Best UEFA Champions League Picks (2/17): Tuesday’s UCL

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Last Update: Tue Feb 17, 2026, 11:04 am ET

Read Time: 6 minutes

Khvicha Kvartskhelia netted a goal in last year's UCL Final. Will he do so again this season? UCL Final Preview

UEFA

The UEFA Champions League returns for the Knockout Round beginning today. Let's take a look at what our soccer analysts are wagering on with today's UCL picks.

Check out the best odds on the market at our top online sportsbooks, and be sure to check out tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.

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UEFA Champions League Picks and Predictions – February 17

Keep in mind, these matches are the first of a two leg contest. Today's games will only go 90 minutes no matter what, and teams are judged based on an aggregate score after both matches.

Galatasaray vs. Juventus UEFA Champions League Picks

Juventus take on Galatasaray in the first leg of this Knockout Round in the UCL - UCL Picks

Juventus take on Galatasaray in the first leg of this Knockout Round in the UCL

Best Bet: Galatasaray/Juventus Both Teams to Score (-154) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

This is incredibly juicy, and you can certainly just take the over 2.5 (-119) if you'd rather, but both teams will find the back of the net in this game. While Juventus scored almost two goals per match in the League Phase part of the competition, they conceded double digits in just eight games. The hosts are in the same boat, scoring nine but allowing 11 in their eight League Phase matches.

The Turkish side are no stranger to finding the back of the net, something they did in three of four home games in the UCL already, however they only shutout their opponent once at home. Yes, that foe was Liverpool (during their massive losing streak), but I think the Italian visitors will be capable of at least netting one, possible more to get a win.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+575)

AS Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain UEFA Champions League Picks

Best Bet: PSG ML/Over 2.5 (-104) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Two familiar foes meet in the knockout round. They've only played once in Ligue 1 competition at the moment, but AS Monaco was victorious, beating PSG 1-0 at home. Now they host them again in the UEFA Champions League, and I've got to think the visitors will assert their dominance. If you are PSG, why play with your food?

Get this win on the road against a weaker opponent, and then coast back at home next week in the second leg. PSG nearly netted three goals per match in League Phase play, while AS Monaco allowed nearly two per contest and only scored eight total. In the first meeting, PSG outshot their hosts 17-10 overall and controlled 57% of possession. They should be able to do that again, only this time translating that dominance into chances on net.

Prediction: PSG Wins 2-1 (+725)

Benfica vs. Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Picks

Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid have a rematch against Benfica today in Portugal - UCL Picks

Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid have a rematch against Benfica today in Portugal

Best Bet: Real Madrid ML (+119) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

We already saw a thriller between these clubs to end League Phase play. Not only did Benfica win, but they scored in the final seconds on a goalkeeper header to advance on goal differential. Ironically, that win set up a date with the same club in the knockout round, so here we are.

Now, Benfica had much more to play for in their last meeting, but this time, I could see Real Madrid bringing the heat. They barely missed out on a top eight spot, and thus have to play two more matches in this knockout round. Like PSG, Real Madrid should do everything they can to leave no doubt in this match in Portugal, that way they can cruise next week at home. They are clearly the more talented team, and even on the road I think they can get the job done.

Prediction: Real Madrid Wins 2-1 (+775)

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta UEFA Champions League Picks

Best Bet: Borussia Dortmund Team Total Over 1.5 (-105) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Borussia Dortmund has a very high flying offense and I trust them at home over Atalanta, who sometimes has trouble finding the back of the net. The German hosts will try to build as big of an aggregate lead as they can during this match, therefore when they head to Italy next week, they should have some cushion.

Regardless, Dortmund have actually been shutout in their last two UCL matches, which means prior to that they were netting over three per contest. It's time they get back on track. Like I said, the offense is very dangerous, and Atalanta has struggled on the road, being shutout by Como, Union St.-Gilloise and by Inter Milan on their home field.

While Dortmund may let the visitors sneak one in, I think they are more than capable of netting two to find a win.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund Wins 3-1 (+1500)

Get Parlay Insurance for This Week's Champions League Games at Everygame Sportsbook

The Champions League returns this week with knockout round matches today and tomorrow, and with eight games across two days, there are a lot of potential parlay opportunities to take advantage of.

At Everygame Sportsbook, your UCL parlay could bring you some cash even if it doesn't win.

If you place a four-leg parlay on pre-match "Match Winner" odds and exactly one leg comes up short, you will receive a free bet of up to $50 for your invested stake.

Here's how it breaks down (in USD):

  • Stake $10-$19, get a $10 free bet
  • Stake $20-$29, get a $20 free bet
  • Stake $30-$39, get a $30 free bet
  • Stake $40-$49, get a $40 free bet
  • Stake $50 or more, get a $50 free bet

Only the first such parlay is eligible, and it must meet the specified parameters to be eligible. Live bets or System/Teaser bets are not eligible. If you do qualify for a free bet, you will receive a code on Thursday, February 19.

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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