Football tips for 24 Feb 2026: analysis of 2 key matches to watch, UCL excitement, and today's match schedule.
On 24 February 2026, football tips highlight the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 playoffs, second leg, which will decide the teams advancing to the last 16. We provide analysis and insights on two notable matches as follows.
- UEFA Champions League playoffs, second leg / Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
"The Magpies" have stumbled again after winning their last three away games, recently losing 1-2 to Manchester City in the league. Their home form has weakened, with three losses in the last four home matches. However, they hold a strong advantage from the first leg, having crushed Qarabağ 6-1. Historically, in 91 instances where a team won the first leg of a UCL tie by 5 or more goals, all advanced. A potential issue is defender Malik Jallow, a starter in the last 38 games, who is suspended. Coach Eddie Howe is likely to rest some key players in this match.
Qarabağ had a full rest as they had no league games over the weekend, but their recent UCL form is poor, conceding 12 goals in two matches against Liverpool and Newcastle, 6 goals each. They have lost 9 and drawn 1 in 10 matches against English teams, losing all five away games by a combined 19 goals conceded and only 1 scored. Even if Newcastle does not field a full-strength side, Qarabağ is unlikely to overturn the situation.
Analysis Prediction: The Magpies are favored to secure victory and advance to the last 16.
- UEFA Champions League playoffs, second leg / Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
"The Nerazzurri" regained some confidence by winning their latest league match 2-0 away at Lecce after losing the first leg in Norway. Inter has a strong knockout record in the UCL, excluding finals, winning 10 and losing 2 in their last 16 matches. However, they have only won by a two-goal margin in 6 of 52 knockout matches and have never won by three goals in later rounds. They will miss key striker Lautaro Martínez in this game, but Denzel Dumfries returns from injury.
Meanwhile, Bodø/Glimt is in excellent form, becoming the first Norwegian team to win three consecutive UCL matches after defeating Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. They are physically fit as they are in a winter break. The team is led by Jens Petter Hauge (5 goals) and Kasper Hokstad (4 goals), who recently scored against Inter in the first leg, leading by a two-goal margin. This presents a tough challenge that the home team may not overcome.
Analysis Prediction: Inter Milan will win but it won't be enough to advance.