Real Madrid’s possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League playoffs | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defeat against Benfica on the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League league phase has come at a real cost. 

The loss meant Los Blancos missed out on a direct place in the round of 16 and will now have to go through the playoffs instead. 

At present, Real Madrid do not their exact opponent, but the situation is now very clear. 

Everything will be decided on Friday when the official playoff draw takes place. 

There will be no surprises in terms of options, as Real Madrid already know the two teams they could be paired with.

Real Madrid’s possible opponents

As such, those two possible opponents are Bodø/Glimt and Benfica. 

This scenario is the result of how the league phase standings finished under the current Champions League format. 

According to the regulations, teams that finish 9th and 10th are drawn against teams placed 23rd and 24th, with the exact pairings decided by a draw.

Real Madrid suffered a shocking defeat against Benfica. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Real Madrid ended the league phase in 9th place. That position automatically narrowed their options. 

Bodø/Glimt finished 23rd, while Benfica squeezed into 24th thanks to their dramatic win. 

The other side involved in this part of the draw is Inter Milan, who finished 10th and will face whichever opponent Madrid avoid.

The draw on Friday will confirm the full order of the 24 teams who have qualified for the next round. 

While this playoff tie may not look as intimidating as last season, when Real Madrid had to eliminate Manchester City, it still represents two extra matches that the club did not plan for.

Notably, if Real Madrid successfully qualify beyond the playoff round, the next stage would bring another heavyweight test.

There are two possible paths, one more favourable – Sporting Lisbon – and one far more demanding – Manchester City.