Real Madrid will take on Benfica while Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs following Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
This draw has generated several notable matchups as teams compete for a place in the round of 16 under the newly implemented competition format.
Borussia Dortmund is scheduled to face Atalanta in the first confirmed tie of the play-offs, while Galatasaray will encounter Juventus in another highly anticipated clash.
Atlético de Madrid will compete against Club Brugge, and Olympiacos will face Bayer Leverkusen in a rematch from their league-phase encounter, while Qarabağ has been paired with Newcastle United in their inaugural meeting.
Italian powerhouse Inter will square off against Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, marking the latter’s first venture into the Champions League knockout rounds.
The matchup between Benfica and Real Madrid adds extra excitement following a thrilling conclusion to their league-phase on January 28, 2026, where Benfica triumphed 4–2 at the Estádio da Luz, thanks to an astonishing 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Previously, Real Madrid had led the game with a goal from Kylian Mbappé, but they ultimately fell to ninth place due to this loss, leading them to the play-off round instead of direct qualification to the round of 16.
UEFA's deputy general secretary, Giorgio Marchetti, remarked before the draw that the league phase had been an "emotional rollercoaster," emphasizing that the dramatic late goals on Matchday Eight exceeded expectations.
Former Arsenal and French winger, Robert Pires, participated in the draw, commending the revised format of the Champions League and describing the recent matches as both thrilling and entertaining.
The upcoming knockout phase play-offs represent the next stage in the journey toward the final, which is slated to take place in Budapest.
AFP
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