Benfica Challenges Real Madrid Again, Fiery Duel Set for Champions League Playoffs

The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 Playoffs 2025/26 was held in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, January 30, 2026, evening WIB. The draw produced a rematch between Benfica and Real Madrid, capturing significant attention from football fans.

Previously, both teams had faced each other on matchday eight of the league phase. Their encounter featured intense competition, ending in a dramatic 4-2 victory for Benfica.

Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s injury-time goal secured the Portuguese side's advancement to the playoff stage.

Meanwhile, Madrid must navigate the Round of 16 playoffs after finishing ninth in their group.

This situation complicates the Spanish giants' path to the Round of 16, especially since the draw has paired them again with Benfica.

Beyond the heated Madrid-Benfica clash, the Champions League Playoff Draw also featured other prestigious matchups.

AS Monaco will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in an all-French duel expected to be fiercely contested.

Other fixtures include Juventus versus Galatasaray, while Borussia Dortmund is scheduled to play Atalanta.

Newcastle United, the sole English club in the playoffs, will take on Qarabag.

Inter Milan will meet Bodo/Glimt, and Atletico Madrid faces Club Brugge.

The first legs of the Champions League playoffs are set for February 17–18, with decisive second legs scheduled for February 24–25.

Winners will join eight pre-qualified teams: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, and Manchester City.

Champions League Playoff Draw Results

AS Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain

Galatasaray vs Juventus

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

Qarabag vs Newcastle United

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid

Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan

Olympiakos vs Bayer Leverkusen