Real Madrid's Potential Champions League Knockout Rivals Revealed for 2025-26 Season
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 seemed destined 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 forces them into playoff action after dropping completely out of the automatic qualification spots.
Los Blancos remain formidable in continental competition, however, and should enter their February playoff tie as strong contenders—despite the addition of two extra matches to their calendar.
Below are the potential adversaries Madrid might encounter.
Real Madrid's Potential Champions League Knockout Playoff Opponents
Real Madrid's Potential Champions League Knockout Playoff Opponents
Madrid are aware of their two potential playoff adversaries. Having concluded the league phase in ninth position, just outside the automatic qualification zone, Álvaro Arbeloa's squad must navigate a two-leg encounter against whichever team placed either 23rd or 24th in the group standings.
Ironically, Benfica represents a possible rematch scenario. A dramatic 98th-minute header from keeper Anatoliy Trubin during their thrilling victory over 10-man Madrid secured the Portuguese club's progression on goal differential, and they would enter any potential playoff meeting full of momentum against their Spanish opponents.
Madrid would presumably prefer to face the 23rd-placed team: Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian outfit possesses considerable talent, demonstrated in their recent triumph over Manchester City in freezing conditions, yet they represent the more manageable option between two challenging possibilities.
Inter, having finished 10th, will meet whichever opponent 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 UEFA's headquarters 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 occur next month, with the opening leg scheduled for Feb. 17/18 and the return fixture, to be held at the Santiago Bernabéu, set for Feb. 24/25.