
Real Madrid must once again do battle with José Mourinho and Benfica in the knockout playoff for a spot in the Champions League round of 16.
A dramatic 4–2 defeat at the hands of the Portuguese outfit on the final day of the league phase, coupled with a 95th-minute winner for Sporting CP, saw Álvaro Arbeloa’s side drop into the playoffs, with Friday’s draw confirming Madrid will get a shot at redemption in a two-legged knockout tie next month.