Real Madrid will face Benfica while Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs following Friday’s draw held in Nyon, Switzerland.
The draw delivered several high-profile fixtures as clubs battle for a place in the round of 16 under the competition’s revamped format, which has already produced dramatic moments throughout the league phase.
Borussia Dortmund will take on Atalanta in one of the confirmed play-off ties, while Turkish giants Galatasaray were paired with Juventus in another heavyweight encounter. Atlético de Madrid will face Club Brugge, Olympiacos were drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in a repeat of their league-phase meeting, and Qarabağ will meet Newcastle United in a first-ever clash between the two sides.
Italian champions Inter Milan were drawn against Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, marking the latter’s first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages.
The tie between Benfica and Real Madrid adds extra intrigue following a dramatic league-phase finale on January 28, 2026. Benfica shocked the Spanish giants with a stunning 4–2 victory at the Estádio da Luz, highlighted by a remarkable 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The result secured Benfica’s place in the play-offs and pushed Real Madrid into ninth position, denying them automatic qualification for the round of 16 despite goals from Kylian Mbappé.
Speaking ahead of the draw, UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” noting that late drama on Matchday Eight exceeded expectations and validated the new competition structure.
Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires, who assisted with the draw, praised the revamped Champions League format, describing the recent matches as exciting and highly entertaining.
The knockout phase play-offs mark the next step on the road to the final, which will be staged in Budapest, as Europe’s elite clubs continue their pursuit of continental glory.
