European heavyweights have learned their fate following Friday’s UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw held in Nyon, Switzerland, with several mouth-watering fixtures confirmed under the competition’s revamped format.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have been paired with Benfica, while Paris Saint-Germain will go head-to-head with fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco in an all-French showdown. The draw has raised excitement across Europe as clubs battle for a place in the round of 16.

Borussia Dortmund were drawn against Atalanta in one of the opening confirmed ties, while Turkish champions Galatasaray landed a high-profile clash with Italian powerhouse Juventus. Elsewhere, Atlético de Madrid will face Club Brugge, Olympiacos are set to meet Bayer Leverkusen in a repeat of their league-phase encounter, and Qarabağ will take on Newcastle United in a historic first meeting.

Italian side Inter Milan have been matched with Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, marking a milestone moment as the Norwegian champions make their first-ever appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds.

The Real Madrid versus Benfica tie adds extra intrigue following a dramatic league-phase finale on January 28, 2026. Benfica shocked the Spanish giants with a 4–2 victory in Lisbon, sealed by an extraordinary 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The result saw Madrid, who had earlier led through Kylian Mbappé and looked set for direct qualification, drop into ninth place and the play-off bracket.

Speaking ahead of the draw, UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” highlighting how late drama on Matchday Eight surpassed expectations. Former Arsenal and France star Robert Pires, who assisted with the draw, also praised the new Champions League format, calling the recent matches thrilling and highly entertaining.