Champions League LIVE: Playoff first legs bring shocks, upsets and early drama

Tuesday's opening Champions League playoff ties delivered immediate drama and surprising results as three first-leg games kicked off the knockout phase. Holders trailed early in one standout fixture, a heavyweight Portuguese-Spanish clash set up a storyline of revenge, and forecasts from data models and tipsters added fuel to a boisterous build-up. Below is a concise roundup, key team news and the champions league schedule for the coming week (all times ET).

First-leg roundup: Balogun stuns holders, Galatasaray run riot

Action on Tuesday produced mixed fortunes for favourites and challengers alike. Monaco took an early advantage over the reigning champions when Folarin Balogun struck in the first minute to put the visitors on the back foot. That opening blow underscored how quickly momentum can shift in two-legged ties and gave the tie an immediate edge ahead of the return fixture.

In another standout result, Galatasaray dismantled their Italian opponents 5-2 in the day's earlier kickoff, a high-scoring affair that will force tactical recalibrations before the second leg. Other matches carried the usual continental drama: a tight encounter in Lisbon featuring a tense atmosphere and a game where a goalkeeper's late intervention has become the talking point for pundits and fans.

Several fixtures hinted at what to expect next week. A clash in Germany saw quick transitions and dangerous crosses, while a Portuguese venue produced edge-of-seat moments as home supporters created a deafening atmosphere every time their side attacked. Overall, the first legs delivered plenty to digest tactically and emotionally.

Team news, predictions and what to watch

Data-driven models and betting previews heading into Tuesday favoured a handful of outcomes but warned of volatility. One projection backed Borussia Dortmund to take a first-leg victory over their Italian opponents, citing home momentum and attacking threat. Another model suggested Real Madrid would be poised to strike back in their tie after recent domestic setbacks left a taste for revenge; that matchup is now set up as one to watch closely over the two legs.

Bookmakers and pundits highlighted a few clear narratives: Paris Saint-Germain entered as overwhelming favourites against Monaco, but an early goal showed how precarious knockout football can be. Benfica vs. Real Madrid remains wildly unpredictable after a dramatic final matchday in the group phase, suggesting caution for both managers when approaching the first leg. Expect squads to protect narrow leads and for coaches to juggle rotation with the need for immediate control.

Key players to monitor include tournament protagonists who can change games on a moment's notice. The Champions League playoff stage rewards clinical finishing and disciplined defending; small margins will decide who carries advantage into the second legs on Feb. 24-25 (ET).

Champions league schedule and what’s next

The knockout playoff schedule is compact. First legs took place on Tuesday, Feb. 17 (ET), with the second legs slated for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 (ET). That week-long gap intensifies preparation time and raises the stakes for tactical adjustments and injury management.

Fans should expect tight contests across both legs. Managers will weigh whether to chase an away goal or to contain and reset for their home return. Teams that achieved comprehensive first-leg wins will still be vigilant—European ties turn quickly—and underdogs with late goals or home advantage in the second leg will carry renewed belief.

As the playoff window continues, follow team news for any late fitness updates, formation changes and psychological shifts that can tip two-legged ties. The Champions League playoff stage has started with drama; the next two weeks will determine who joins the automatic qualifiers in the round of 16.