matches and four clean sheets in the previous six.
Paris, competing in the knockout phase for the 14th consecutive season, has won six of its last seven two-legged Champions League ties and has lost only twice in their last 12 UEFA matches overall. Monaco can take belief from their recent Ligue 1 win over Paris, but history still leans toward the capital club.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Germany
In Germany, Borussia Dortmund hosted Atalanta, revisiting a fixture last seen in 2017/18 when Dortmund edged through 4-3 on aggregate, yet, recent trends are less encouraging for the German side.
They have lost their last three two-legged ties against Italian opposition in this competition, and have only one win in their last seven UEFA meetings with Italian teams.
Victory in this tie would secure Dortmund’s 100th win in the Champions League.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have lost just two of their previous 11 UEFA matches against German sides and have won each of the last three without conceding, underlining their growing European confidence.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Azerbaijan
A historic evening unfolded as Qarabağ took on Newcastle. Qarabağ is the first Azerbaijani club to reach the knockout stage and has been prolific at home, scoring two or more goals in its last six Champions League home matches.
However, they are winless in nine UEFA meetings with English opposition. Newcastle, also debutants at this stage, have struggled away in Europe, winning just two of their last 15 UEFA away games, which leaves the tie intriguingly open.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Belgium
In Belgium, Club Brugge continued their strong home tradition against Atleti. The Belgian side is unbeaten at home against Atlético in four UEFA meetings and has scored three or more goals in five of their six UEFA home matches this season.
Atlético, despite reaching the knockout phase 11 times in the last 13 seasons, have lost four of their last six ties at this stage a statistic that adds pressure heading into the second leg.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Norway
In Norway, Bodø/Glimt faced Inter in a meeting last seen in European competition back in 1978/79, when Inter won 7-1 on aggregate. Bodø/Glimt’s only success in five UEFA two-legged ties against Italian sides came last season against Lazio.
They have been free scoring again, netting at least twice in six of their last eight Champions League matches, with Kasper Høgh scoring three goals in the last two games. Inter, however, are unbeaten in four UEFA matches against Norwegian opposition and have won six of their last seven two-legged ties in this competition.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off in Greece
Finally, in Greece, Olympiacos met Leverkusen. Olympiacos’ recent 2-0 win over German opposition ended a 13-match winless streak against Bundesliga clubs in UEFA competition.
They have now matched their longest Champions League winning run with three straight victories and have won the home leg in six of their seven UEFA two-legged ties. Leverkusen, needing just one goal to reach 200 in the competition, has seen Alejandro Grimaldo score in three of its last four Champions League matches.
Conclusion
Across the board, these first legs delivered statistical milestones, tactical battles, and emotional flashpoints. But while the football sets up thrilling second legs, the racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior stands as a sobering reminder that the fight against discrimination in the game is far from over.
