Under the new Champions League format, teams which have finished between eighth and 24th in the league phase will still have a chance to make it to the knockouts.

Real Madrid have been drawn against Benfica in the knockout phase playoffs, while holders Paris Saint-Germain face Monaco

Real Madrid will take on Benfica while Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs following Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.The draw produced several high-profile fixtures as teams battle for places in the round of 16 under the competition’s new format.

The French giants will host the team coached by Eddie Howe for one of the key matches of Matchday 8

UEFA Champions League Playoff Draw: Real Madrid and Benfica will face each other again the playoffs.

Follow the play-by-play updates from the Matchday 8 fixture, as it happened at Parc des Princes on January 28, 2026

José Mourinho, 63 years old, guided Portuguese club Benfica to a dramatic UEFA Champions League (UCL) playoff (PO) berth thanks to a goalkeeper’s header in stoppage time. The victory over Real Madrid,