The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has entered the knockout phase. These are two-legged playoffs in which the winners advance to the round of 16 and the losers are eliminated.
Since away goals no longer serve as a tiebreaker, the overall result decides the outcome, with extra time and penalties if necessary.
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As they are first legs, the matches on matchday 9 have added tactical weight.
Teams will prioritize good results (ideally a win or a clean sheet) before the second leg.
There remain potential surprises in knockout football, making team selection even more crucial for UCL Fantasy managers looking to gain an early lead.
Below are our top player picks for UCL Fantasy MD9.
Goalie
Nick Pope (£5.1m) vs Qarabag
With 40 UCL fantasy points so far, Pope remains a reliable option. Known for his positioning and reflexes, he always delivers in high-pressure European matches.
His save percentage and his command of the area strengthen his appeal for this first leg.
Defenders
Alejandro Grimaldo vs Olympiacos Piraeus
Grimaldo scored four goals and accumulated 40 fantasy points, outstanding production for a defenseman.
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His attacking presence from the left flank, combined with strong crossing and creative passing, adds a significant advantage. He also poses danger on set pieces and free kicks thanks to his precise left foot.
Federico Dimarco against Bodo/Glimt
Dimarco operates as an aggressive outlet in Inter’s system, often functioning as a wide midfielder while maintaining defensive responsibilities. His pace, crossing and goal contributions increase his value to fantasy managers looking for offensive returns from defence.
Malick Thiaw vs. Qarabag
With approximately 37 fantasy points this season, Thiaw offers physicality and passing power as a center back. His ability in defensive duels and set-piece situations increases both clean sheet and bonus potential, while his composure helps build up play from the back.
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Marcos Llorente vs Club Brugge KV
Llorente demonstrated his fantasy with a double-goal performance that generated double-digit points. In six games, he scored three goals and accumulated 27 fantasy points. His tendency to arrive late in the box or shoot from distance gives him explosive potential for the day.
Midfielders
Anthony Gordon vs. Qarabag
Gordon provides a high volume of attack, shoots regularly and creates danger from wide and central areas. He has been especially productive in Europe, recording 52 fantasy points, six goals and two assists. His great performance on stage makes him an outstanding option in midfield.
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Nicolò Barella vs Bodo/Glimt
While not a major target or assist contributor in this campaign, Barella’s value lies in consistent minutes and involvement in the preparation and transition phases. His contributions in passing and defending make him a reliable presence in the engine room of Inter’s midfield.
Robert Andrich vs Olympiacos
Andrich anchors the midfield with defensive discipline and ball recovery. In the 2025/26 UCL campaign, he maintained a passing accuracy of around 90.8%, ensuring consistent distribution. His offensive output is limited, but he provides tactical stability and reliable minutes.
Forwards
Lautaro Martínez vs Bodo/Glimt
Lautaro remains Inter’s main goal threat and a fantasy forward with great potential. His tenacity, clinical finishing and leadership make him a central element of Inter’s attack, particularly in games where he dominates opportunities.
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Julián Álvarez vs Club Brugge KV
Alvarez has appeared in every UCL game this season, logging good minutes and averaging approximately half a goal per game. His combined goals and assists profile makes him a reliable forward option rather than one who relies solely on scoring.
Patrik Schick vs Olympiacos Piraeus
Schick is known for his aerial presence, intelligent movement and finishing ability. In this season’s Champions League campaign, he has recorded two goals and an assist, contributing as an option forward off the bench and offering a scoring threat when called upon.