Champions League Knockout Phase Playoff Draw Results: Real Madrid Meets Benfica Again

JAKARTA - The drawing or drawing of the 2025/2026 Champions League knockout phase playoffs was completed in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, January 30, 2026.

A total of 16 teams ranked ninth to 24th in the league phase were drawn to undergo a two-leg playoff duel to compete for a ticket to the last 16.

In this playoff round, there is a possibility that the teams who have met in the league phase will clash again. Indeed, the most dramatic match highlighted in the league phase was Benfica vs Real Madrid.

The duel was won by Benfica with a score of 4-2 at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday, January 29, 2026, early morning WIB. The result knocked Real Madrid out of the top eight and into the playoff draw.

Meanwhile, Benfica, victory over Real Madrid brought Jose Mourinho's team to secure a playoff ticket through the last ranking, namely the 24th.

Interestingly, Real Madrid and Benfica meet again in the playoffs to fight for a ticket to the 16th round. Los Blancos will travel first in the first leg, before hosting the opponent from Portugal at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg.

The first leg of the knockout playoff will be played on February 17 and 18, while the second leg will be held on February 24 and 25, 2026.

Champions League Knockout Phase Playoffs