Real Madrid faces a critical challenge against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League playoffs, following a dramatic stoppage-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin that secured a remarkable 4-2 victory for Benfica in their last meeting, preventing Real from advancing to the top eight in the league stage.
Benfica’s exhilarating win has energized the 2025-26 Champions League season, but the playoff round is set to deliver even more excitement. Heavyweights such as Real Madrid, the defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, and last season’s finalists Inter Milan will all battle to secure a spot in the round of 16.
While the top eight teams from the league phase can strategize their route to the final in Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30, the teams finishing 9th to 24th must now win two-legged ties to keep their European ambitions alive.
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After the playoff draw in Nyon, Switzerland, the paths for the Blue and Silver brackets are set. Which teams will advance, and which prominent clubs may be left behind?
First legs are scheduled for February 17-18, and second legs on February 24-25.
SILVER PATH
Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund
These two teams are closely matched, with Atalanta finishing just ahead of Dortmund in the league phase. Although Atalanta can be a threat, their inconsistency has caused them to miss out on a top eight finish after losing their last two matches against Athletic Club and Union St.-Gilloise.
With the future of key player Ademola Lookman uncertain due to interest from Fenerbahce, Atalanta may be at a disadvantage when this match occurs. Dortmund also ended their league phase on a low note with back-to-back losses, making this matchup unpredictable. Despite being slight favorites, neither team appears likely to advance past the round of 16.
WINNERS: Borussia Dortmund
Benfica vs. Real Madrid
This highly anticipated rematch follows the thrilling stoppage-time finish in their recent clash. While Real seeks revenge after narrowly missing a top eight spot, their history against Benfica complicates matters; the Portuguese side boasts a 3-1 advantage in their all-time meetings. With Mourinho at the helm of Benfica, Real must overcome not only the numbers but also their former coach’s strategic prowess.
Unfortunately for Real, they will also be missing suspended players Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo in the first leg, adding more pressure on coach Alvaro Arbeloa as he prepares against his old mentor Mourinho.
WINNERS: Real Madrid
AS Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain
In theory, PSG should benefit from their all-French match against Monaco, having recently overcome a similar matchup with Brest. While Monaco is struggling in Ligue 1, they managed to secure a 1-0 win against PSG earlier this season, which raises hopes for an upset.
Despite PSG’s inconsistency this season, under Luis Enrique, they are favored to come through this tie, especially with key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola returning from injury, along with having the home advantage in the second leg.
WINNERS: PSG
Galatasaray vs. Juventus
Though Juventus has a history of success in the Champions League, both teams appear evenly matched currently, making this matchup unpredictable. Galatasaray utilized the home advantage at Istanbul’s stadium, previously defeating Liverpool 1-0 during the group stage. They will aim to gain a significant lead before heading to Turin for the second leg.
With experienced players like Victor Osimhen and Ilkay Gündogan, Galatasaray has the potential to surprise, but Juventus’s tactical approach may steer them through.
WINNERS: Galatasaray
BLUE PATH
Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid
This encounter features Club Brugge, known for their overperformance in the competition, against Atletico Madrid, a team that has consistently underperformed in recent years. Having lost their last Champions League final to Real Madrid, Atletico faces Brugge with the knowledge that the Belgian side can cause them serious trouble.
Club Brugge, with speed on the counter-attack and players like Greek midfielder Christos Tzolis, poses a significant threat.
WINNERS: Club Brugge
FK Qarabag vs. Newcastle United
Qarabag has made history as the first team from Azerbaijan to reach the Champions League knockout stages, securing progression with three wins and a draw against Chelsea. The first leg in Baku is their best chance at establishing a close tie, particularly with travel concerns for Newcastle as their calendar fills up.
However, after Liverpool’s straightforward 6-0 victory against Qarabag, Newcastle should capitalize on their strengths. Although this match could lean heavily in Newcastle’s favor, they must remain focused and avoid taking their opponents lightly.
WINNERS: Newcastle United
2:09
Marcotti: Real Madrid faces significant challenges in midfield
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss Real Madrid’s recent 4-2 defeat to Benfica and the adjustments needed for future success.
Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan
The Norwegian team Bodo secured their playoff spot with impressive back-to-back victories against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid. Despite this, Inter will arrive prepared for the challenge, even though the cold and unusual playing conditions of the Arctic Circle may present difficulties.
With a mischievous artificial pitch that has seen past top teams falter, Inter remains the strong favorite to progress, especially with the safety of playing the second leg at home.
WINNERS: Inter Milan
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos
Having recently faced off, Olympiacos secured a 2-0 victory in their last encounter with Leverkusen. With the first leg taking place at the formidable Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Olympiacos aims to establish a strong advantage ahead of the return leg in Germany. Players Ayoub El Kaabi and Mehdi Taremi are expected to play vital roles for the Greek side.
Although Leverkusen is undergoing a transition, they should still win this matchup over two legs. Yet, Olympiacos has proven to be a formidable opponent, as witnessed during their triumph in the 2024 UEFA Europa Conference League, making this tie potentially go down to penalty kicks.
WINNERS: Olympiacos