Champions League knockout stage play-off draw confirmed as Real Madrid face Benfica rematch

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·30 Januari 2026

Champions League knockout stage play-off draw confirmed as Real Madrid face Benfica rematch

Newcastle handed a tricky test as PSG face a familiar foe

Real Madrid face an instant rematch with Benfica in the Champions League knockout stage play-offs.

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The Spanish giants have to navigate a two-legged play-off tie next month after losing in Portugal on Wednesday, which saw Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin score a last-gasp goal to run out 4-2 winners and keep their Champions League campaign alive.

Elsewhere, holders Paris Saint-Germain face a French derby again Monaco, while Newcastle will take on Qarabag of Azerbaijan over two legs for a place in the Champions League last 16.

The Magpies finished 12th in the league phase to miss out on an automatic last-16 berth, but will fancy their chances of beating Qarabag in the knockout play-off round.

Qarabag were hammered 6-0 by Liverpool in the last round of the league phase on Wednesday, but they did manage a 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea on matchday four.

Eddie Howe's men will face either Chelsea or Barcelona should they make it to the last 16.

The first legs will be played across February 17 or 18, with the second legs held the following week across February 24 and 25.