Real Madrid and Benfica are set to meet again in the Champions League knockout play-offs following a dramatic conclusion to their league-phase encounter earlier this week.
The draw conducted on Friday confirmed a repeat clash between the two sides, with Benfica’s head coach Jose Mourinho set to come up against his former club, Real Madrid.
The Portuguese side had hosted the Spanish giants in their final league-phase match on Wednesday and went into the closing moments needing a goal to secure a place in the play-offs.
Benfica were already leading 3–2 against a nine-man Real Madrid when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a late header to seal the win.
The result pushed Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid side down to ninth place in the standings, forcing them into two additional play-off matches.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were also unable to secure direct qualification after drawing with Newcastle on Wednesday and will now contest an all-French play-off tie against Monaco.
Elsewhere in the draw, Juventus were paired with Galatasaray, while Inter Milan will take on Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt, who had earlier defeated Manchester City during the league phase.
FULL LIST: Clubs qualified for Champions League Last 16
Atletico Madrid will face Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund have been drawn against Atalanta, and fellow German side Bayer Leverkusen will play Olympiacos.
The draw for the Champions League round of 16 is scheduled to take place after the play-off ties are concluded on February 27.
Below is the Champions League knockout play-off draw:
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Monaco vs PSG
Qarabag vs Newcastle
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Who could English teams face in the round of 16?
Arsenal – Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Olympiacos or Leverkusen
Man City – Benfica, Real Madrid, Bodo/Glimt or Inter
Chelsea – Qarabag, Newcastle, Monaco or PSG
Liverpool or Tottenham – Galatasaray, Juventus, Club Brugge or Atletico Madrid
Newcastle – Chelsea or Barcelona
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