Real Madrid will battle Benfica while Paris Saint-Germain have been paired with Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs, following Friday’s draw held in Nyon, Switzerland.
The draw produced several eye-catching fixtures as Europe’s elite clubs fight for places in the round of 16 under the competition’s new format.
Borussia Dortmund were drawn against Atalanta in one of the standout ties, while Turkish giants Galatasaray will face Juventus in another heavyweight encounter. Atlético de Madrid will take on Club Brugge, Olympiacos were paired with Bayer Leverkusen in a repeat of their league-phase meeting, and Qarabağ will face Newcastle United in a historic first-ever clash between the two sides.
Italian heavyweights Inter Milan will also be in action against Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, who are making their first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages.
The tie between Benfica and Real Madrid adds extra intrigue following a dramatic league-phase showdown on January 28, 2026. Benfica stunned the Spanish giants 4–2 at the Estádio da Luz, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a remarkable 98th-minute header to seal victory and secure a play-off spot.
Real Madrid had looked set for direct qualification after goals from Kylian Mbappé, but the late twist saw them slip to ninth place, forcing them into the play-off round.
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Speaking ahead of the draw, UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” noting that the drama and late goals on Matchday Eight exceeded expectations.
Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires, who assisted with the draw, also praised the revamped Champions League format, describing the recent round of matches as exciting and entertaining.
The knockout phase play-offs mark the next stage on the road to the final, which will be staged in Budapest.
