The UEFA Champions League playoffs draw has been concluded, and several mouth-watering fixtures have emerged. Two ties, in particular, stand out: Real Madrid vs Benfica and Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain.
The showdown between Real Madrid and Benfica promises high drama. The Portuguese giants stunned Los Blancos with a 4–2 victory on the final matchday, a result that denied Real Madrid automatic qualification to the Round of 16 and forced them into the playoffs. That defeat still lingers, and Madrid will be eager to exact revenge. Benfica, on the other hand, will be confident after proving they can go toe-to-toe with the European champions when it mattered most.
Another heavyweight encounter sees Monaco face PSG in an all-French battle. This time, however, the rivalry moves beyond Ligue 1 and onto the European stage. With Champions League survival on the line, Monaco will be aiming to make a statement by knocking out the Parisian giants, while PSG will be determined to assert their dominance and keep their European dream alive.
Attention will also be on Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who will be hoping to continue his fine form as Galatasaray take on Italian giants Juventus. On paper, Juventus may be favourites, but Osimhen’s explosive presence means he cannot be underestimated as he is capable of changing a game in seconds.
Full UEFA Champions League Playoffs Draw
🇫🇷 Monaco vs PSG 🇫🇷
🇵🇹 Benfica vs Real Madrid 🇪🇸
🇦🇿 Qarabag vs Newcastle 🏴
🇹🇷 Galatasaray vs Juventus 🇮🇹
🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta 🇮🇹
🇧🇪 Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid 🇪🇸
🇳🇴 Bodø/Glimt vs Inter 🇮🇹
🇬🇷 Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen 🇩🇪
The stage is set for thrilling European nights as clubs battle for a place in the last 16.