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Football Insider

Champions League knockout play-off draw: Real Madrid, PSG & Newcastle discover opponents after missing out on top eight

Real Madrid will face Benfica, PSG will take on Monaco, and Newcastle is set to challenge Qarabag in the Champions League knockout play-off round. Several top European teams failed to secure a top-eight finish, setting up intriguing match-ups.

Champions League knockout play-off draw: Real Madrid, PSG & Newcastle discover opponents after missing out on top eight

Real Madrid will be reunited with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout play-off round, while title holders Paris Saint-Germain must overcome domestic rivals Monaco in order to reach the last-16 and Newcastle face a tough test against Qarabag. A number of European heavyweights are paying the price for failing to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase.Benfica vs Real MadridBodo/Glimt vs InterMonaco vs Paris Saint-GermainQarabag vs Newcastle UnitedGalatasaray vs JuventusClub Brugge vs Atletico MadridBorussia Dortmund vs AtalantaOlympiacos vs Bayer LeverkusenThe first legs of knockout play-off fixtures will take place on February 17 and 18, with return dates being staged a week later on February 24 and 25.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

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Real Madrid vs Benfica

The clash between Real Madrid and Benfica promises to be a thrilling encounter as two historic clubs go head-to-head once again. Real Madrid will look to assert their dominance, while Benfica will aim to cause an upset and advance to the next round.

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Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco

Defending champions PSG will battle it out against domestic rivals Monaco in a high-stakes match-up. Both teams will be eager to secure a spot in the last-16 and continue their Champions League journey.

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Newcastle United vs Qarabag

Newcastle faces a tough test against Qarabag, with the English club aiming to overcome the challenging opponents. This fixture will test Newcastle's mettle as they seek to progress in the knockout play-off round.

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Exciting Match-ups Ahead

The knockout play-off draw has set the stage for a series of intriguing contests, including clashes between Bodo/Glimt and Inter, Galatasaray and Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta, and more. Fans can expect intense battles and exciting football action in the upcoming fixtures.

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Key Dates to Remember

The first legs of the knockout play-off fixtures are scheduled for February 17 and 18, with the return dates set for February 24 and 25. Football enthusiasts can mark their calendars and look forward to witnessing some top-quality matches in the Champions League.

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Stay Updated with GOAL.com

For more exclusive coverage and in-depth analysis of the Champions League knockout play-off draw and other football news, make sure to add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google. Stay informed and enjoy comprehensive reporting on your favorite teams and players.

Published on Jan 30, 2026