Real Madrid's Potential Champions League Knockout Opponents Revealed
Real Madrid's quest for an unprecedented 16th Champions League trophy moves forward as they gear up for the tournament's elimination rounds.
The Spanish giants looked poised to secure direct qualification to the round of 16 after entering the final matchday in third position, but their crushing 4–2 loss to José Mourinho's Benfica has forced them into the playoff stage after dropping completely out of the top eight spots.
However, Los Blancos should never be underestimated in European tournaments, and they'll probably enter their February playoff clash as the preferred team—despite the addition of two extra matches to their calendar.
Below are the potential adversaries Madrid might encounter.
Who Could Real Madrid Face in the Champions League Knockout Playoff?
Who Could Real Madrid Face in the Champions League Knockout Playoff?
Madrid are aware of their two potential rivals for the playoff stage. Having concluded in ninth place and barely missing the top eight positions, Álvaro Arbeloa's squad must navigate a two-leg encounter against the team that placed either 23rd or 24th during the league phase.
Ironically, Benfica might present itself as an option once more. A dramatic 98th-minute header from keeper Anatoliy Trubin during the wild victory over ten-man Madrid propelled the Portuguese club into the knockout stage on goal differential, and they'll be full of confidence should they meet their Spanish opponents again in the playoffs.
Madrid would prefer to be matched with the 23rd-place finisher: Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian outfit possesses considerable talent, demonstrated in their recent triumph over Manchester City in the far north, but they seem like the more manageable of two challenging opponents.
Inter, who placed 10th, will meet whichever team Madrid doesn't draw in the playoff stage.
When Is the Champions League Knockout Playoff Round
When Is the Champions League Knockout Playoff Round
Madrid will learn their playoff opposition when the draw takes place on Friday, Jan. 30 at the European House of Football in Nyon, Switzerland. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. GMT (6 a.m. ET, 3 a.m. ET, 12 p.m. CEST).
The matches themselves will occur next month, with the opening leg scheduled for Feb. 17/18 and the return leg, which will be held at the Bernabéu, set for Feb. 24/25.