Champions League Knockout Play-Offs: Mourinho reunites with Real Madrid

The Champions League play-off draw has produced blockbuster ties, highlighted by a Mourinho-led Benfica reunion with Real Madrid.

Benfica and Madrid will face each other again following a dramatic end to their league-phase encounter.

That result saw Real Madrid drop to ninth in the league standings, missing out on automatic qualification to the last 16 and condemning them to the play-offs. They have now been paired with Benfica once more, with the Portuguese side hosting the first leg before the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Heavyweights Forced into Play-offs

A number of European heavyweights are paying the price for failing to finish in the top eight of the league phase.

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain must navigate an all-French clash against Monaco after being held to a draw by Newcastle. Juventus have been drawn against Galatasaray, while Borussia Dortmund face a tough test against Atalanta.

In the other half of the draw, Newcastle United have been handed a demanding tie against Qarabag, which will see Eddie Howe’s side travel to Azerbaijan in mid-February.

Atlético Madrid will take on Club Brugge, while last season’s runners-up Inter Milan face Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt. The final tie pairs Bayer Leverkusen with Olympiacos.

Champions League Knockout Play-offs: Full Draw

Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Qarabag vs Newcastle United
Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

The draw for the Champions League round of 16 will be conducted after the conclusion of the play-off fixtures on February 27.