Matchday 12 of UEFA Champions League Fantasy kicks off on Tuesday evening
and, as usual, we’ve got our player picks to bring you ahead of the deadline.With the second leg of the Round of 16 taking place, fantasy managers will be hoping their players deliver big returns as teams fight for a place in the next round.
Some clubs head into the second leg with an advantage from the first match while others still have work to do to secure qualification.
With qualification on the line, fantasy managers will
be hoping their players can deliver important points.
In this article, we highlight some of the best player picks for UCL Matchday 12, focusing on options across all positions who could provide valuable returns in the decisive second leg.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois vs Manchester City
Courtois, priced at €6.1m, has already racked up 53 points this season, proving to be one of the most reliable goalkeepers in UCL Fantasy.
He was key as Real Madrid dominated Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg, making 52 saves in the tournament so far.
With City needing goals in the second leg, they’ll be forced into difficult chances, which makes Courtois a top pick for both clean sheet points and saves as teams head into Matchday 12 of the UEFA Champions League second leg.
Defenders
Gabriel Mahgaleas vs Bayer Leverkusen
Gabriel has been key to Arsenal’s defensive solidity this UCL season, helping the Gunners keep five clean sheets so far.
He was crucial in the 1-1 first-leg draw at the BayArena, organizing the backline and limiting Bayer Leverkusen’s chances.
As the second leg moves to North London, Gabriel’s role will be vital both defensively and on set-pieces, making him one of the top defender picks for Matchday 12.
Odin Bjortuft vs Sporting CP
While bigger European names often grab the headlines, Odin Bjortuft has quietly become one of the most statistically dominant defenders in this year’s competition.
Bodo/Glimt’s 3‑0 first-leg win over Sporting CP was built on Bjortuft’s strong defensive performance, where he made 75 ball recoveries, putting him at the top of the UCL defensive charts.
Priced at €4.5m, he has already scored 42 points this season and is owned by just one percent of managers, making him a rare differential for fantasy teams.
As Bodo/Glimt heads to Lisbon to protect their three-goal lead, Bjortuft’s skill in breaking up attacks and keeping control at the back will be crucial.
Nuno Mendes vs Chelsea
PSG’s 5‑2 win over Chelsea showed off their attacking talent, but Mendes was just as important in keeping the team solid at the back.
Priced at €6.3m, he has already scored 63 points this season, keeping two clean sheets while conceding 14 goals, and leads all defenders in the knockout stages with 66 ball recoveries.
His pace and defensive skills make him a key figure for PSG.
Heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, Mendes will be even more important as Chelsea push to score three goals to stay in the tie.
Josip Stanisic vs Atalanta
Bayern Munich’s 6‑1 win over Atalanta was a statement of intent, and Josip Stanisic played a key role early in the match.
He scored just 12 minutes in, showing how he can join the attack in Vincent Kompany’s system.
Stanisic offers a strong balance for fantasy managers because he helps in both attack and defence.
With the second leg in Munich likely to be easier, he is expected to play more in attack than in defence, giving him a chance to earn points from a clean sheet and goal involvement.
Midfielders
Ademola Lookman vs Tottenham Hotspur
Ademola Lookman has quickly settled into Diego Simeone’s attacking setup since joining Atletico Madrid in February.
In the first leg against Tottenham, he played 69 minutes of high-intensity football and helped the team secure a 5‑2 win.
Lookman has already scored two goals and assisted three in this Champions League campaign.
He is excellent at finding space and creating chances on counter-attacks, which will be important as Spurs push forward in the second leg.
For fantasy managers, Lookman is a valuable in-form option who is likely to be involved in Atletico’s attacks, even if he does not score himself.
Vinicius Junior vs Manchester City
Vinicius Junior continues to show why he is one of the most dangerous wingers in world football, especially in big moments.
In the first leg against Manchester City, he was the key player in Real Madrid’s 3‑0 win, providing his seventh assist of the competition with excellent runs and playmaking.
Heading into the second leg at the Etihad, Vinicius is in great form.
He has completed the most successful dribbles in the tournament and makes frequent runs into the penalty area.
With City needing to score three goals, he will have plenty of space to take on defenders, making him a strong candidate for captaincy heading into Matchday 12.
Vitinha vs Chelsea
Vitinha has become PSG’s key midfielder and a strong choice for fantasy managers. He is the competition’s top passer, averaging 107.5 passes per game, and is owned by many of the top fantasy teams.
In the first leg against Chelsea, he scored with a clever lob after a goalkeeper mistake, helping PSG build a 5‑2 lead. He is also excellent at keeping possession and has recovered 60 balls so far.
As PSG heads to Stamford Bridge, his ability to control the game and stop Chelsea’s attacks makes him a reliable source of points for fantasy managers.
Forwards
Julian Alvarez vs Tottenham Hotspur
Atletico Madrid main man Julian Alvarez has just joined the elite “Perfect 10” club after a standout performance against Tottenham.
In the 5‑2 first-leg win, Alvarez scored twice and provided an assist, earning a perfect 10.0 Sofascore rating.
He now has seven goals and assisted three in this Champions League campaign and has become the focal point of Atletico Madrid.
For fantasy managers, Alvarez is a must-have. As Atletico travels to London to defend their lead, his ability to press defenders and finish chances makes him the top choice for your frontline.
Victor Osimhen vs Liverpool
Victor Osimhen is one of the most dangerous forwards in the Champions League.
He takes the most shots in the tournament, highlighting how Galatasaray rely on his speed and strength in the air. He has scored seven goals so far, proving he is a big-game player.
After Galatasaray’s first-leg win over Liverpool, all eyes will be on Osimhen at Anfield. His strength and pace make him a constant threat to high defensive lines, making him a top choice for captaincy on Matchday 12.
Viktor Gyokeres vs Bayer Leverkusen
Gyokeres is proving to be a real threat in the Champions League. In the first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, his power and direct runs drove Arsenal’s attack.
He has scored four goals and provided two assists so far, earning 39 points in UCL Fantasy. Priced at €9m, Gyokeres is an attacking option to watch for the second leg.
As Arsenal prepares for the return leg at the Emirates to settle their 1‑1 draw, Gyokeres could be the difference-maker for your fantasy team.
Which player do you think will deliver the biggest points haul tomorrow? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and any differentials you’re backing for Matchday 12 of UEFA Champions League Fantasy
