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Real Madrid were handed a quick rematch with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the draw for the Champions League playoff round on Friday, while reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain will face domestic rivals Monaco.
Benfica beat Real 4-2 in their final game of the league phase on Wednesday, with a 98th-minute goal by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin proving decisive in allowing the Portuguese side to snatch the last play-off spot.
The Champions League two-legged play-off ties will take place in February.
Champions League Playoff Fixtures
Real Madrid v Benfica
Inter v Bodo/Glimt
PSG v Monaco
Newcastle v Qarabag
Juventus v Galatasaray
Atleti v Club Brugge
Atalanta v Dortmund
Leverkusen v Olympiacos
When will the Champions League knockout matches be played?
The Champions League knockout stage gets underway with the play-off round, played over two legs on February 17/18 and February 24/25, 2026.
The round of 16 will also be contested across two legs, with fixtures scheduled for March 10/11 and March 17/18, 2026.
The competition then moves into the quarter-finals on April 7/8 and April 14/15, 2026, followed by the semi-finals, which will be played on April 28/29 and May 5/6, 2026.
The 2025/26 Champions League season will conclude with the final on May 30, 2026.
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