Real Madrid set for Benfica rematch as Champions League play-off ties are confirmed

Real Madrid will face Benfica in the UEFA Champions League play-off round after the draw confirmed February’s knockout fixtures under the competition’s expanded format.

Benfica sealed their place in the play-offs in dramatic fashion with a 4–2 victory, capped by a stoppage-time header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. That result was enough to lift the Portuguese side into the final qualifying position and push 15-time champions Real Madrid out of the top eight and into the additional knockout round.

Madrid have struggled to adapt to the revised format since its introduction last season, again failing to secure automatic qualification for the last 16. They previously found themselves in the play-offs last year, where they were drawn against Manchester City.

Under the new structure, only the top eight teams from the 36-club league phase advance directly to the round of 16. Sides finishing between ninth and 24th must contest a two-legged play-off to progress.

Benfica complete remarkable late surge

Benfica’s qualification completed a remarkable turnaround. After losing their opening four matches and spending much of the campaign near the bottom of the table, the Lisbon club won three of their final four fixtures to finish 24th on goal difference.

Elsewhere, holders Paris Saint-Germain were drawn against domestic rivals Monaco in an all-French tie. PSG finished 11th after winning just one of their final five league-phase matches, while Monaco secured qualification with a goalless draw against Juventus.

Monaco, currently 10th in Ligue 1 and 21 points behind PSG, will host the first leg. They have already beaten the Paris side at home earlier this season.

PSG eliminated French opposition at this stage last year before going on to lift the Champions League for the first time, a feat they will be keen to repeat.

Other notable ties confirmed

Newcastle United were drawn against Qarabag and will travel to Baku as strong favourites. Last season’s finalists Inter Milan face Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, while Juventus take on Galatasaray.

Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid were paired with Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund will meet Atalanta, and Bayer Leverkusen were drawn against Olympiacos.

The Champions League play-off ties will be played over two legs in February, with the round of 16 scheduled for March. This season’s final will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on 30 May.