Preview: UEFA Champions League Playoffs round fixtures are set

The UEFA Champions League playoff round fixtures are set, and they promise exciting football. (Image credits – Heute, Licence Details)

The league stage of the UEFA Champions League is finally over, and the top eight teams have directly progressed to the round of sixteen. However, the remaining sixteen teams will battle it out in the playoffs round to progress to the round of sixteen.

European giants including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan have discovered their respective opponents in the playoff round. These fixtures are set to take place next month. We will have a look at the draws and drop our predictions for each tie.

Galatasaray vs Juventus

The Italian giants are set to face an unpredictable Galatasaray side. The Turkish side are known to stun big teams on big occasions, but the Old Lady will be hoping to carry their good form forward and progress to the next round. Spalletti’s side looked much more balanced up front and at the back than before.

Favourites: Juventus

Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco

It is set to be a high-stakes clash between the two French sides who share a bitter rivalry with each other. Although PSG are way too strong on paper and have a better record against their rivals, Monaco would be hoping to exploit the Parisians’ weakness at the back and produce a shock.

Favourites: Paris Saint-Germain 

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

An inconsistent Dortmund side will meet Atalanta in the playoff round. The Germans have struggled to get going this season but have a power-packed frontline to deliver a blow. Meanwhile, the Italian side are solid defensively and are brilliant on counterattacks. Dortmund have to secure a result in the first leg; otherwise, it could get tricky for the Germans.

Favourites: Atalanta

Benfica vs Real Madrid 

Jose Mourinho's side secured a miraculous qualification to the playoffs round after goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin headed in a goal in the last kick of the game against Real Madrid. The Los Blancos have been inconsistent throughout the season, and there seems to be a lack of chemistry in the team. They will face each other again, as both sides will aim to progress to the next round. The Portuguese side could cause a major upset yet again this time.

Favourites: Real Madrid 

Qarabag vs Newcastle United 

Newcastle are the only Premier League team amongst the six which did not qualify in the top eight. The Magpies have been inconsistent but possess a lethal attack and midfield. Qarabag are the underdogs heading into this tie.

Favourites: Newcastle United 

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid 

Atletico Madrid have struggled to score goals this season, and their midfield has not performed as much as Diego Simeone would've expected. Although they've signed Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, Brugge will be a tricky task for the Spanish side. The Belgian side are brilliant defensively and on counterattacks and could cause an upset.

Favourites: Atletico Madrid 

Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt

The Italian giants have received a favourable fixture against Bodø, but one must not sleep on them, as they have caused major upsets in the past and are brilliant defensively. On paper, Inter are favourites to progress, but if Bodø can secure a result away from home, it could get tricky for Milan.

Favourites: Inter Milan 

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen 

Not the best of starts for Leverkusen this season, but they have gradually improved after replacing Erik ten Hag. The German side have a formidable attack but have leaked goals this season, which could be a weakness against the Greek side. Olympiacos are unpredictable and are brilliant on the break and would aim to progress to the next round.

Favourites: Bayer Leverkusen