Champions League Playoff Draw Unveils Thrilling Knockout Stage Matchups
The road to the Champions League final in Budapest on 30 May has been mapped out with the playoff draw, delivering a series of compelling fixtures that promise high drama across European football. Headlining the ties is an immediate rematch between Real Madrid and Benfica, setting the stage for a potentially explosive encounter.
Benfica Seek Repeat of Stunning Victory Against Real Madrid
José Mourinho's Benfica will host the first leg in Lisbon, aiming to replicate their astonishing 4-2 victory over the Spanish giants from Wednesday. In that match, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored deep into injury time to secure progression, adding a memorable twist to an already thrilling contest. This tie represents a significant test for both clubs as they vie for a coveted spot in the round of 16.
Newcastle United Face Demanding Journey to Azerbaijan
Newcastle United have been handed a challenging 3,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan for their first leg against Qarabag. Eddie Howe's side can draw confidence from an impressive 1-1 draw against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on Wednesday. However, they must remain wary of Qarabag, who held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at home in November, despite a 6-0 defeat at Liverpool earlier in the competition.
Other Key Playoff Fixtures Across Europe
The draw has produced several other intriguing matchups that will captivate football fans:
- Paris Saint-Germain versus Monaco: PSG, who lead Ligue 1, face familiar domestic opponents in Monaco, who sit 10th in the standings. Monaco will host the first leg and can take heart from a 1-0 league victory when the sides last met on 29 November.
- Bodø/Glimt versus Inter: The Norwegian surprise package, Bodø/Glimt, will feel confident of unsettling Inter when Christian Chivu's side visit the arctic circle for the first leg. Bodø/Glimt dramatically turned their league phase around with wins against Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in their final two games.
- Additional ties include Galatasaray against Juventus, Club Brugge versus Atlético Madrid, Borussia Dortmund playing Atalanta, and Olympiacos taking on Bayer Leverkusen.
Playoff Schedule and Round of 16 Pathways
The first legs of these playoff matches are scheduled for 17 and 18 February, with the return fixtures set for 24 and 25 February. Meanwhile, clubs that have already secured safe passage to the round of 16 await their potential opponents:
- Arsenal, who topped the league phase, will face either the winner of Olympiacos versus Leverkusen or the victor of Borussia Dortmund against Atalanta.
- Manchester City could encounter Real Madrid, Benfica, Inter, or Bodø/Glimt in a challenging knockout clash.
- Liverpool are set to play the winners of Galatasaray versus Juventus or Club Brugge versus Atlético.
- Tottenham will take on the other team from that pairing, while Chelsea might face an all-Premier League tie against Newcastle if the Magpies overcome Qarabag, with PSG or Monaco as alternative opponents.
- Local rivals Sporting are among the potential opposition for Mourinho and Benfica should they stun Real Madrid once more.
This playoff stage underscores the intensity and unpredictability of the Champions League, with every match carrying significant weight as teams pursue glory in Budapest. Football enthusiasts across the UK and beyond will be eagerly anticipating these fixtures, which blend historic rivalries with emerging narratives in European club football.
