Champions League Play-Offs confirmed as Benfica set for Real Madrid rematch

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off fixtures have been confirmed, opening the door to a series of high-stakes two-legged encounters as clubs fight for a place in the Round of 16.

One of the standout ties will see Benfica face Real Madrid once again, renewing a rivalry that already delivered drama in the league phase. The Portuguese side defeated the Spanish giants 4–2 on Matchday 8, a result that proved decisive in securing their progression into the play-offs.

Benfica’s place was sealed in remarkable circumstances, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring deep into stoppage time in the 90+8th minute, a goal that ultimately sent the Lisbon club through on goal difference and underlined the razor-thin margins of the new competition format.

Elsewhere, the draw produced several compelling fixtures featuring Europe’s traditional heavyweights and emerging challengers.

Full Knockout Phase Play-Off fixtures

Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain

Galatasaray vs Juventus

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

Qarabag vs Newcastle United

Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid

Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

The play-offs involve clubs that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase, including Real Madrid, PSG, Juventus, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid, reflecting the competitiveness introduced by the expanded Champions League structure.

The ties will be contested over two legs, with matches scheduled for 17/18 February and 24/25 February 2026, and the eight winners progressing to the Round of 16, with the draw set for 27 February 2026.