Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, Jan 30: Real Madrid have been drawn against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff round, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will lock horns with fellow French outfit AS Monaco in an all-Ligue 1 clash.
Madrid and Benfica’s playoff fate was confirmed after a dramatic final round of the league phase, highlighted by a last-gasp header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin that sealed Benfica’s place in the 16-team playoffs. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s defeat in the same round pushed them out of the top-eight automatic qualification spots.
The February two-legged tie will also add an extra layer of intrigue, with former Real coach Jose Mourinho set to take on his old club once again. Benfica have won three of their previous four European meetings against Madrid, including the famous 1962 European Cup final, and will be hoping to repeat history against the 15-time champions of Europe.
The winners of the playoff round will advance to the round of 16, where Madrid could potentially face another blockbuster encounter with Manchester City.
Elsewhere, PSG will meet Monaco in a high-profile domestic showdown, despite Monaco sitting nine places and 21 points behind the Paris giants in the Ligue 1 table.
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who stunned Manchester City 3-1 in the penultimate league phase round, have been drawn against Inter Milan. Juventus, meanwhile, will face Turkish giants Galatasaray in another marquee fixture, while Atlético Madrid take on Club Brugge.
The two-legged playoff matches will be played on February 17-18 and February 24-25.
Champions League knockout playoff draw (full list)
• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
• Galatasaray vs Juventus
• Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
• Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
• Benfica vs Real Madrid
• Qarabag vs Newcastle United
• Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan