Real Madrid will face Benfica, while Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs following Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

The draw produced several high-profile fixtures as teams battle for places in the round of 16 under the competition’s new format.

Borussia Dortmund will take on Atalanta in one of the confirmed play-off ties, while Galatasaray were paired with Juventus in another heavyweight encounter.

Atlético de Madrid will face Club Brugge, Olympiacos will meet Bayer Leverkusen in a rematch of a league-phase clash, and Qarabağ were drawn against Newcastle United in a first-ever meeting between both sides.

Italian giants Inter Milan will take on Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, marking the latter’s first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages.

Benfica’s clash with Real Madrid carries added intrigue following a dramatic league-phase finale on January 28, 2026. 

The Portuguese side stunned the Spanish giants 4–2 at the Estádio da Luz, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a sensational 98th-minute header to seal victory and secure a play-off spot.

Real Madrid, who had taken the lead through Kylian Mbappé and looked set to qualify directly for the round of 16, slipped to ninth place and into the play-offs as a result.

Speaking ahead of the draw, UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” noting that expectations had been exceeded following dramatic late goals on Matchday Eight.

Former Arsenal and France winger Robert Pires assisted with the draw, praising the revamped Champions League format and describing the recent round of matches as exciting and entertaining.

The knockout phase play-offs represent the next step on the road to the final, which will be held in Budapest.