Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid Learn Their Playoff Opponents in the Champions League
The UEFA headquarters in Nyon was the venue where the matchups for the Champions League 2025/26 round of 16 were defined. The two Spanish clubs that must overcome this preliminary phase already know who they will face on their path to the round of 16. ⚽
The Matchups and Defined Schedule
Real Madrid will have to face the historic Portuguese SL Benfica. For their part, Atlético de Madrid will take on Club Brugge, the Belgian representative. The ties will be played in February, with the first legs on the 17th and 18th. The second legs are scheduled for the following week, specifically on the 24th and 25th of the same month.
Key Details of the Tie:- Both Spanish teams will play the second leg at their home stadiums.
- This condition arises because they finished between 9th and 16th in the league phase of the competition.
- They did not qualify directly for the round of 16, so they must go through these playoffs.
The format grants the advantage of closing the tie at home to the teams that finished between 9th and 16th in the league phase.
The Home Advantage Factor and Objectives
Playing the decisive match with the support of the local crowd can be an important psychological and tactical element. The regulations state that the winner of the aggregate score advances to the next round. For Madrid and Atlético, the first obstacle has a Portuguese and Belgian name. 🏟️
Opponents to Analyze:- SL Benfica: Portuguese club with a great European tradition that always represents a complex challenge.
- Club Brugge: Belgian team that usually shows solidity and will seek to pull off an upset.
- Even matchups are expected where a single detail can tip the balance.
Looking Ahead
The fans' excitement to see their teams in the classic European knockout phase is already underway. The objective for the two Spanish teams is to overcome this round and continue in the fight for the title. If they succeed, in the round of 16 draw they would face a group winner, thus losing the advantage of playing the second leg at home and presumably facing greater difficulty. 🏆