The Champions League knockout stages start here. Matchday 9 marks the first matches of the play-offs, and UCL Fantasy managers will be given unlimited transfers to work with.
This is a complete reset. You can rebuild your team and focus on the teams best placed to take control of their tires. With new matchups and two-legged dynamics in play, the approach to the competition phase shifts.
Here we present the ‘early’ scout picks for matchday 9, with adjustments made if we suffer injuries this weekend.
GOALKEEPS
Finding a reliable budget goalie for Tuesday isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to avoid blocking outfield assets from the same team. An option that stands out is that of Atalanta Marco Carnesecchi (€4.8 million). The Italian has played a key role in Atalanta’s defensive shape, keeping six clean sheets in the last ten games. A meeting with Dortmund offers another opportunity to continue that run.
Inter are also in excellent form defensively. Cristian Chivu’s team recorded six shutouts in their last ten games. A clash with Bodø/Glimt, who finished 23rd in the competition phase, delivers Yann Sommer (€ 6.0 million) a great chance of return.
DEFENDERS
A defensive double-up from Inter makes sense for clean sheet potential, but their back-three system makes it even more attractive. The full-backs play high and wide, which increases their attacking involvement. Federico Dimarco (€5.5 million) is particularly notable, with two goals and six assists in his last five games.
PSG have repeatedly shown their defensive prowess in the latter stages of major competitions. They kept a clean sheet in the 2024-25 Champions League final and recorded five shutouts in seven Club World Cup matches. Monaco was the lowest scoring team among the top 24 teams in the competition phase, which strengthens the case for investment Willian Pacho (€5.0 million) and attacking full-back Ashraf Hakimi (€5.9 million).
Newcastle were the second-best defense during the league phase, which also made them a strong option at the back. To be among their defenders Malick Thiaw (€ 4.8 million) stands out. The centre-back has shown an attacking threat in the Premier League and offers multiple routes to points.
Olympiakos lacked consistency in attack, which gives Leverkusen potential for the clean sheet. Alejandro Grimaldo (€6.2m) combines defensive security with significant attacking upside, having achieved ten attacking results in just sixteen Bundesliga appearances.
MIDFIELDERS
Qarabag showed quality during the league phase, but conceded an average of more than two goals per match. Their defensive record makes them a target. Newcastle’s main striker Anthony Gordon (€7.1 million) has produced eight goals in eight games and faces an opponent who regularly allows chances.
Galatasaray managed just two clean sheets during the league phase, so Juventus can expect opportunities away from home as well. Kenan Yildiz (€6.8m) has been quiet of late, but a previous run of four goals and three assists in eight games underlines his lead.
PSG were one of only two teams to score 20 or more goals in the league stage and still miss out on a place in the top eight. They now face a vulnerable Monaco defense, putting their attackers firmly in the picture. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (€8.1 million) and Vitinha (€7.3m) have both generated double-digit prices this season and offer strong routes into a fluid attack.
Doubling down on Real Madrid’s attack could be decisive this week. After missing out on a top eight spot following the defeat to Benfica, Los Blancos may be able to approach this tie with extra motivation. Vinicius Junior (9.5 million euros) recently scored twenty points against Monaco, which underlines how explosive he can be on his day.
FORWARD
Continuing Real Madrid’s focus, one striker stands out this week as almost essential. Kylian Mbappe (€11.0 million) has already scored 36 goals in the Champions League and La Liga this season. Going without him carries obvious risks for both overall rankings and mini-league position.
Bodø/Glimt have shown they can score, but have also conceded almost two goals per game on matchdays 1 to 8. Inter are coming into strong attacking form, scoring at least twice in each of their last five matches. Leading the line is Lautaro Martinez (€9.5 million), which offers a significant advantage in this match.
Rounding out the attackers is Atlético Madrid. They face Club Brugge, a match that suits their attacking profile. Penalty taker Julian Alvarez (€9.1m) comes in on form after scoring and assisting against Barcelona, giving him a strong platform for returns.
UCL CONTEST 9 SCOUT PICKS
#UCL #Fantasy #Matchday #early #Scout #picks