Real Madrid have been drawn against Benfica once more in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs following Friday’s draw in Nyon, setting up a quick rematch between the two sides next month.
The Spanish giants only faced the Portuguese club on Wednesday in their final league-phase fixture, suffering a dramatic 4–2 defeat after Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored deep into stoppage time. That loss saw Madrid finish ninth in the league-phase standings, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Under the new Champions League format, teams placed ninth to 24th were paired in two-legged playoff ties, scheduled to be played between February 17 and 25. The winners will progress to the round of 16, where they will join the top eight teams from the league phase.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain were also handed a challenging draw, as they were paired against fellow French side Monaco. PSG finished 11th after failing to win their final three league-phase matches, while Monaco placed 21st.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United will take on Azerbaijani club Qarabag, while Atletico Madrid face Club Brugge after narrowly missing a top-eight finish. Borussia Dortmund were drawn against Atalanta, with both sides having dropped out of the automatic qualification spots following consecutive defeats.
German side Bayer Leverkusen will meet Olympiacos again after losing to the Greek champions earlier this month, while Serie A leaders Inter Milan were drawn against Norway’s Bodo/Glimt. Juventus, meanwhile, will face Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray.
The playoff round promises several high-profile clashes as Europe’s elite battle for a place in the Champions League last 16.