Benfica’s shock win creates an immediate Benfica vs Real Madrid rematch, making Benfica an attractive short-term bet on form while Madrid looks vulnerable in two-legged playoffs. PSG are heavy favorites vs Monaco but offer limited value; Bodø/Glimt’s upset streak suggests cautious stakes or Asian-handicap options against Inter.
Champions League Playoffs Draw Delivers Dramatic Rematches
Real Madrid were handed an immediate rematch with Benfica after Benfica’s 4-2 victory forced Madrid into the playoff route. That result pushed Madrid out of the top eight and into two-legged playoffs to reach the round of 16. The draw produced several high-profile ties, including Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco and surprise package Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan.
Mourinho Returns to the Bernabéu
Jose Mourinho will return to the Bernabéu with Benfica after masterminding the late win that sent his team into the playoffs. Benfica’s dramatic qualification was sealed when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin headed home in the eighth minute of added time, turning a 3-2 scoreline into the decisive 4-2. For Madrid, recent turmoil that included the departure of Xabi Alonso and the interim appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa adds narrative spice to the rematch.
Key Ties to Watch
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Benfica carry momentum and a psychological edge after the recent win, but Madrid remain a giant in European competition. Expect a tense, tactical two-legged affair where form and home advantage will be crucial.
Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
PSG, defending champions, are overwhelming favorites on paper against a struggling Monaco side. Punters may find little outright value in PSG wins, so market-savvy bettors could explore handicaps or alternative markets.
Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Bodø/Glimt continue to rewrite expectations after upset wins over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. Their confidence makes them a live underdog threat to Inter, suggesting bettors consider cautious stakes or Asian-handicap options rather than simple favorites-only bets.
Full Playoff Draw
Benfica vs Real Madrid Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain Qarabag vs Newcastle Galatasaray vs Juventus Brugge vs Atletico Madrid Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Olympiakos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Playoff Dates and Road to the Round of 16
First legs: Feb. 17-18. Second legs: Feb. 24-25. Winners advance to the round of 16, where they may face already-qualified heavyweights.
Teams Already Qualified for Round of 16
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, Manchester City.
Europa League Playoff Notes
Nottingham Forest drew Fenerbahce in the Europa League playoffs. Celtic face Stuttgart, Celta Vigo play PAOK, and Lille meet Red Star Belgrade in other playoff ties.
Madrid, PSG drop to UCL playoffs in chaotic finale...
Real Madrid faces an immediate rematch with Benfica after the teams were drawn together in the Champions League playoffs on Friday.
Sportsnet
