Champions League Knockout Phase Playoffs Odds, Picks & Predictions (2026)
The Champions League takes centerstage this week, as 16 teams battle it out for a spot in the Round of 16, where the top eight seeds await them with byes they've earned. I've got you covered from a sports betting angle for the midweek continental action. Here are my top Champions League picks for this week’s knockout phase fixtures.
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Champions League Knockout Phase Playoffs Preview & Best Bets (2026)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Inter Milan (-425) vs. Bodo/Glimt (+900), DRAW (+600) | O/U 3.5 (-130/+100)
The Norwegian Bodo/Glimt took advantage of their home-pitch advantage last week, cruising past Inter Milan 3-1 in the first leg. Still, they're even-money underdogs (+100) to advance to the next round. It's also worth mentioning that this is the only matchup where the odds to advance are inside of a -500 price. Tuesday's second leg kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET from San Siro in Milano, Italy.
I simply cannot pass up on the +100 payout that comes with Bodo/Glimt to advance. We're essentially getting a two-goal cushion with an even-money payout. There's a lot to like about this Norwegian squad right now. For starters, they're unbeaten in their last four Champions League matches, drawing against Borussia Dortmund (2-2) on the road, before rattling off consecutive wins over Manchester City (3-1), Atletico Madrid (2-1) and Inter Milan (3-1), most recently.
Additionally, I think it favors Bodo/Glimt that they're not in-season in their domestic league, the Eliteserien, which doesn't kick off until March 14th. The Champions League is their only focus, unlike Inter Milan, who is also trying to maintain a lead atop the table in Serie A play.
With a rest advantage and a two-goal advantage, the smart play appears to be riding with Bodo/Glimt. Across their nine Champions League matches this year, they have only one loss of two or more goals. They've also scored in eight straight games across all leagues, suggesting that if Inter Milan wants to pull this off, they'll need at least three goals offensively.
Bet: Bodo/Glimt to Advance (+100)
Atalanta (+105) vs. Borussia Dortmund (+230), DRAW (+280) | O/U 2.5 (-145/+115)
Borussia Dortmund looked sharp in last week's aggregate opener, taking down its Italian foe 2-0. Atalanta is a sizable +370 underdog to clear the deficit and advance past the BVB (-550). Kick-off is scheduled for Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. ET from New Balance Arena in Bergamo, Italy.
I'll lay the juice and play the over in this contest. For starters, Borussia Dortmund is absolutely rolling right now, riding a 4-1-0 run where they're averaging 2.6 goals per match. Four of those five matches have combined forthree or more goals. The BVB have also seen four of their last five away matches clear this number. During the eight-match League Phase of the Champions League, the German side ranked seventh in scoring with 19 goals.
Scoring has been tough to come by for Atalanta this year. They've managed only 10 goals in nine Champions League contests this term. However, in four home matches, they've seen 11 combined goals (6:5). Dortmund has a two-goal lead, and considering they have a monumental Bundesliga tie with Bayern Munich on the horizon, it's not unreasonable to think they could concede a goal or two. This feels like a match with a 2-1 floor. Give me the over.
Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-145)
Real Madrid (-220) vs. Benfica (+550), DRAW (+400) | O/U 3.5 (+115/-145)
Fifteen-time European champs Real Madrid took care of Benfica 1-0 in Portugal last week, and they're sitting at -1400 favorites to advance to the Round of 16. Benfica is a +750 underdog to take down "Los Blancos" and move on. The second leg is slated for Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET from Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain.
This will be the third consecutive time that these teams meet in the Champions League. Benfica bested Real Madrid at home 4-2 on the final day of the League Phase, before losing 1-0 last time out. At a near pick’em price, I'm going to take the half-goal with the visitors in the first half. I think there's enough here to suggest that they can at least pull out a draw through the first 45 minutes.
In addition to the recent head-to-head edge, the injury report also favors Benfica. Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham (hamstring) and Rodrygo (red card) for this match. The hosts are also coming off a shocking 2-1 La Liga defeat to Osasuna, so it's safe to say they're not in elite form right now. Benfica has been playing well overall, going 5-1-1 across their last seven matches in all competitions. I think they put up a fight and keep it close in the first half.
Bet: Benfica First-Half +0.5 (-120)