Champions League Playoff Matchups: Mourinho Faces Real Madrid Again, Six Premier League Clubs Set for Round of 16

The draw for the 2025-26 Champions League knockout playoff has just been freshly announced, and the Champions League mystique returns. Mourinho, who recently defeated Real Madrid 4-2, will face his former team once more. Newcastle secured an excellent draw, and the prospect of six Premier League clubs competing in the Champions League last 16 is becoming a reality...

Champions League knockout playoff fixtures (seeded teams are second, with the first leg away and second leg at home):

• Benfica vs Real Madrid: old foes cross paths again, in the 8th round of the Champions League, Benfica won 4-2 over Real Madrid and squeezed through, while Real Madrid just missed direct qualification by finishing ninth. Mourinho’s reunion with his old club and return to the Bernabéu is a hot topic, and Real Madrid may still have to fight hard to reach the last 16.
• Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan: Bodø/Glimt has two wins in eight Champions League matches, including recent victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, but for Inter Milan this is an excellent draw.
• Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain: a Ligue 1 derby in the Champions League, Monaco faces the league giants PSG, making it a tough challenge...
• Qarabağ vs Newcastle United: the Magpies have hit the jackpot facing the Azerbaijani team, a very favorable draw. Having six Premier League clubs in the knockout stage is spectacular!
• Galatasaray vs Juventus: this tie promises excitement, but the Bianconeri will need to work hard!
• Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid: honestly, Atlético struggles against any opponent, and any team playing Atlético will be thoroughly tested.
• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta: an offensive battle awaits, let’s see who is sharper.
• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen: the Werkself also got a very favorable draw.