The draw for the preliminary round of the Champions League play-offs in Nyon, Switzerland, decided that Real Madrid will face Benfica for a place in the round of 16. Patrik Schick with Leverkusen will face Olympiakos and defending champion PSG will face Monaco. The opening matches will be played on February 17 and 18, the return matches will be scheduled a week later, on February 24 and 25.
While the top eight consisting of Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting and Manchester City have already secured direct progress to the round of 16, the other participants have to fight for a place among the top sixteen in the preliminary round of the playoffs.
The Czechs need to work on the coefficient, because Greece is breathing on their backs. It is the representative of this Balkan country who will face Leverkusen, so Patrik Schick has a chance to help in the fight for tenth place by eliminating the Czech competition.
Absolute cinema ????
An all-time great Champions League moment ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/rl4U1AAEbx
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2026
Real Madrid got a chance for revenge against Benfica, who beat them 4-2 in the last round of the league stage thanks to goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin’s goal in the eighth minute of regulation, which kept the Eagles in the competition.
The defending champions challenge an old acquaintance from Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain take on Monaco in a doubleheader.
The complete draw for the preliminary round of the Champions League play-offs
Real Madrid – Benfica; Inter – Bodö/Glimt. The winner will be invited to: Sporting/Manchester City.
PSG – Monaco; Newcastle – Karabach. The winner will be invited to: Barcelona/Chelsea.
Juventus – Galatasaray; Atlético – Club Bruggy. The winner will be invited to: Liverpool/Tottenham.
Atalanta – Dortmund; Leverkusen – Olympiacos. The winner will be invited to: Arsenal/Bavaria.
