Benfica will face Real Madrid or Inter in the play-off to reach the round of 16 of the Champions League, dictating the framework for the next stage of the competition. The Reds will play the first leg at home, on the 16th or 18th of February, with the decision scheduled for the 23rd or 25th of the same month, away from home. The draw that will define the specific opponent will take place next Friday.
If they make it past the play-offs, Benfica will be able to face a national rival in the round of 16, as their next opponent will be Sporting or Manchester City, depending on the alignment of the competitive table.
Sporting is also awaiting a definition as to its next opponent, with Bodo/Glimt, Benfica, Inter or Real Madrid, in the next phase of the competition, as options.
The Champions League round of 16 play-off matches are as follows:
Real Madrid or Inter Milan against Bodo/Glimt or Benfica;
Monaco or Qarabag against PSG or Newcastle;
Club Brugge or Galatasaray against Juventus or Atlético Madrid;
Borussia Dortmund or Olympiakos against Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen.
