Real Madrid Set for Benfica Rematch in Champions League Knockout Play-Offs
MADRID, January 30, 2026 – Real Madrid’s path in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase has been set, with Los Blancos drawn against familiar foes SL Benfica in the play-off round. The draw, held Friday, sets up an immediate rematch after Benfica’s 4-2 victory over Madrid just days ago, a result that consigned the Spanish giants to a 9th-24th place finish in the new league phase format.
The Draw: A Chance for Redemption
The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw paired the 16 teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the league phase. For Real Madrid, it means a swift return to the scene of their recent disappointment. Benfica’s dramatic 95th-minute winner by Alisson Santos on Wednesday sealed a 4-2 victory and simultaneously knocked Madrid out of the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16. The two-legged tie will determine which club advances to the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition.
Key Facts & Squad Update
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Play-Off Opponent | SL Benfica (Portugal) |
| First Leg | February 17-18, 2026 (Away) |
| Second Leg | February 24-25, 2026 (Home) |
| Key Injuries | Éder Militão (Hamstring, out until March), Ferland Mendy (Injured) |
| Returning Players | Antonio Rüdiger & Trent Alexander-Arnold back in group training |
| Suspension | Rodrygo (Indirect card suspension) |
| Recent Form (Last 3) | W 2-0 @ Villarreal, W 2-0 vs. Levante, L 3-2 @ Albacete |
Injury Boost Amid Defensive Crisis
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa receives a significant boost ahead of the crucial fixtures, with center-back Antonio Rüdiger and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to group training. Their potential availability is a welcome relief, as the defense has been decimated by injuries. First-choice center-back Éder Militão remains sidelined with a severe hamstring injury and is not expected back until March at the earliest. Left-back Ferland Mendy is also out, while young defender Dean Huijsen has reportedly recovered from his own issue.
Road to the Play-Offs
Real Madrid’s journey to the play-offs was defined by inconsistency in the new league phase format. A strong start that included a 2-1 win over Marseille in September gave way to a costly defeat in Lisbon. The 4-2 loss to Benfica, sealed in stoppage time, allowed Sporting CP to leapfrog Madrid into the top eight, forcing Los Blancos into the knockout play-off round. In domestic action, Madrid has kept two clean sheets in their last two La Liga matches, suggesting defensive solidity is returning at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Real Madrid in the play-off round?
Under the revamped Champions League format, the top eight finishers in the league phase advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing 9th through 24th enter a two-legged play-off round. Real Madrid’s loss to Benfica on the final matchday dropped them to 9th place, just outside the automatic qualification spots.
When will the matches be played?
The first leg is scheduled for February 17 or 18, 2026, at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid will be played on February 24 or 25, 2026. Exact dates and kickoff times will be confirmed by UEFA.
Who could Real Madrid face if they advance?
The winner of the Benfica vs. Real Madrid tie will advance to the round of 16, where they will be drawn against one of the group winners. Potential opponents include powerhouses like Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon, who finished in the top eight.
What is the latest on Kylian Mbappé?
The star forward scored twice, including a Panenka penalty, in Madrid’s 2-0 league win at Villarreal on January 24. He is expected to be a central figure in the upcoming European tie as Madrid seeks to overturn their recent result against Benfica.