Champions League play-offs: Three matches offering goals and decisive results on 18-19 August

Arthur Wandji, a sports betting expert and Cameroonian journalist, has selected three Champions League play-off matches for a three-game accumulator covering 18 and 19 August 2026.

Fenerbahce are targeting a memorable European campaign as they celebrate their 120th anniversary, while Lyon arrive in Istanbul with confidence restored after a dramatic qualifying victory over Sparta Prague.

The Turkish side remain unbeaten in their past four European matches, recording three wins and one draw, and have lost only two of their last nine continental fixtures at home. Their momentum was checked by a 2-1 league defeat by Genclerbirligi last weekend, but Fenerbahce have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku.

Mason Greenwood also remains a major attacking threat and scored in Fenerbahce’s most recent home match. There is, however, uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Ederson.

Lyon recovered from a 2-1 first-leg defeat by Sparta Prague to win the return match 3-0 and progress. Their recent European experience is matched by strong attacking numbers, with each of their past seven competitive games producing more than 2.5 goals on average.

Those trends support the betting selection that both teams will score. Fenerbahce’s recent defensive vulnerability could give Lyon opportunities, while the Turkish club’s attacking strength should create problems for the visitors. Lyon have also shown consistent attacking form but regularly allow chances away from home.

Dinamo Zagreb backed to produce another high-scoring game

Dinamo Zagreb enter their tie against Viking on a run of 10 matches without defeat in all competitions, including eight wins and two draws. Their latest result was a commanding 4-0 league victory over Rudes.

The Croatian club’s qualifying record provides further encouragement. Dinamo have won 21 of their past 24 two-legged Champions League qualifying ties, and Lukas Kacavenda has scored in each of the club’s last three European matches.

Viking, meanwhile, are attempting to reach the main stage of a European competition for the first time in 21 years. Their preparations were disrupted by a 2-1 defeat by Rosenborg, a result that ended a five-match unbeaten run.

The recommended selection is for at least one team to score more than 1.5 goals. Both teams have scored in seven of Dinamo’s past nine European matches, while each of their last eight home ties has featured more than 2.5 goals.

Dinamo’s attacking options point towards another productive night at Maksimir. Viking are likely to look for opportunities on the counter-attack, with captain Zlatko Tripic expected to be central to their efforts.

NEC Nijmegen and Bodø/Glimt tipped to avoid a draw

NEC Nijmegen have reached the Champions League play-offs for the first time in their history. They secured their place in the previous round with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Olympiacos.

The Dutch club have also built a strong home record, losing only once in their last eight matches in all competitions. Their latest outing ended in a comfortable 4-1 victory over Willem II, with new signing Adam Tahaui among the scorers.

Their opponents, Bodø/Glimt, were one of last season’s outstanding European performers and arrive in excellent form. The Norwegian side are unbeaten in 13 matches, winning 11 and drawing two, and survived a thrilling 6-5 tie against Union Saint-Gilloise in the previous round.

The suggested bet is the double chance 12, meaning either NEC Nijmegen or Bodø/Glimt to win rather than the match ending in a draw.

Bodø/Glimt’s last six matches have all contained more than 2.5 goals, while the Norwegian club have scored at least twice in each of their last seven European away games. NEC Nijmegen have seen both teams score in nine of their past 10 matches, a pattern which points away from a cautious, goalless draw.

Odds can change.