By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs

Get the predicted lineups for all eight upcoming Champions League knockout phase play-off return-leg fixtures, including Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos FC and Atalanta BC vs. Borussia Dortmund.
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Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Two German clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the second leg of the knockout phase play-off ties this midweek.

Below, we’ve compiled the predicted lineups for all eight upcoming fixtures in Europe’s premier club competition.

Champions League 2025/26 – Predicted XIs for return legs of knockout play-offs

Tuesday, February 24

Atletico Madrid vs. Club Brugge predicted lineups

Inter vs. Bodø/Glimt predicted lineups

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos predicted lineups

Newcastle vs. Qarabag predicted lineups

Wednesday, February 25

Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund predicted lineups

Juventus vs. Galatasaray predicted lineups

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Monaco predicted lineups

Real Madrid vs. Benfica predicted lineups

Bundesliga news

Borussia DortmundLothar Matthäus: Atalanta clash “clearly more important” than Bayern encounter for Dortmund
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs
Preview Borussia DortmundAtalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
German National Team"It achieves nothing" – Völler strongly against 2026 World Cup boycott talks
Preview Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
VfL Wolfsburg Official: Wolfsburg's director of women's football Kellermann to leave in summer
2. Bundesliga Schalke 04Back issues continue to hamper Schalke shot-stopper Karius
2. Bundesliga Hannover 96Hannover 96 provide update on Boris Tomiak's dislocated elbow
Rumor VfL WolfsburgToppmöller among candidates linked with Wolfsburg job
Werder BremenWerder give update on Felix Agu after fresh injury setback
FC BayernBayern star returns to team training ahead of Dortmund clash
Bayer 04 Leverkusen"It doesn't look very good" – Malik Tillman a big doubt for Leverkusen's home clash with Olympiacos
FC BayernManuel Neuer back in individual training ahead of Bayern vs. Dortmund clash

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

FC BayernBayern star returns to team training ahead of Dortmund clash
FC BayernManuel Neuer back in individual training ahead of Bayern vs. Dortmund clash
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 23
Match report 1. FC Heidenheim & VfB Stuttgart Goals galore as Heidenheim and Stuttgart share the spoils in six-goal thriller
Match report FC St. Pauli & SV Werder Bremen Goalkeeping errors the theme as St. Pauli claim derby victory over Werder
FC Heidenheim & VfB Stuttgart Confirmed lineups: Heidenheim vs. Stuttgart
Match report SC Freiburg & Borussia Mönchengladbach Freiburg survive late fightback to defeat Gladbach
KölnKwasniok full of praise for "King of the Air" Ragnar Ache
Post-match reaction RB Leipzig & Borussia DortmundCoaches react: Kovač hails comeback, Werner frustrated after Leipzig collapse
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigBaumgartner: “We can’t expect to compete at the top like this!”
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigLeipzig lack “dirty mentality” to win games, says frustrated Raum
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundKobel reflects on controversial penalty and Dortmund’s fighting spirit after dramatic Leipzig draw
Match report RB Leipzig & Borussia DortmundSilva’s stoppage-time heroics deny Leipzig after Baumgartner brace
Post-match reaction Union BerlinRani Khedira applauds Union Berlin’s ruthless display
Post-match reaction FC Bayern MunichInjury update for Bayern's Alphonso Davies
RB Leipzig & Borussia DortmundConfirmed Topspiel lineups: RB Leipzig vs. Borussia Dortmund
Match report FC Bayern & Eintracht FrankfurtLate drama, familiar hero: Kane powers Bayern past Frankfurt
Match report Köln & HoffenheimRagnar Ache's acrobatics help Köln draw Hoffenheim
Match report Union Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen Rani Khedira seals Union Berlin’s first victory of 2026 with win over Leverkusen
Köln & HoffenheimConfirmed lineups: 1. FC Köln vs TSG Hoffenheim
FC Bayern & Eintracht FrankfurtConfirmed lineups: FC Bayern vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
Wolfsburg & AugsburgConfirmed lineups: VfL Wolfsburg vs. FC Augsburg
Union Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen Confirmed Lineups: Union Berlin vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Preview Freiburg & GladbachSC Freiburg vs. Borussia M'Gladbach preview: Hosts aim to extend strong home run against struggling guests
Post-match reaction Mainz 05Urs Fischer: “Every point can help us in the end”

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 23
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 23
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 23
Fantasy Football Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for knockout phase play-offs
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 22
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 22
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 21
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 21
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League Matchday 8 predicted lineups
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 7
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 15

German Teams in Europe

Borussia DortmundLothar Matthäus: Atalanta clash “clearly more important” than Bayern encounter for Dortmund
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs
Preview Bayer LeverkusenBayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Bayer 04 Leverkusen"It doesn't look very good" – Malik Tillman a big doubt for Leverkusen's home clash with Olympiacos
Borussia DortmundDortmund give fans green light as Atalanta cut strict second-leg ticketing plans
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartMartin O'Neill reacts after Stuttgart defeat in his 1,000th game
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartSebastian Hoeneß applauds Stuttgart’s efficiency
UEFA Women’s Champions LeagueUEFA Women’s Champions League: Manchester United progress to face Bayern in the quarters
Match report VfB StuttgartEl Khannouss shines as Stuttgart win at Celtic Park
Match report UEFA Women’s Champions LeagueUEFA Women’s Champions League: Wolfsburg book quarter-final spot with win over Juventus
VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: Celtic F.C. vs. VfB Stuttgart
UEFA Women’s Europa CupUEFA Women’s Europa Cup: Frankfurt set up semi-final clash with Häcken
UEFA Women’s Champions LeagueConfirmed UEFA Women’s Champions League Lineups: Juventus vs. Wolfsburg
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenTwo-goal hero Schick reflects on win over Olympiacos
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenHjulmand "looking forward" to second leg after successful night in Piraeus
Match report Bayer LeverkusenSchick double gifts Leverkusen first-leg advantage over Olympiacos
Bayer LeverkusenConfirmed lineups: Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Preview Bayer 04 LeverkusenOlympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview UEFA Women's Champions LeagueUEFA Women's Champions League Preview: Juventus vs. Wolfsburg
Preview UEFA Women's Europa CupUEFA Women's Europa Cup Preview: Nordsjælland vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundKovač sings praises of Anton and his "hard-working" BVB side
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundBrandt "satisfied" with win over Atalanta, Guirassy pays tribute to late niece
Preview VfB StuttgartCeltic F.C. vs. VfB Stuttgart Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Match report Borussia DortmundGuirassy guides Dortmund to first-leg triumph over Atalanta
Borussia DortmundConfirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta BC

DFB-Pokal

DFB-PokalDFB-Pokal semi-final draw confirmed
Match report RB Leipzig"It's absolutely insane" – Ole Werner livid at refereeing call in Munich
Post-match reaction Bayern MunichKimmich content with "dominant" second-half in cup win over Leipzig
Match report Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigSecond-half blitz of Leipzig secures Pokal semi-final berth for Bayern
Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigConfirmed lineups: Bayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig
Match report SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCFlorian Müller the hero as Freiburg end Hertha's Pokal dreams on penalties
RB Leipzig“We’ve seen that they’re vulnerable" – Raum ahead of Pokal quarter-final
SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCConfirmed lineups: Hertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg
RB LeipzigHenrichs primed for Bayern test: "We have to be vigilant throughout the entire match"
Preview Bayern Munich & RB LeipzigBayern Munich vs. RB Leipzig DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
RB Leipzig“We have nothing to lose” – RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner ahead of Wednesday’s cup clash with Bayern
FC BayernKompany confirms Neuer start, provides squad update ahead of Leipzig clash
Preview SC Freiburg & Hertha BSCHertha BSC vs. SC Freiburg DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
FC Bayern & RB LeipzigDFB-Pokal clash between Bayern and RB Leipzig set to go ahead despite transport strike
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielMarcel Rapp: “We lacked counter-attacking opportunities”
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielGoalscorers applaud Stuttgart’s fightback in cup win
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielSebastian Hoeneß: “We deserved the victory”
Match report VfB Stuttgart, Holstein KielUndav sends Stuttgart into Pokal semis in Kiel
Holstein Kiel, VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: Holstein Kiel vs. VfB Stuttgart
Preview DFB-PokalHolstein Kiel vs. Stuttgart DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Post-match reaction FC St. PauliBlessin reacts to quarter-final defeat: “It’s a shame because there was more in it for us today”
Post-match reaction Bayer LeverkusenAndrich: “St. Pauli didn’t have the quality today”
Match report Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliLeverkusen cruise past St. Pauli to reach third-straight DFB-Pokal semi-finals
Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. PauliConfirmed DFB-Pokal quarter-final lineups: Bayer Leverkusen vs. St Pauli
Preview Bayer Leverkusen & FC St. Pauli Bayer Leverkusen vs. St. Pauli DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups

German National Team

German National Team"It achieves nothing" – Völler strongly against 2026 World Cup boycott talks
FC BayernLennart Karl hopeful of World Cup call-up
FC BayernJamal Musiala sets sights on March return to German national team
RB LeipzigBenjamin Henrichs targets World Cup spot and Champions League qualification
Rumor Bayern Munich & German National TeamNeuer's absence to open up World Cup possibilities for Urbig?
German national teamNagelsmann speaks out on Germany’s goalkeeper battle ahead of World Cup
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
RB LeipzigBrajan Gruda targets German World Cup spot after Bundesliga return
VfB Stuttgart"If he keeps this up, you can't leave him out" – Hoeneß backs in-form Undav for World Cup call-up
German National TeamNagelsmann on "incredibly bitter" injury setback for Ter Stegen
German national teamMarc-André ter Stegen hit by new injury setback
Rumor German National TeamEl Mala's World Cup hopes dwindling after choppy run of form
German National TeamPaul Wanner denies Austria switch ahead of Champions League clash with Bayern
Rumor German national teamFormer Bayern prodigy Paul Wanner opts to represent Austria over Germany
Rumor German national teamTer Stegen could boost World Cup hopes with January transfer to Girona
1. FC KölnGermany and Köln legend believes Said El Mala could "become a truly special player"
Transfer GermanyFüllkrug completes AC Milan medical ahead of loan move
Germany & FC BayernKarl backed for Germany World Cup squad by his agent Michael Ballack
FC Bayern"Why should he need time?" – Franck Ribery on Lennart Karl's World Cup chances
German national team"Not a super easy group, but a manageable one" – Nagelsmann reflects on Germany's World Cup draw
GermanyWho are Germany’s World Cup 2026 opponents?
Germany2026 World Cup Draw: Germany grouped with Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador
German national teamGermany to face United States ahead of 2026 World Cup
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final: Spain 3-0 Germany
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women’s Nations League Final Lineups: Spain vs. Germany

Long reads

Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Analysis/Commentary Bremen & FC BayernHow can Werder Bremen spring a surprise against Bayern Munich?
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundOpinion: Nico Schlotterbeck’s title ambition exposes Dortmund’s problem
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Analysis/Commentary BremenSamuel Mbangula steps up for Werder Bremen
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaBundesliga team of the season so far
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundTensions at Dortmund increase among players and leadership
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 Searching for stability: Mainz’s new chapter under Urs Fischer
Analysis/Commentary Bremen SteffenWerder Bremen: Horst Steffen needs to change
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundSerhou Guirassy’s uncertain future: Should Dortmund offload their star striker?
Analysis/Commentary FC AugsburgFC Augsburg: Awakening meets mounting pressure - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernFC Bayern: The Unbeatables - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary 1.FC Köln1.FC Köln: Where things stand for Effzeh at the break
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 1. FSV Mainz 05: In dire need of a spark
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenAre Werder Bremen doing well?
Analysis/Commentary Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach: Where things stand for the Foals at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund: Where things stand for BVB at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund player ratings vs FC Copenhagen
Analysis/Commentary BonifaceWhy Werder Bremen must give Victor Boniface a chance
Editor's pick FC BayernBayern's strategy to keep Harry Kane beyond the summer revealed

Exclusive interviews

Editor's pick Fortuna DüsseldorfEXCLUSIVE: Fortuna Düsseldorf CEO Alexander Jobst speaks out on speculation over his future amid sporting struggles
Editor's pick FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: "At the moment, there's no thought of switching" – Noahkai Banks on choosing between the US and Germany
Exclusive interview FC AugsburgINTERVIEW: USMNT and Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks names favorite club and childhood football idols
Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigMarcel Schäfer interview: How "god-given talent" Jürgen Klopp is helping RB Leipzig close deals for new players
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum on Rômulo vs. Šeško: How RB Leipzig’s new striker has changed their game
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp discusses potential return to coaching amid Real Madrid links
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigRômulo laments Leipzig’s inefficiency in front of goal after Bayern defeat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigGulacsi on Leipzig's 1-5 defeat to Bayern: "The game was a lot more equal than the result shows"
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum in "no hurry" to extend Leipzig contract, reveals thoughts of future MLS move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigOrban reflects on match-winning strike and Leipzig's performance in win over Freiburg
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Exclusive interview Borussia DortmundDortmund boss Kehl praises Jobe Bellingham for bouncing back after Bayern error
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenTapsoba "happy" with one point in Copenhagen after early setback: “Everybody was sleeping”
Exclusive interview VfL WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Mads Roerslev opens up on injury struggles, Wolfsburg loan so far, future and more
Interview BundesligaEXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen talks Kane, Musiala, Sancho and looks back on famous hat-trick against Germany
Editor's pick Bundesliga & DFBEXCLUSIVE: Dietmar Hamann on the Bundesliga title fight, Der Klassiker and Nagelsmann's start as Germany coach
Editor's pick MainzEXCLUSIVE: Danny da Costa rules out future coaching job
Interview Bayer LeverkusenEXCLUSIVE: Edmond Tapsoba on England links, his role models and Leverkusen's struggles this season
Interview Bundesliga InterviewEXCLUSIVE: From infancy to Eisernen - An Interview with Union Berlin’s rising star Laurenz Dehl

Team News

Champions League - Leverkusen - OlympiakosChampions League - Atalanta - Dortmund