After the first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff, teams are now focusing on the mental resilience required for the second leg. This stage is famous for exhilarating comebacks, heart-wrenching defeats, and flashes of brilliance. With the away goals rule eliminated, teams must concentrate on comprehensively winning the tie. This is the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and mental resilience as teams compete for a coveted place in the prestigious round of 16.
The first leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff showcased dominant team performances. Paris Saint-Germain delivered a phenomenal game against Brest, securing a dominant 3-0 victory thanks to Vitinha and Ousmane Dembele’s leadership. Dortmund also demonstrated dominance, overcoming Sporting CP with a 3-0 win. Despite a slow start, Dortmund took control in the second half, scoring three goals with the help of Serhou Guirassy, Pascal Gross, and Karim Adeyemi.
In a close match, Manchester City lost to Real Madrid with a score of 2-3. In the 19th minute of the game, Erling Haaland shot the first goal for Manchester City, which gave them a clear early advantage. Further, in the match’s second half, Kylian Mbappe equalized the game in the 60th minute, and in the 80th minute, Erling Haaland shot the second goal for Manchester City. However, later, Real Madrid performed strongly, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham, which made them win the game by a margin of one point.
On the other hand, Juventus defeated PSV by a margin of one point, and Atalanta had a disappointing match with Club Brugge KV, where they lost the game with a score of 1-2, and the only goal from Mario Pasalic. In the 48th minute of the match, Vangelis Pavlidis shot the game’s first goal, which made Benfica win the leg one of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff against Monaco. AC Milan defeated Feyenoord without scoring a single point in the game, and Bayern Munich continued their dominance by defeating Celtic with a scoreline of 2-1. This upcoming UEFA Champions League Knockout playoff leg two will be a crucial chance for all teams to qualify for the next round. For more updates on sports, check out our website.
AC Milan vs. Feyenoord
This will be a crucial one for AC Milan, where they lost their leg-one game and are ready to face off again with Feyenoord for the leg-two match of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff.
Match Details:
Date: February 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 12:45 PM EST | 05:45 PM GMT | 11:15 PM IST
Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) (Milan)
Guided by manager Sérgio Conceição, AC Milan approached this match with a mixed record of two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games. Their latest setback was a narrow 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord in the first leg of the play-off tie, a result they are determined to reverse on home ground. Milan’s key strength is their attacking lineup, featuring notable players like Rafael Leão, Christian Pulisic, and Santiago Gimenez. However, they have shown defensive shortcomings, averaging 1.0 goals conceded per game over their last seven matches, which could pose a problem.
On the other hand, Feyenoord has had an inconsistent but resilient performance. Under interim coach Pascal Bosscharrt, they’ve recorded two wins and three losses in their last five games. Their recent 1-0 win against AC Milan demonstrated their ability to secure results, yet their defensive weaknesses are evident, conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game. In their head-to-head history, this was their first encounter, which regrettably ended in a loss for AC Milan. Given AC Milan’s strong home record, they will likely have the advantage in securing a win in this match.
Atalanta vs. Club Brugge KV
In the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff leg two, Atalanta will return home to face Club Brugge KV for the second time in its football history.
Match Details:
Date: February 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Gewiss Stadium (Bergamo)
This second-leg match follows Club Brugge’s narrow 2-1 win in the first leg, secured by a controversial stoppage-time penalty from Gustaf Nilsson. Atalanta aims to reverse the score and advance to the round of 16, while Club Brugge seeks to protect its lead and progress. Atalanta’s recent performances have been mixed; they lost 2-1 to Club Brugge but previously showcased its attacking strength with a dominant 5-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A. Conversely, Club Brugge has been resilient and inconsistent.
They recently earned a 1-0 domestic victory against Oud-Heverlee Leuven but have faced defensive challenges, conceding an average of 1.3 goals per game over their last eight matches. This encounter marks only the second team meeting, with Club Brugge taking the lead in the first leg. Nonetheless, Atalanta holds a strong home record in the Champions League, winning three of their last four home matches and netting 18 goals in their previous eight games. However, their away performances have been less impressive. Despite the setback, Atalanta is determined to bounce back and secure a victory at home.
Bayern Munich vs. Celtic
The UEFA Champions League knockout play-off match between Bayern Munich and Celtic. This second clash comes after Bayern Munich secured a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg at Celtic.
Match Details:
Date: February 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich)
This season was great for Bayern Munich, which has consistently performed throughout the tournament. In their last ten matches, they secured nine wins and lost only one match to Feyenoord in the Champions League phase. In their Bundesliga campaign, Bayern Munich is standing ahead in the table with a record of 17 wins, three draws, and one loss. In the Champions League campaign, their offense was impressive, with a total of 22 goals scored with an average of 2.4 points per game, and defensively, they conceded 13 total goals with an average of 1.4 points per game.
On the other hand, Celtic last ten games ended with seven wins, one draw, and two losses. The first loss was with Aston Villa in the league phase, and the second one with Bayern Munich in the first league of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff. In the Scottish Premiership table, Celtic stands at the top with a record of 21 wins, three draws, and one loss. Offensively, they scored 14 total goals with an average of 1.6 points per game, and defensively, they conceded 16 total goals with an average of 1.8 points per game. Considering Bayern Munich’s home advantage, they are the favorite to win this game.
Benfica vs. Monaco
Following their home defeat, Monaco is making a trip to face off against Benfica again in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff leg two.
Match Details:
Date: February 18, 2025 (Tuesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Estádio da Luz (Lisbon)
Benfica leads 1-0 after the first leg, courtesy of a goal from Vangelis Pavlidis, and aims to secure a spot in the round of 16. Conversely, Monaco must overcome this deficit to keep their European hopes alive. Benfica is in excellent form, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their attacking strength is evident, averaging 2.6 goals per game over their past seven games. Nonetheless, they have defensive issues, allowing 1.7 goals per game during this span.
Monaco, however, has faced inconsistency, entering this match with three wins and four losses in their recent seven games. Their recent 4-1 loss to PSG in Ligue 1 exposed their defensive weaknesses, yielding an average of 2.0 goals per game in the last five matches. With home advantage and better recent form, Benfica is slightly favored to win. Still, Monaco’s determination and scoring ability suggest this will be a competitive match.
Dortmund vs. Sporting CP
Dortmund will play Sporting CP in the second leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff. This match will determine which team advances to the round of 16.
Match Details:
Date: February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 12:45 PM EST | 05:45 PM GMT | 11:15 PM IST
Venue: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund)
Dortmund has been impressive at home, having won three of their last four Champions League games and netting 18 goals in their previous eight home outings. With talents like Serhou Guirassy and Jamie Gittens, their offense ranks among the strongest in Europe. Managed by Niko Kovač, Dortmund has displayed resilience and adaptability, especially in crucial matches. However, they struggle defensively, allowing an average of 1.4 goals per game over their last eight contests. On the other hand, Sporting CP, despite facing challenges, has demonstrated moments of brilliance, particularly in domestic leagues, where they are four points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga. Key players like Viktor Gyökeres and Daniel Bragança contribute significant creativity and scoring threats.
Although Sporting has struggled away from home, winning only one of their last five Champions League matches, their task at Signal Iduna Park will be daunting. Dortmund has performed well in their recent meetings, winning three of the previous four, including a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg. Historically, they maintain a better win rate against Portuguese teams than other nations. Sporting, however, has not lost in their last seven home matches in all competitions, even though this game is away. Considering Dortmund’s 3-0 aggregate lead and their formidable home performance, they remain clear favorites to secure a win in this match.
PSG vs. Brest
On Wednesday, we will witness the battle between Paris Saint-Germain in leg two of the Champions League knockout playoff encounter.
Match Details:
Date: February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Parc des Princes (Paris)
PSG holds a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, thanks to a brace from Ousmane Dembélé and a penalty by Vitinha1014. Conversely, Brest faces a monumental task to overturn the deficit and keep their European dreams alive. PSG has been in outstanding form, winning its last five matches across all competitions and extending its unbeaten run to 16 games. Its attacking prowess is evident, with an average of 2.8 hits per game in its previous seven matches.
Dembélé, in particular, has been unstoppable, scoring 18 goals in its last 11 games, including a brace in the first leg against Brest. Brest, managed by Éric Roy, has shown resilience but inconsistency. They come into this match with three wins and four losses in their last seven games. Despite their domestic form, Brest has struggled in Europe, particularly away from home, failing to secure a win in their previous five away matches in the Champions League. Given the recent form of PSG, they will have an edge to win this game.
PSV vs. Juventus
For their third head-to-head meet-up, PSV and Juventus are ready for leg two of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout stage encounter.
Match Details:
Date: February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Philips Stadion (Eindhoven)
PSV fell 2-1 in the first leg, yet Juventus clinched a slim victory, thanks to goals from Samuel Mbangula and Weston McKennie, while Ivan Perišić netted for PSV. This match will decide which team progresses to the round of 16, with PSV striving to overcome the deficit and Juventus looking to maintain their lead. PSV is anticipated to employ an aggressive strategy, capitalizing on their attacking options and home advantage. Luke de Jong will spearhead the attack, supported by creative midfielders Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari.
Their high-pressing approach may exploit Juventus’ defensive weaknesses, especially in vast areas. Conversely, Juventus will probably concentrate on counter-attacks and set-pieces, leveraging Randal Kolo Muani’s speed and Weston McKennie’s creativity. Their midfield, led by Manuel Locatelli and Teun Koopmeiners, will aim to disrupt PSV’s flow and initiate swift transitions. Given the home advantage, PSV is favored to win this matchup.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
The 2024-25 UEFA Champions League knockout playoff leg two will conclude with the battle between Real Madrid and Manchester City on Wednesday.
Match Details:
Date: February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 03:00 PM EST | 08:00 PM GMT | 01:30 AM IST (Next Day)
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid)
Real Madrid leads 3-2 from the first leg, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s dramatic stoppage-time winner that followed a Vinícius Jr. effort. Despite Manchester City’s strong home performance, they face a tough challenge in overcoming the deficit. Real Madrid enters this match excellently, winning five of their last six games across all competitions, averaging 2.5 goals per game. Key players such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham have played pivotal roles, with Mbappé and Vinicius contributing vital goals and assists in the first leg.
Nevertheless, they have defensive issues, conceding 1.4 goals per game over the last seven matches. On the other hand, despite some domestic difficulties, Manchester City has proven resilient in European contests. They require a victory by at least two goals to advance. Erling Haaland, who netted twice in the first leg, will be essential, supported by creative talents like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden. Yet, their away performance has been sporadic, managing just one win in their last five Champions League away games. Thus, Real Madrid has the advantage of securing victory in this matchup.
