We’ve reached the knockout stages of the 2025-26 Champions League as 8 teams prepare to do battle on Tuesday, February 18. The 4 matchups we can look forward to are Galatasaray vs Juventus, Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta, Benfica vs Real Madrid and Monaco vs PSG. While you can find out our exper soccer picks for all of those games along with EVERY Champions League knockout game throughout the rest of the season, we’re diving into our Champions League best bets of the day.
Champions League best bet: Borussia Dortmund ML over Atalanta (+105)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Both of these teams have been in fantastic form domestically of late. Borussia Dortmund have won their last 6 Bundesliga games to pile pressure onto Bayern Munich, while Atalanta have rebounded after a dismal start to sit 6th in Serie A. However, neither has been able to really find consistency in Europe. Defeats to Tottenham and Inter Milan in January sent Dortmund into the play-off round, while Atalanta lost to Athletic Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise last month.
Dortmund have won 5 of their last 6 at home, and having Serhou Guirassy in the final third could make a huge difference for the German side. He’s scored 5 goals across his last 3 games, while he’s netted in home wins over Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal in this competition this term. Guirassy’s eye for goal could be a difference-maker against an Atalanta team that lacks that caliber of scorer. Dortmund have also punched above their weight in this competition in recent years, while La Dea aren’t as effective without Gian Piero Gasperini at the helm. Back Dortmund to continue their good run at home and secure a first-leg victory.
Read our full Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta prediction
Champions League best bet: Benfica vs Real Madrid draw & both teams to score (+303)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Real Madrid are still smarting following last month’s epic 4-2 loss to Benfica and their revenge mission may come up short when the pair lock horns in this playoff first leg in Lisbon. Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin headed in a stoppage-time 4th goal to secure the Eagles a place in the playoff round on goal difference, knocking out Marseille along the way and thwarting Madrid’s chances of an automatic place in the Last 16. The wild celebrations that followed Trubin’s decisive goal didn’t go down well with Los Blancos, and they will be hell-bent on making amends at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday.
The La Liga giants are in great form and their only loss in their last 7 was last month’s Champions League epic against Benfica, but if anyone can stop them taking their revenge then it is former boss Jose Mourinho. He will have his Benfica team set up not to lose, but Real will be hard to stop and a lively contest could play out. Backing a draw in which both teams score looks a solid bet. Real have scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 14 matches, but on home soil, Benfica can match them stride-for-stride.
Read our full Benfica vs Real Madrid prediction
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