UCL: Benfica get Real Madrid rematch as PSG & Monaco clash in playoffs
LISBON, PORTUGAL – JANUARY 28: Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Da Luz on January 28, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Portuguese giants Benfica are set to face Real Madrid again in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout playoffs after their recent game in the final matchday of the league phase on Wednesday.
Benfica emerged victorious with a 4-2 win against Madrid and narrowly secured a spot in the playoffs with a superior goal difference above French club Olympique Marseille.
The Portuguese club finished in 24th position in the 36-team league phase while Real Madrid were ninth.
Reigning European champions, Paris Saint-Germain will battle AS Monaco in an all-French affair, Turkish champions Galatasaray will face Juventus, Borussia Dortmund will play against Atalanta.
Belgian side Club Brugge have a date with Atletico Madrid, Qarabag and Newcastle United will jostle for qualification, Bayer Leverkusen face Olympiakos and last season’s finalists Inter Milan have Blodo Glimt.
The first leg of the knockout playoffs is scheduled for February 17 and 18, followed by the return fixture on February 24 and 25.
Eight teams are expected to advance from the playoffs into the round of 16 to face the top 8 teams of the league phase which include leaders Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Manchester City.
