Who should be my Champions League Fantasy Football captain for Matchday 10?
Thursday, February 19, 2026
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Julián Alvarez, Federico Dimarco, Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé all have captaincy potential as the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs conclude.
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Ahead of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second legs the merits of four possible captains are considered as managers prepare for Matchday 10 of UCL Fantasy, presented by PlayStation.
TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
Julián Alvarez (€9.1m) vs Club Brugge (H)
One of ten Fantasy forwards to score on Matchday 9, Alvarez got the first goal in Atlético de Madrid's 3-3 draw at Club Brugge. With the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, Atleti have home advantage as they seek a round of 16 berth. Both their top Fantasy point scorer and highest-owned selection, Alvarez also looks to be the front-runner among Atleti's captaincy candidates. The Argentinian has five goals, two assists and a Player of the Match award from his eight Champions League appearances this season.
Federico Dimarco (€5.5m) vs Bodø/Glimt (H)
Inter have it all to do in the second leg against Bodø/Glimt, who hold a 3-1 advantage for their trip to Milan. Having begun the first leg on the bench, Dimarco could be restored to Inter's starting line-up for the return and his attacking threat is sure to attract the interest of Fantasy managers. The wing-back has nine goal involvements in his last five games across all competitions.
Other options: Anthony Gordon (€7.1m), Alejandro Grimaldo (€6.2m), Kasper Høgh (€5.3m)
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY
Désiré Doué (€7.9m) vs Monaco (H)
Despite beginning the first leg at Monaco on the bench, Paris Saint-Germain youngster Doué still came away from the match with 19 points – second only to four-goal Anthony Gordon on Matchday 9. The 20-year-old had a hand in all three goals as his introduction inspired the European champions' comeback against their fellow Ligue 1 side. Now firmly in the picture for a start on Matchday 10, the 3%-owned Doué represents an enticing differential captain for Fantasy bosses looking to make up ground in their respective mini-leagues.
Kylian Mbappé (€11.0m) vs Benfica (H)
Should a captain change be needed on Wednesday, the most popular choice will surely be Mbappé, who remains the highest-owned Fantasy pick by some distance. After double-figure returns in three successive Champions League appearances to finish the league phase, the Real Madrid forward's assist and five points at Benfica on Matchday 9 made it 14 attacking returns in this season's competition, more than any other player. The Frenchman has also claimed three Player of the Match awards.
Other options: Serhou Guirassy (€8.3m), Weston McKennie (€6.1m), Vinícius Júnior (€9.5m)