Real Madrid and PSG Enter UCL Playoffs After Dramatic Final Day
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain faced disappointment in the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League, landing them in qualifying playoffs. The event took place on January 28, 2026, and saw significant twists in the standings.
Real Madrid’s Surprising Defeat
In a shocking turn of events, Real Madrid lost 4-2 to Benfica, significantly impacting their standing. This defeat saw Madrid drop from third to ninth place in the overall rankings, meaning they must now navigate the challenging qualifying playoffs.
Key Events
- Match Details: Real Madrid faced Benfica, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice for Madrid.
- Dramatic Finish: Benfica scored the decisive goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time, courtesy of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who netted a header.
- Red Cards: Madrid finished the match with only nine players due to two red cards.
Implications for the Playoffs
The results on the final day impacted several teams. Benfica remarkably advanced to the knockout phase despite finishing 24th in the standings, thanks to their goal difference.
Other Teams Affected
- Astonishing Outcomes: Sporting CP secured a late 3-2 victory against Athletic Club, allowing them to join other top teams like Liverpool and Chelsea in the knockout stage.
- Team Rankings: Arsenal and Bayern Munich had already booked their places before the final matchday.
- PSG’s Position: Paris Saint-Germain, drawing 1-1 against Newcastle, fell to 11th place.
What’s Next?
Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle, and Inter Milan will be part of the qualifying playoffs draw on Friday. This situation sets the stage for high-stakes matches as these teams vie for a place in the round of 16.
The drama of this season’s UEFA Champions League has showcased unpredictability and tension, reflecting the competition’s nature. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the upcoming playoffs as these distinguished teams fight for survival in the tournament.
