Champions League Knockout Stage: Key Matchups Announced

omidbasir- Real Madrid has been drawn to face Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout playoff round. In another significant matchup, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on fellow French side AS Monaco.

The playoff pairings were determined following a thrilling conclusion to the league phase, highlighted by a last-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, which secured Benfica’s position in the 16-team playoffs. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s defeat relegated them from the top-eight automatic qualifying spots.

Historically, Benfica has triumphed in three of their last four European encounters against Real Madrid, including the 1962 European Cup final. The upcoming two-legged tie in February will provide former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho another opportunity to assert himself against his former club, which boasts a record 15 European titles.

In other matchups, PSG will face Monaco in an all-Ligue 1 showdown. Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt, who recently upset Manchester City with a 3-1 victory, will compete against Inter Milan. Furthermore, Juventus is set to meet Galatasaray, while Atlético Madrid will go up against Club Brugge.

The two-legged matches are scheduled for February 17-18 and February 24-25. The complete lineup for the playoffs includes:

– Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
– Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
– Galatasaray vs. Juventus
– Club Brugge vs. Atlético Madrid
– Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain
– Benfica vs. Real Madrid
– Qarabag vs. Newcastle United

This report includes information sourced from PA.