Benfica Faces Real Madrid in Champions League Play-Off; French Team Debuts
Real Madrid will face Benfica in the upcoming UEFA Champions League play-off round. This matchup follows an unexpected defeat by Benfica, where goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin remarkably scored the winning goal in stoppage-time. This draw will see Jose Mourinho return to the Bernabeu for the first time since his departure as manager in 2013.
Champions League Play-Off Details
The Champions League play-off matches are scheduled for February 17-18 and February 24-25. Real Madrid and Benfica will kick off their clash, providing an opportunity for Madrid to avenge their recent loss.
Suspensions and Team Challenges
- Rodrygo and Raul Asencio from Real Madrid are suspended for the first leg.
- Asencio’s absence is significant due to limited defensive options in Madrid’s squad.
- New Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa faces challenges, as his team grapples with defensive issues.
Other Notable Matches in the Play-Off Round
Newcastle United is set for a lengthy journey to Baku, Azerbaijan, to face Qarabag. This draw presents logistical challenges amid a demanding fixture schedule. Newcastle’s head coach, Eddie Howe, expressed a preference for facing Monaco instead.
Key Matchups to Watch
- PSG vs. Monaco: An all-French affair, marking their first encounter in European competition.
- Galatasaray vs. Juventus: A challenging matchup for Juventus against a resilient Turkish side.
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter: Bodo/Glimt’s fairytale run continues as they challenge Inter, a team that recently faltered in the group stages.
As the Champions League play-offs approach, attention turns to these high-stakes matches, with teams vying for a place in the coveted round of 16. Each matchup carries its own narrative and challenges, making for an exciting continuation of the tournament.
