Champions League Playoff Round Draw: Key Matchups and Insights

omidbasir- After a dramatic final night of league phase action, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan, among others, have been compelled to navigate the Champions League playoff round. The anticipation for the draw of their respective opponents is palpable, and fans can follow the proceedings live on ESPN.

The top eight teams from the league phase have automatically advanced to the round of 16, where they will be joined by the eight winners from the upcoming playoffs, scheduled for next month. The seeded draw allows each playoff team to face one of two potential opponents.

In a remarkable display of dominance, only Newcastle remains as the sole English side awaiting their fate today, as they are set to be drawn against either Monaco or Qarabag.

The Champions League playoff round draw will provide clarity on upcoming matchups, while discussions continue regarding the leading scorers of the 2025-26 tournament.

Reflecting on the previous tournament’s outcome, the 2024-25 Champions League saw the inception of a revamped format, suggesting that this year’s champion may emerge from the teams involved in today’s draw.

Real Madrid, facing a surprising setback, was relegated to the playoffs on the final night of the league phase, thanks to a last-minute goal by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin for Benfica, coached by former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho.

Both PSG and Newcastle began the league phase in the top eight but fell to 11th and 12th places, respectively, after a 1-1 draw in Paris. Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, and last season’s finalists, Inter Milan, will be part of Friday’s draw for qualifying playoffs, involving teams that placed ninth through 24th.

Despite the challenges, PSG successfully navigated the playoff round last year, taking the longest route with two additional matches in February, as they sought their first European title.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.