On a chaotic final league-stage day of the Champions League, Real Madrid and PSG dropped into the playoff round instead of qualifying directly for the round of 16.
Real Madrid lost 4–2 to Benfica in Lisbon despite two goals from Kylian Mbappé. Madrid started the day 3rd in the standings but slipped to 9th, missing automatic qualification by one spot. They finished the match with nine players after Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off.
Benfica qualified in 24th place on goal difference after a dramatic last-minute header by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the 8th minute of stoppage time. It was Trubin’s first-ever career goal. Benfica advanced only because of that goal.
Former Madrid coach José Mourinho, now Benfica’s manager, called the win historic and praised Trubin for stepping up in the moment.
Madrid also dropped out of the top eight after Sporting CP scored a stoppage-time winner to beat Athletic Club 3–2.
Paris Saint-Germain also fell into the playoffs after a 1–1 draw with Newcastle, dropping PSG to 11th and Newcastle to 12th.
Teams finishing 9th to 24th, including Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, and Inter Milan, will play the Champions League playoffs, with the draw scheduled for Friday.
The top-eight teams who qualified directly for the round of 16 included Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Sporting CP, along with Arsenal (finished first with eight wins) and Bayern Munich (second).
Other notable results saw Benfica’s late goal eliminate Marseille, who finished 25th, while Napoli were knocked out after losing 3–2 at home to Chelsea.
Who Will Real Madrid Face in the Champions League Playoffs?
Real Madrid will find out their Champions League playoffs opponent on January 30 after dropping out of the top eight following a 4–2 defeat to Benfica in Lisbon. The loss pushed Madrid from third to ninth in the standings, forcing them into the playoff round instead of direct qualification to the Round of 16.
Because of this, Madrid must play two extra Champions League matches. They also lose the advantage of hosting the second leg in later rounds. If they qualify further, they are likely to be away in both legs, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to finishing in the top eight.
The playoff draw will take place on Friday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m. GMT (5:30 a.m. IST). Madrid will face one of two teams. They could be drawn against Benfica, who defeated them, or Bodo/Glimt, the Norwegian champions. Bodo/Glimt have already beaten Manchester City at home and Atletico Madrid away this season. Madrid will play the first leg away from the Bernabéu.
The first leg of the playoff will be played on February 17 or 18, with the second leg on February 24 or 25. Between the two matches, Madrid will also play Osasuna away in La Liga.
If Real Madrid qualify for the Round of 16, they will face Manchester City or Sporting CP. A further progression could bring a clash with Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who finished first and second in the league standings. Despite the difficulty, Madrid are still expected to reach the Round of 16, and failure to do so would be viewed as a major disappointment.
FAQs
Q. Why did Real Madrid drop into the Champions League playoffs?
A. Real Madrid lost 4–2 to Benfica and slipped from 3rd to 9th in the standings, missing direct qualification by one spot.
Q. Who can Real Madrid face in the playoffs?
A. Real Madrid will face either Benfica or Bodo/Glimt.
Q. When will the playoff matches be played?
A. The first leg will be on February 17 or 18, and the second leg on February 24 or 25.
Q. Who could Real Madrid face if they reach the Round of 16?
A. Real Madrid could face Manchester City or Sporting CP.
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