UEFA Champions League Picks and Predictions: Second Leg of Knockout Rounds

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Tue Feb 24, 2026, 10:05 am ET

Read Time: 6 minutes

Alejandro Grimaldo leads Bayer Leverkusen as they take on Olympiacos at home - UCL Picks

UEFA

We are back for the second leg of matches in the UEFA Champions League Knockout Rounds. Today (and tomorrow) will decide who moves on and enters the Round of 16 bracket, while the losers will be sent packing. Let's get right into our UCL picks for today's action.

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 24

Today begins the second leg of this round. All that matters is aggregate score. If things are tied on aggregate after regulation time, there will be standard overtime rules, which includes two separate 15 minute periods of extra time, along with a penalty kick shootout if things are still even. There is no golden goal in extra time, and no benefit for scoring more away goals.

All that matters is who has scored more over the two matches.

Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugee UEFA Champions League Picks

Griezmann and Atlético Madrid try to finish off Club Brugge at home - UCL Picks

Griezmann and Atlético Madrid try to finish off Club Brugge at home

Tied 3-3 on Aggregate

Best Bet: Atlético Madrid/Club Brugge 1H Draw (+185) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Back at home, Atlético Madrid are a big favorite over Club Brugge, and it makes sense to me. They were just a few minutes away from winning on the road, but the Belgians found the back of the net in the 90′ minute to seal a draw. That was massive, as now the clubs are even going back to Spain for the second leg.

We saw a six goal thriller between the two clubs last week, and I have a feeling they will come more focused defensively in this leg. To me, that's going to result in conservative play from the visitors, especially in the first half, while the hosts will be patient and wait for their chances to open up. Sure, Atlético scored in the eighth minute via a PK in the first meeting, and found another in stoppage time before the half, but other than that, most of the scoring happened later in the match when teams were worn down.

I trust the visitors to hold strong for at least 45 minutes, and this 1H draw is worth a sprinkle in my eyes.

Prediction: 1H Draw 0-0 (+285)

Newcastle United vs. FK Qarabag UEFA Champions League Picks

Newcastle United Leads 6-1 on Aggregate

I will not be betting this game, plain and simple. The hosts lead by five goals and are back at home, where they will have no problem taking down FK Qarabag. We likely see some reserves from the Magpies, and again, they can lose by four goals and still advance, but the books don't think that will happen, as they are a -750 favorite.

In complete honesty, I think the draw at +850 is worth a stab if you really have to bet something in this match. However I'll be holding on to my money.

Inter Milan vs. Bodo/Glimt UEFA Champions League Picks

Yan Sommer and Inter Milan need to beat their visitors by two goals today at home - UCL Picks

Yan Sommer and Inter Milan need to beat their visitors by two goals today at home

Bobo/Glimt Leads 3-1 on Aggregate

Best Bet: Inter Milan/Bodo/Glimt Under 3.5 (+118)  Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Inter Milan has everything to lose in this match, but everything to gain as well. Down two goals on aggregate, back at home, and a -410 favorite for a reason. They HAVE to win by at least two goals to force extra time. I certainly expect Bodo/Glimt to park the bus for their entire trip to Italy, perhaps they'll even try to park it on the field as an extra defender.

Point being, the Norwegian visitors should not be aggressive at all. They just need to defend their lead. Whether or not the hosts are able to break through, I do not see a world were they let Bodo/Glimt score in this match.

I don't hate Inter Milan ML/Under 4.5 (+109), as I see this one going into extra time after Inter wins this match by exactly two.

Prediction: Inter Milan Wins 2-0 (+850)

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos UEFA Champions League Picks

Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen are in a good position in this second leg of the UCL - UCL Picks

Malik Tillman and Bayer Leverkusen are in a good position in this second leg of the UCL

Bayer Leverkusen Leads 2-0 on Aggregate

Best Bet: Bayer Leverkusen/Olympiacos Under 3 (-126) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

We are paying a bit of juice for push potential in this match, but under 2.5 at +129 is also okay in my eyes. The German hosts will be extremely conservative in protecting their two goal aggregate lead, and I don't have faith in the Olympiacos' offense to break through the defense. This is the third meeting in a little over a month for these two teams, both exchanging 2-0 victories in Greece. Now, Olympiacos has to go on the road into a hostile environment.

Last match, Leverkusen dominated, outshooting their hosts 5-1 on frame and controlling 58% of possession. The match prior, Leverkusen controlled 72% of possession, outshot Olympiacos 6-2 on frame, 17-6 overall and won the corner kick battle 8-2. Point being, the Germans are the better team, they are back at home, and already have a comfortable lead. They shouldn't need to be aggressive, but I also don't think Olympiacos contributes to this total at all.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen Wins 2-0 (+875)

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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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