Real Madrid will face a rematch with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout playoff round. Meanwhile, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on fellow French club AS Monaco.
The paths for Madrid and Benfica were determined after an incredible final match of the league phase, highlighted by a last-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. This crucial goal secured Benfica’s spot in the 16-team playoffs, while Madrid’s loss pushed them out of the top-eight automatic qualification spots.
Benfica has triumphed in three of their last four encounters in European competitions, including the 1962 European Cup final. The upcoming two-legged tie in February gives former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho another opportunity to claim victory over his old team, the 15-time European champions.
The victor will proceed to the round of 16, where Madrid may potentially face a rematch with Manchester City.
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In other matchups, PSG will engage in an all-Ligue 1 battle against Monaco, who sit nine places and 21 points below them in the league standings.
Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, which secured a 3-1 victory over City in the penultimate round, will square off against Inter Milan.
Additionally, Juventus will take on Galatasaray in another key matchup, while Atlético Madrid will face Club Brugge.
The two-legged matches are scheduled for February 17-18 and February 24-25.
Complete Champions League knockout playoff draw
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Galatasaray vs. Juventus
Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid
Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Benfica vs. Real Madrid
Qarabag vs. Newcastle United
Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan
This report includes information from PA and the Associated Press.