Champions League Knockout Play-off Draw: Newcastle to Face Qarabag as Real Madrid and Benfica Renew European Rivalry

Newcastle United have been handed a historic Champions League knockout play-off tie against Qarabag, while European heavyweights Real Madrid and Benfica are set for a dramatic rematch following a chaotic conclusion to the league phase.

The draw, conducted on Friday, January 30, 2026, has produced several intriguing matchups, including an all-French clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, as well as a stern test for Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan.

The two-legged play-off ties will be played across February 17/18 and February 24/25, with eight teams advancing to the round of 16.

Newcastle United Make European History

For Newcastle United, the draw represents a landmark moment in the club’s modern history. Eddie Howe’s side will face Azerbaijani champions Qarabag, marking the first time the Magpies have reached the knockout rounds of a major European competition.

The first leg will see Newcastle embark on a 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan, with the return fixture taking place at St James’ Park, where they will look to capitalise on home support.

As a seeded side, Newcastle play the crucial second leg on home soil, a potential advantage in a tie that comes amid an extremely demanding run of fixtures.

Newcastle’s Packed February Schedule

The Champions League play-offs add further strain to an already congested February for Newcastle, with major domestic and European commitments packed into a relentless calendar:

Newcastle’s February fixtures:

• Jan 31: Liverpool (A) – Premier League
• Feb 4: Manchester City (A) – Carabao Cup semi-final (second leg)
• Feb 7: Brentford (H) – Premier League
• Feb 11: Tottenham (A) – Premier League
• Feb 14: Aston Villa (A) – FA Cup fourth round
• Feb 17/18: Qarabag (A) – Champions League play-off (first leg)
• Feb 21: Manchester City (A) – Premier League
• Feb 24/25: Qarabag (H) – Champions League play-off (second leg)
• Feb 28: Everton (H) – Premier League

Despite Qarabag suffering a heavy 6–0 defeat to Liverpool in the league phase, they proved their resilience with a 2–2 draw against Chelsea, underlining the danger they pose.

Should Newcastle progress, they will face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the round of 16.

Real Madrid vs Benfica: A Fiery European Rematch

One of the standout ties sees Benfica and Real Madrid meet again just days after their dramatic league-phase encounter.

In that match, Benfica stunned Real Madrid with a last-gasp goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, sealing a famous victory and condemning Los Blancos to ninth place, forcing them into the play-offs.

The tie carries added intrigue with Jose Mourinho at the helm of Benfica, facing his former club once more. Benfica have won three of their last four European meetings with Real Madrid, including the iconic 1962 European Cup final, adding historical weight to the encounter.

PSG Draw Monaco in All-French Clash

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will contest an all-French play-off against Monaco after being held to a draw by Newcastle in the final round of the league phase.

With domestic familiarity removing any element of surprise, the tie promises tactical intensity and high stakes as PSG seek to keep their title defence alive.

Other Key Play-off Fixtures

Elsewhere, the draw produced several compelling matchups across Europe:

• Juventus vs Galatasaray – A clash of continental pedigree and hostile atmospheres
• Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt – The Norwegians impressed earlier by defeating Manchester City
• Atlético Madrid vs Club Brugge
• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

Each tie offers contrasting styles and narratives as clubs battle for a place among Europe’s last 16.

Champions League Knockout Play-off Draw – Full Fixtures

• Benfica vs Real Madrid
• Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan
• Monaco vs PSG
• Qarabag vs Newcastle United
• Galatasaray vs Juventus
• Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
• Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
• Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

What Happens Next?

The round of 16 draw will take place on February 27, 2026, immediately after the play-off ties are completed.

Key Dates for the 2025/26 Champions League

• Play-off draw: January 30, 2026
• Knockout play-offs: February 17–18 & 24–25
• Round of 16: March 10–11 & 17–18
• Quarter-finals: April 7–8 & 14–15
• Semi-finals: April 28–29 & May 5–6
• Final: May 30, 2026

Where Is the 2026 Champions League Final?

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final will be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Source: Skysports.com

Also Read: Champions League Knockout Phase Play-off Draw: Format, Dates, Fixture Schedule and Qualified Teams