Real Madrid Face Benfica Rematch After League-Phase Drama

The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw, held on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland, produced several blockbuster ties, including a high-stakes rematch between Benfica and Real Madrid, and an all-French showdown between holders Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

The draw, conducted at 12:00 CET at the House of European Football, paired the 16 teams finishing ninth to 24th in the expanded league phase into eight two-legged ties. Winners advance to the round of 16 to join the top eight qualifiers: Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sporting CP, and Tottenham Hotspur.

The confirmed matchups are Benfica vs Real Madrid, Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan, Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain, Qarabağ vs Newcastle United, Galatasaray vs Juventus, Club Brugge vs Atlético de Madrid, Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta, and Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen. Seeded teams (positions 9-16) host the second legs.

First legs are scheduled for February 17-18, 2026, with second legs on February 24-25. The round of 16 draw follows on February 27.

The Benfica-Real Madrid clash stands out as a rematch after dramatic league-phase encounters, where José Mourinho's Benfica secured a notable victory over the Spanish giants in their final meeting. This tie pits Mourinho's tactical expertise against Real Madrid's star-studded squad, raising expectations for intense battles.

The league phase concluded recently, with the top eight securing direct advancement after 144 matches across the competition's new structure.

These play-offs represent a critical hurdle for ambitious clubs chasing glory in the season culminating in the final on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Fans can follow fixtures and brackets on UEFA's official site.