Europe’s Knockout Stage Begins: First-Round Playoff Matchups Set
The UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs begin this week as Europe’s biggest clubs fight for the final spots in the Round of 16. With the new format, teams that finished 9th-24th in the league phase must survive a two-leg playoff just to stay alive in the competition.
Schedule
- First legs: Feb 17–18
- Second legs: Feb 24–25
Winners advance to the Round of 16 in March.
Headline Matchups
Real Madrid vs Benfica
One of the biggest ties of the round sees Real Madrid facing Benfica. Madrid finished just outside the automatic Round-of-16 spots and now must survive the playoff.
Stats to know:
- Madrid averaged 2+ goals per game in the league phase
- Benfica scored in 7 of 8 group matches
Madrid’s depth and experience in knockout football give them the edge, but Benfica at home is always dangerous.
PSG vs Monaco
An all-French clash headlines the round. PSG enter as favorites with one of Europe’s top attacks. Expect a lot of goals to be scored in this match-up.
Stats:
- PSG averaging 2.3 goals per match in UCL play
- Monaco averaging 1.8 goals per match
- Both teams rank top-10 in Europe in chances created
Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
Atleti’s defense faces a high-energy Brugge side. If Atletico controls the tempo, good chance they’ll advance.
Stats:
- Atletico conceded under 1 goal per game in the league phase
- Brugge created 12+ shots per match
What’s at Stake
- 8 playoff winners advance
- Round of 16 begins in March
- Champions League Final: May 30, 2026 (Budapest)
Knockout football is here, as this first round should deliver drama immediately.
