Champions League Play-offs: Real Madrid Draw Benfica As PSG Face Monaco

European heavyweights were handed tricky tests in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs after Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland, set up several high-profile clashes on the road to the round of 16.

Real Madrid were drawn against Benfica, while Paris Saint-Germain will face fellow French side Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs.

The draw delivered a series of blockbuster ties, with Borussia Dortmund paired with Atalanta and Galatasaray set to meet Juventus. Atlético de Madrid will take on Club Brugge, Olympiacos were drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in a rematch of their league-phase meeting, and Qarabağ will face Newcastle United in their first-ever encounter.

Inter Milan will meet Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, who are making their first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages.

The Real Madrid–Benfica tie adds extra intrigue after the Portuguese side’s dramatic 4–2 league-phase victory on January 28, 2026, which pushed the Spanish giants into the play-offs. Real had appeared on course for direct qualification before late drama reshaped the standings.

UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” while former Arsenal winger Robert Pires, who assisted with the draw, praised the revamped format for its excitement.

The play-offs mark the next step toward the final, scheduled to be held in Budapest.