Real Madrid will face Benfica once again in the UEFA Champions League play-offs after the draw confirmed the fixtures for the knockout phase.
The league phase is now over, with eight teams already through to the round of 16. The remaining places will be decided in February, as clubs ranked ninth to 24th battle over two legs.
UEFA said the play-offs will determine “the final eight qualifiers for the round of 16”.
Key play-off ties
Alongside Madrid’s clash with Benfica, Paris will meet Monaco in an all-French tie, while Juventus take on Galatasaray. Borussia Dortmund face Atalanta, and Newcastle United have been drawn against Qarabağ.
UEFA confirmed that the winner of Newcastle’s tie will face either Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16.
Champions League play-off fixtures
First legs (17–18 February)
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Monaco vs Paris
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Qarabağ vs Newcastle
Club Brugge vs Atlético de Madrid
Bodø/Glimt vs Inter
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
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Second legs (24–25 February)
Atlético de Madrid vs Club Brugge
Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos
Inter vs Bodø/Glimt
Newcastle vs Qarabağ
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
Juventus vs Galatasaray
Paris vs Monaco
Real Madrid vs Benfica
Teams already through
Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern München, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sporting CP and Tottenham have already secured their places in the round of 16 and will not take part in the play-offs.
How the draw worked
UEFA said the draw was based on final league-phase positions, with seeded teams paired against unseeded sides in two-legged ties.
Each winner will progress to the last 16.
What happens next
The eight play-off winners will complete the round-of-16 line-up. From that stage, the Champions League moves into a straight knockout format.
The draw for the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place on 27 February.
The final is scheduled for 30 May 2026 in Budapest.