REAL MADRID WERE handed a quick rematch with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the draw for the Champions League play-off 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 two-legged play-off ties will take place in February.
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Premier League side Newcastle were also included in today’s draw and will take on Qarabag while Inter Milan will meet Bodo/Glimt.
Borussia Dortmund have been drawn to face Atalanta and Olympiacos take on Bayer Leverkusen.
The other draws include Galatasaray v Juventus and Brugge v Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City were not involved in today’s draw as their place in the last 16 is already secured. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon join them to complete the top eight.
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Real Madrid to face Mourinho's Benfica again after Champions League draw
REAL MADRID WERE handed a quick rematch with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the draw for the Champions League play-off 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 two-legged play-off ties will take place in February.
Premier League side Newcastle were also included in today’s draw and will take on Qarabag while Inter Milan will meet Bodo/Glimt.
Borussia Dortmund have been drawn to face Atalanta and Olympiacos take on Bayer Leverkusen.
The other draws include Galatasaray v Juventus and Brugge v Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City were not involved in today’s draw as their place in the last 16 is already secured. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon join them to complete the top eight.
– © AFP 2026
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