By Samuel Adeola
The UEFA Champions League play-off round concluded on Wednesday, with several top clubs sealing places in the Round of 16 ahead of Friday’s draw.
On Tuesday, Atlético Madrid defeated Club Brugge 4-1 to advance 7-4 on aggregate, while Bayer Leverkusen progressed 2-0 overall after a goalless draw with Olympiacos.
Bodø/Glimt stunned Inter Milan 2-1 away to seal a 5-2 aggregate win. Newcastle United thrashed Qarabağ 3-2 for a 9-3 aggregate victory.
On Wednesday, Atalanta BC came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and advance 4-3 on aggregate. Real Madrid edged Benfica 2-1 to progress 3-1 overall, while defending champions Paris Saint-Germain drew 2-2 with Monaco to go through 5-4 on aggregate. Galatasaray also eliminated Juventus.
The Round of 16 draw holds Friday, February 27, 2026.
