The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs took place on Friday, setting up the ties that will determine the final eight teams to reach the round of 16.

Headlining the fixtures is a compelling matchup between Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, a repeat of their thrilling encounter in Lisbon during Matchday 8.

Meanwhile, Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain have been paired with domestic rivals Monaco in what promises to be an intriguing two-legged tie. Other notable matchups include Newcastle vs Qarabag, Juventus vs Galatasaray, and Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge.

The play-offs will kick off in mid-February, with the eight winners advancing to the round of 16 in March. Exact dates and kickoff times for the fixtures will be confirmed later on Friday.

Full Knockout Play-Off Draw (Seedings in Brackets)

• Real Madrid (9) vs Benfica (24)
• Inter Milan (10) vs Bodo/Glimt (23)
• PSG (11) vs Monaco (21)
• Newcastle (12) vs Qarabag (22)
• Juventus (13) vs Galatasaray (20)
• Atletico Madrid (14) vs Club Brugge (19)
• Atalanta (15) vs Borussia Dortmund (17)
• Bayer Leverkusen (16) vs Olympiacos (18)

Knockout Play-Off Dates

• First Legs: February 17–18, 2026
• Second Legs: February 24–25, 2026

The eight play-off winners will join the top eight teams from the league phase in the round of 16. Those top-eight sides, in order of final league-phase finish, are:

1. Arsenal (ENG)
2. Bayern Munich (GER)
3. Liverpool (ENG)
4. Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
5. Barcelona (ESP)
6. Chelsea (ENG)
7. Sporting CP (POR)
8. Manchester City (ENG)

The draw for the round of 16 and the remaining bracket will take place on Friday, February 27th, after the second legs of the knockout play-offs. The round of 16 begins on March 10th, 2026.