The Champions League knockout round draw has been confirmed, setting up high-stakes clashes for round-of-16 places.
Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle United, and Inter Milan must navigate the qualifying playoffs, with Newcastle facing Qarabag and Benfica, coached by José Mourinho, drawn against Real Madrid.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle began the campaign strongly, occupying top-eight positions, but a 1-1 draw in Paris proved costly, dropping the clubs to 11th and 12th, respectively. This outcome forced them into the playoff round alongside other teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the group stage.
Inter Milan, last season’s runners-up, also find themselves in the playoff mix, highlighting the unforgiving nature of the new Champions League format. PSG, however, are no strangers to this longer route, having survived the playoffs last year and endured extra February fixtures en route to their first European crown challenge.
The draw brings several intriguing storylines. José Mourinho will return to the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time since leaving Real Madrid, fresh off his first-ever victory over the Spanish giants with Benfica in midweek. The tie also marks Real Madrid’s first Champions League knockout clash with a Portuguese opponent.
Champions League Knockout Round Fixtures:
- Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Galatasaray vs Juventus
- Benfica vs Real Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
- Qarabag vs Newcastle United
- Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
- Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
- Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
