Champions League 2025/26 Knockout Play-Off Draw Confirmed

Champions League Play-Off Draw Completed

The draw for the UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs and last-16 pathway has been completed, setting up several high-profile encounters across Europe.

The standout tie will see Benfica take on Real Madrid, renewing a rivalry that already produced fireworks in the league phase.

Benfica vs Real Madrid: A Familiar Battle

Benfica and Real Madrid met on the final matchday of the league phase, with the Portuguese side claiming a 4-2 victory at home.

That result proved decisive, allowing Benfica to sneak into the play-off round while denying Real Madrid an automatic place in the last 16. The upcoming two-legged tie offers Madrid a chance for revenge, while Benfica will look to repeat their recent success.

How the Draw Worked

Teams were paired based on their final league-phase positions.

• Clubs finishing 9th to 16th were placed in the seeded pot

• Teams finishing 17th to 24th were placed in the unseeded pot

This structure ensured competitive balance while still allowing heavyweight clashes.

Full Champions League Knockout Play-Off Draw

• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

• Galatasaray vs Juventus

• Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid

• Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain

• Qarabag vs Newcastle United

• Benfica vs Real Madrid

• Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan

Key Dates Confirmed

• Knockout Play-Off Round: February 17–18 & February 24–25

• Round of 16: March 10–11 & March 17–18

The winners of the play-off ties will advance to the Champions League last 16