Champions League Knockout Play-Off Draw: All You Need to Know

The Champions League knockout play-off draw has taken place, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of Europe’s premier club competition. Newcastle United will face Qarabag in a challenging tie, while a captivating rematch awaits as Real Madrid squares off against former manager Jose Mourinho’s Benfica. Let’s break down the key matchups and potential routes to the final.

Key Matchups from the Champions League Draw

• Newcastle United vs. Qarabag: A tough test for the Magpies as they travel to Azerbaijan.
• Real Madrid vs. Benfica: A highly anticipated clash, fueled by Jose Mourinho’s return to face his former club.

The draw has been split into two pathways – silver and blue – meaning teams within each pathway cannot meet until the final. This adds an extra layer of strategic intrigue to the competition.

Potential Paths to Glory

Newcastle’s potential journey looks like this: Beat Qarabag, then potentially face Chelsea or Barcelona, followed by Liverpool, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, or Brugge. A semi-final showdown could pit them against Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, or Sporting. A relatively favourable route, if they can navigate each stage successfully.

Europa League Draw: British Teams in Action

The Europa League also held its draw, with Aston Villa qualifying directly for the last 16. They’ll face either the winners of Lille vs. Crvena Zvezda or PAOK vs. Celta. Celtic and Nottingham Forest will compete in the knockout play-offs, with Celtic taking on Stuttgart and Forest facing Fenerbahce. Interestingly, Celtic and Forest are on the same pathway and could meet in the quarter-finals.

Jose Mourinho’s Benfica: A Story to Watch

Jose Mourinho’s Benfica secured their place in the play-offs with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, thanks to a stunning 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. This victory marks Mourinho’s first win against his former club and sets up a compelling two-legged tie. Mourinho, a two-time Champions League winner with Porto and Inter Milan, will be eager to add to his trophy cabinet.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mourinho has consistently achieved success, including a La Liga title and domestic cup victories during his time at Real Madrid. However, the Champions League trophy remained elusive during his tenure with Los Blancos, reaching the semi-finals three consecutive times but failing to reach the final.

Looking Ahead

The confirmed round-of-16 ties will be decided on February 27th, revealing each side’s complete path to the final. The Champions League and Europa League promise a captivating spectacle as Europe’s elite clubs battle for supremacy.

UEFA Champions League Official Website