PSG and Real Madrid must navigate the Champions League play-offs after missing automatic qualification for the last 16
Title holders Paris Saint-Germain and record 15-time winners Real Madrid will contest the Champions League play-offs after failing to secure direct qualification for the last 16 following the conclusion of the league phase.
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The draw for the knockout stage play-offs takes place on Thursday after the eighth and final round of matches ended on Wednesday across Europe.
There was late drama in Lisbon where Benfica, coached by Jose Mourinho, defeated his former club Real Madrid 4-2 to claim the final play-off place.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a dramatic 98th-minute goal, lifting Benfica into the play-offs and pushing Real Madrid out of the top eight.
The expanded Champions League format, increased to 36 teams last season, has intensified competition across the league phase.
Under the structure, the top eight teams progress directly to the last 16, while the next 16 enter the Champions League play-offs to contest the remaining places.
Despite the extended format, the upper reaches of the table were dominated by clubs from Europe’s major leagues.
Teams from England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France claimed 17 of the top positions, with Portuguese side Sporting the lone exception.
Several established clubs exited early, including Italian champions Napoli and former winners Marseille, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax.
Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Eintracht Frankfurt were also eliminated from the competition.
The two-legged Champions League play-offs will be staged in February, with eight winners advancing to the round of 16.
Among the standout stories were Qarabag of Azerbaijan and Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, both of whom defied expectations to reach the play-offs.
Qarabag progressed despite a heavy final-day defeat to Liverpool, while Bodo/Glimt recorded eye-catching wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.
Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen described the achievement as remarkable, noting his side’s domestic season ended in November.
The Norwegian champions now face a possible tie against Real Madrid or Inter Milan.
Real Madrid could also be drawn against Benfica in an immediate rematch, while Paris Saint-Germain may face domestic rivals Monaco.
An all-German showdown between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen is also among the potential pairings.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said his side were prepared for the longer route, insisting the extra hurdle would not weaken their title defence.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe admitted disappointment at missing direct qualification, saying the additional fixtures disrupted the club’s plans.
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The Champions League play-offs will determine the final shape of the last 16 ahead of the knockout phase in March.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
