Champions League Playoffs Kick Off with PSG Rally and Bodø/Glimt Shock

The first legs of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs took place across Europe on February 17 and 18. Teams finishing ninth to 24th in the league phase fought for spots in the round of 16 against the top eight sides. PSG pulled off a comeback win at Monaco, while Bodø/Glimt handed Inter Milan a rare defeat in Norway.

Background

The Champions League this season uses a new format. Thirty-six teams played in a single league phase earlier this year. The top eight teams—Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City—earned byes straight to the round of 16. The rest entered these playoffs. Teams from ninth to 16th hosted the first legs at home, with second legs set for February 25 and 26 away.

These playoffs decide who joins the top seeds in the knockout bracket. Matches are two-legged, with aggregate scores determining winners. Away goals no longer break ties; extra time and penalties settle draws. The draw paired lower seeds against higher ones, but results from these first legs already shifted expectations.

Play happened amid winter weather in some spots. Norway's freezing cold tested Inter Milan at Bodø/Glimt. Istanbul's lively crowd pushed Galatasaray past Juventus. Stadiums from Monaco to Qarabağ hosted games watched by millions.

Key Details

Tuesday's matches started the action. In Monaco, the home side led 2-0 early with goals from Folarin Balogun in the first and 18th minutes. PSG fought back in the second half to win 3-2. The Paris club now holds a one-goal lead heading home.

Galatasaray stunned Juventus 5-2 in Istanbul. The Turkish team scored three before halftime, with Juventus replying through Teun Koopmeiners twice. Galatasaray's attack overwhelmed the visitors, putting them in control of the tie.

Real Madrid edged Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon. The Spanish giants stayed calm despite reported fan abuse toward Vinícius Júnior and a red card to Benfica's José Mourinho. Madrid's experience in Europe showed through.

Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0 at home. The German side kept a clean sheet and scored efficiently to take a strong advantage.

Wednesday brought more goals. Newcastle United smashed Qarabağ 6-1 in Azerbaijan. The English team dominated from start to finish.

Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid drew 3-3 in Belgium. Both sides traded blows, with the tie wide open for the return leg.

Bodø/Glimt shocked Inter Milan 3-1 in Norway. The home team played fast and fearless in cold conditions, exposing Inter's defense.

Bodø/Glimt's Standout Win

Bodø/Glimt, Norway's surprise package, led 3-1 at home against Inter. Their high press and quick counters worked well. Inter pulled one back but could not close the gap. This result gives the Norwegians a big edge for the second leg in Milan.

"We played with heart and speed tonight. The fans made it special in the cold." – Bodø/Glimt captain Patrick Berg

Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 at Olympiacos. The German side controlled the game and kept a shutout.

What This Means

PSG's away win puts them favorites against Monaco in the second leg. A victory sends them to face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the round of 16. Newcastle's big lead over Qarabağ likely books a matchup with Barcelona or Chelsea too.

Galatasaray's 5-2 thrashing gives them room to breathe against Juventus. Winners here meet Liverpool or Tottenham. Real Madrid's narrow win sets up a potential clash with Sporting CP or Manchester City if they advance past Benfica.

Bodø/Glimt's upset over Inter opens doors. If they hold on, they face Sporting CP or Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund eyes Arsenal or Bayern Munich after beating Atalanta.

Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid must settle their draw next week. The winner draws Liverpool or Tottenham. Leverkusen leads Olympiacos and could meet Arsenal or Bayern.

These results mix big clubs with underdogs. Top teams like PSG, Real Madrid, and Newcastle hold edges, but Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray prove anything can happen. Second legs start February 25, with eight spots in the round of 16 up for grabs.

The round of 16 draws follow, pairing winners against the top eight seeds. Quarterfinals come in early April, semis late April, and the final hits Budapest's Puskás Aréna on May 30. Momentum from these playoffs could carry teams deep into spring.