The UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs continue this Wednesday with a series of thrilling encounters. European giants and dark horses alike will battle for a place in the next stage, and fans can expect intense clashes filled with drama, goals, and tactical battles.
Here’s an in-depth look at Wednesday’s matchups, including team form, historical performance, and Jambobet betting predictions.
Club Brugge vs. Atalanta (Kick-off: 9:45 PM EAT)
Match Preview
Club Brugge and Atalanta will face off for the first time in European competition. The Belgian side has historically struggled against Italian teams, going winless in their last 15 encounters against Serie A clubs in major European competitions (D6 L9). Their last victory over an Italian opponent dates back to October 2003 when they shocked AC Milan with a 1-0 win in the Champions League.
On the other hand, Atalanta has limited experience against Belgian clubs, with their only prior encounter coming in the 1987-88 Cup Winners’ Cup, where they suffered back-to-back 1-2 defeats against KV Mechelen.
Atalanta has gained European experience in recent seasons, frequently competing in the Champions League and Europa League. Their attacking approach under manager Gian Piero Gasperini makes them a dangerous side, especially against teams that struggle defensively.
Key Stats
- Club Brugge has never won a home match against an Italian team in Europe since 1978.
- Atalanta’s only meetings with Belgian sides ended in defeats.
- Brugge’s last appearance in the UCL knockout rounds ended in a 1-7 aggregate loss to Benfica.
Jambobet Predictions
- Winner: Atalanta
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals (OV 2.5): Yes
Atalanta’s attacking prowess makes them favorites, but Club Brugge’s resilience at home means this could be a high-scoring affair.
Monaco vs. Benfica (Kick-off: 11:00 PM EAT)
Match Preview
This will be the third European meeting between Monaco and Benfica. The Portuguese giants remain unbeaten against their French rivals, having secured a win and a draw during their Champions League group stage encounters in the 2014-15 season.
Monaco’s struggles against Portuguese teams continue, with just one Champions League victory against a Portuguese club. Their only success came against Sporting CP, whom they beat 3-2 in the 1997-98 group stage.
Benfica, meanwhile, already defeated Monaco 3-2 in the league phase this season, making them slight favorites. With both teams boasting attacking talent, this could be one of the most entertaining games of the night.
Key Stats
- Benfica has never lost to Monaco in European competition.
- Monaco has failed to score in two of their three previous games against Benfica.
- Benfica has already beaten Monaco this season in a 3-2 thriller.
Jambobet Predictions
- Winner: Benfica
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals (OV 2.5): Yes
With both teams capable of scoring, expect a high-energy game with plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.
Knockout phase play-offs first legs
#UCL pic.twitter.com/19z7LyAkTf— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025
Celtic vs. Bayern Munich (Kick-off: 11:00 PM EAT)
Match Preview
Celtic has never defeated Bayern Munich in European competition, failing to win in their previous four Champions League meetings (D1 L3). The German champions are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Scottish teams in major European tournaments (W9 D4), with their last loss coming against Hearts in 1989.
Celtic’s struggles against German clubs in Europe are well-documented, as they have won just one of their 12 Champions League encounters against Bundesliga teams (D3 L8). That victory came against RB Leipzig in the group stage earlier this season, giving them some confidence ahead of this encounter.
Bayern Munich, led by world-class attackers, will be expected to dominate possession and create multiple goal-scoring opportunities. Their experience at this level makes them heavy favorites.
Key Stats
- Celtic’s only win against German opposition in the UCL came against RB Leipzig in November.
- Bayern Munich has not lost to a Scottish team since 1989.
- Celtic has only won one of their last 21 Champions League games against teams that have won the European Cup.
Jambobet Predictions
- Winner: Bayern Munich
- Both Teams to Score (GG): No
- Over 2.5 Goals (OV 2.5): Yes
Bayern Munich’s solid defense might prevent Celtic from scoring, while their attack should ensure a comfortable victory.
Feyenoord vs. Milan (Kick-off: 11:00 PM EAT)
Match Preview
Feyenoord and Milan have only met twice before in European competition. Their most famous clash was in the 1969-70 European Cup, where Feyenoord eliminated Milan after winning 2-1 on aggregate.
Milan has struggled in European matches against Dutch teams, failing to win any of their last four encounters (D3 L1). Their last victory against a Dutch club came in 2008 when they beat SC Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup.
Feyenoord boasts a solid record at home against Italian teams, having lost just one of their 11 European home matches against Serie A opposition (W6 D4 L1). Milan’s poor away record in the Champions League knockout stage (no wins in their last 11 away games) could make this a tough challenge.
Key Stats
- Milan has not won an away Champions League knockout match in their last 11 attempts.
- Feyenoord has lost just once at home to Italian opposition in 11 games.
- Milan has struggled against Dutch teams in recent years.
Jambobet Predictions
- Winner: Feyenoord
- Both Teams to Score (GG): Yes
- Over 2.5 Goals (OV 2.5): Yes
With Milan’s poor away record and Feyenoord’s strong home form, the Dutch side could pull off an upset.
Final Betting Insights
If you’re looking to place bets on these fixtures, here are the top picks:
- Atalanta and Benfica are favorites for their respective matches.
- Bayern Munich is expected to dominate and keep a clean sheet.
- Feyenoord vs. Milan is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter with both teams finding the net.
- Over 2.5 goals looks like a solid bet for all four matches.
These Champions League knockout ties promise excitement, goals, and unpredictable moments. Stay tuned as the best teams in Europe battle it out for a spot in the next round!
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