FULL Results: Newcastle thrash Qarabag as Bodø/Glimt shock Inter in dramatic UCL playoffs

European football delivered a night of intensity and drama as heavyweights and underdogs alike battled in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, producing decisive victories, stunning comebacks, and goal-laden encounters that shaped the race for a place in the Round of 16.

Real Madrid claim vital win in Lisbon

At the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Spanish giants Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benfica in a tense playoff clash. Benfica started strongly, pressing aggressively in the opening 15 minutes, but Real Madrid gradually grew into the game, asserting control in midfield. The first half ended goalless.

The breakthrough came shortly after the restart when Vinícius Júnior calmly finished from close range following a well-timed assist by Kylian Mbappé in the 50th minute. Real Madrid maintained pressure, with Vinícius testing the defense repeatedly in the closing stages. Tempers flared late on as Benfica head coach José Mourinho received a red card for protesting a refereeing decision. The win gives Real Madrid a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.

PSG rally from two goals down to beat Monaco

In another dramatic encounter, Paris Saint-Germain came from two goals down to defeat AS Monaco 3–2 away from home. Monaco stunned PSG early, with Folarin Balogun scoring in the first minute and adding a second in the 18th. Despite a missed penalty by Vitinha in the 22nd minute, PSG gradually fought back, with Achraf Hakimi equalizing before halftime. A red card for Monaco further tipped the scales, allowing PSG to complete the comeback, with Désiré Doué netting the winning goal in the second half.

Galatasaray overpower Juventus in goal fest

Turkish side Galatasaray produced one of the standout results of the round, thrashing Juventus 5–2 at home. Victor Osimhen provided two assists, while Sara and Lang each scored twice. Juventus’ Teun Koopmeiners struck twice, but a red card for a Juventus defender shifted momentum decisively in Galatasaray’s favor.

Dortmund, Newcastle, and Leverkusen secure convincing wins

At Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund defeated Atalanta 2–0, with Guirassy and Baier scoring. Newcastle United delivered a ruthless 6–1 away victory over Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, with Anthony Gordon starring with a hat-trick plus another goal. Thiaw and Murphy also scored, while Cafarguliyev netted Qarabag’s lone goal. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 2–0 away win against Olympiacos, with Patrik Schick scoring both goals, assisted by Grimaldo and Poku.

Club Brugge hold Atlético; Bodø/Glimt stun Inter

In Belgium, Club Brugge played out a thrilling 3–3 draw with Atlético Madrid. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring for Atlético from the penalty spot, while Ademola Lookman also found the net. Brugge responded through Onyedika, Tresoldi, and Tzolis, including one own goal from Atlético.

Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt stunned Inter Milan 3–1 at the Aspmyra Stadium. B. Fet, P. Hauge, and Høgh scored for the hosts, while Esposito netted a consolation goal for Inter.

All eyes on the second leg

With first-leg drama setting the tone, the decisive second legs of the Champions League playoffs are scheduled for February 24 and 25. The results will determine which teams advance to the coveted Round of 16 as Europe’s elite continue their pursuit of continental glory.