Champions League Play-off Drama: Galatasaray Thrash Juventus as Real Madrid and PSG Edge First Legs

Posted : 18 February 2026

The first legs of the Round of 16 play-offs in the UEFA Champions League delivered drama, goals and defining moments on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, as Europe’s elite clubs battled for a place in the next stage of the competition.

In Istanbul, Galatasaray produced the most emphatic performance of the night with a commanding 5-2 victory over Juventus. Despite trailing 2-1 before the interval, the Turkish champions turned the match around in dominant fashion after the break. Juventus were reduced to ten men, and Galatasaray capitalised ruthlessly, scoring four second-half goals to seize control of the tie. The attacking fluidity of the hosts proved too much for the visitors’ defence, leaving the Italian side facing a daunting task in the return leg in Turin.

In Lisbon, Real Madrid secured a narrow but valuable 1-0 away win against Benfica. A decisive strike from Vinícius Júnior separated the teams in what was largely a tactical contest. Madrid’s defensive organisation ensured they preserved their advantage, with key interventions at the back maintaining a clean sheet. However, the match was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinícius during the game, an issue likely to draw further scrutiny in the coming days.

Meanwhile in Germany, Borussia Dortmund took firm control of their tie with a 2-0 win over Atalanta. Clinical finishing proved decisive, as Dortmund made the most of limited chances to build a two-goal cushion before halftime. Although Atalanta saw plenty of the ball, they struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities, leaving the Bundesliga side in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Bergamo.

The night’s most entertaining encounter came in France, where Paris Saint-Germain edged AS Monaco 3-2 in a high-tempo derby. Monaco raced into an early lead, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice in the opening stages. Despite the fast start from the hosts, PSG responded with composure and experience to overturn the deficit and claim victory. Balogun’s brace also marked a milestone, as he became the highest-scoring American in a single Champions League campaign, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Christian Pulisic.

Overall, the evening underlined the fine margins and shifting momentum that define knockout football. Galatasaray and Dortmund capitalised on home support to build convincing leads, while Real Madrid demonstrated their trademark efficiency on the road. PSG’s resilience in Monaco further emphasised the unpredictable nature of the competition. With the second legs approaching, Juventus and Monaco face uphill battles, while Benfica and Atalanta must find a response to keep their European ambitions alive.

Champions League Play-off Drama: Galatasaray Thrash Juventus as Real Madrid and PSG Edge First Legs

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