Champions League Play-Off Draw Reveals High-Stakes European Football Fixtures
The draw for the Champions League play-offs has been announced, setting up several intriguing matchups as teams vie for a place in the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition. Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are among the high-profile clubs who have now learned their opponents for this crucial round.
Key Play-Off Pairings Announced
In a significant development for European football, the draw has paired Newcastle United with Qarabag, Real Madrid with Benfica, and Paris Saint-Germain with Monaco. These fixtures promise to deliver intense football action as clubs from across the continent compete for advancement.
The play-off round represents a critical juncture in the Champions League, with teams needing to overcome these two-legged ties to progress further in the tournament. The matchups include a mix of established European giants and ambitious challengers, ensuring a diverse and competitive stage.
Schedule and Format Details
The first legs of the Champions League play-offs are scheduled to take place on February 17 and 18, 2026. The return legs will follow a week later, on February 24 and 25, 2026. This format allows for home and away matches, providing each team with the opportunity to showcase their strengths in front of their own supporters.
Following the conclusion of the play-off round, the draw for the subsequent stages of the Champions League will be held on February 27, 2026. This will determine the fixtures for the last-16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, setting the path towards the final of the competition.
Complete Play-Off Draw Results
The full list of pairings for the Champions League play-offs includes:
- Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Benfica vs Real Madrid
- Qarabag vs Newcastle United
- Bodo/Glimt vs Inter
- Galatasaray vs Juventus
- Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
- Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
These matches feature clubs from various European leagues, highlighting the international appeal and competitive nature of the Champions League. Fans can anticipate a series of closely contested encounters as teams battle for supremacy.
The play-off round serves as a gateway to the latter stages of the tournament, with each club aiming to secure their place among Europe's elite. The outcomes of these ties will significantly influence the landscape of the competition moving forward.
