The battle for a place in the last 16 kicks off with four mouthwatering ties.

The 2025-26 edition of the Champions League will be back next week when the 16 teams involved in the playoffs will take the stage across Europe, defining the remaining eight spots left ahead of the knockout phase that will kick off in March next month.

We move to the knockout rounds of this season’s UEFA Champions League. Football betting analyst Frank Monkhouse presents his predictions from the first legs played in midweek.

This all-Ligue 1 clash pits Sebastien Pocognoli’s inconsistent hosts against the tournament holders. PSG have rarely played as well in 2025-26, as they did en route to lifting the Champions League trophy last June, but this fixture against opponents they know well will suit Luis Enrique’s visitors.

Real Madrid's rematch with Benfica is the headlining act of this week's action, while Paris Saint-Germain also feature in a battle against fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco

The Athletic's live coverage this week is headlined by more Winter Olympics action and a return of the Champions League knockouts.

The race for Champions League qualification is so congested as Premier League giants, and upstarts, scrap for the (likely) five spots available.