Real Madrid will renew their rivalry with Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs, while Paris Saint Germain have been drawn against fellow French side Monaco following Friday’s draw held in Nyon, Switzerland.
The play-off draw produced several high profile fixtures as Europe’s elite clubs battle for a place in the round of 16 under the competition’s new format, which has already delivered intense drama and late twists.
The meeting between Real Madrid and Benfica comes with added intrigue after their dramatic league phase encounter on January 28, 2026. Benfica stunned the Spanish giants 4 to 2 at the Estádio da Luz, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a remarkable 98th minute header to seal qualification for the play-offs.
That result pushed Real Madrid into ninth place, denying them automatic passage to the round of 16 despite goals from Kylian Mbappé that had earlier put them in control.
French champions PSG were drawn against Monaco in an all French tie expected to attract wide attention, given both clubs’ domestic rivalry and continental ambitions.
Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund will face Atalanta in one of the early confirmed ties, while Galatasaray were paired with Juventus in another heavyweight encounter.
Atlético de Madrid will take on Club Brugge, Olympiacos will meet Bayer Leverkusen in a repeat of a league phase clash, and Qarabağ were drawn against Newcastle United in a historic first meeting between the two sides.
Italian giants Inter Milan will play Norwegian champions Bodø Glimt, marking the first time the Norwegian side will feature in the Champions League knockout stages.
Speaking ahead of the draw, UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an emotional rollercoaster, noting that expectations had been exceeded following dramatic late goals on the final matchday.
Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires, who assisted with the draw, praised the revamped format, describing the recent round of matches as exciting and entertaining for fans across Europe.
