Champions League play-off draw: Real Madrid face Benfica rematch as Newcastle meet Qarabag

THEUPDATE

Jan 30, 2026 - 14:19

Champions League play-off draw: Real Madrid face Benfica rematch as Newcastle meet Qarabag

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn in an all-French knockout play-off tie against Monaco as they bid to reach the round of 16.

Elsewhere, Juventus will face Galatasaray, Inter Milan take on Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, and Benfica have been paired once again with Real Madrid.

The two-legged play-off ties will be played on February 17/18 and February 24/25, with the draw for the round of 16 scheduled for February 27.

Newcastle United have been handed a tie against Qarabag, marking the first time the Magpies have reached the knockout rounds of European competition.

Eddie Howe’s side face a demanding 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan for the first leg on February 17 or 18, before hosting the return leg at St James’ Park a week later as a seeded team.

The tie adds to an already packed February schedule, with Premier League matches against Manchester City on February 21 and Everton on February 28.

Qarabag suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Liverpool in the final round of the league phase but showed resilience earlier in the competition, earning a 2-2 home draw against Chelsea.

Should Newcastle progress, they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last 16.

One of the standout ties sees Benfica drawn against Real Madrid, renewing a rivalry that produced a dramatic league-phase finale earlier this week.

Benfica secured their play-off place in extraordinary fashion, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a last-minute header in a 3-2 win over nine-man Real Madrid.

The defeat pushed Madrid into ninth place, forcing them into the play-offs.

Benfica have now won three of the last four European meetings between the sides, including the 1962 European Cup final, and Jose Mourinho will once again face his former club.

PSG, who were held to a draw by Newcastle in midweek, must now overcome Monaco in an all-French encounter.

Atletico Madrid will play Club Brugge, while Borussia Dortmund face Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen take on Olympiacos.

England is set to benefit from strong European performances once again, with the Premier League almost certain to secure a fifth Champions League place by finishing in the top two of UEFA’s coefficient table.

All nine English clubs in Europe remain alive, with five already qualified for the last 16.

The Champions League final will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

Champions League knockout play-off draw in full