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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Tom Gott

2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Draw: Real Madrid, PSG, 14 Others Learn Fates

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.

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