The UEFA Champions League knockout play-off draw has been concluded ahead of the race to the round of 16. Newcastle United were drawn against Azerbaijani side Qarabag, marking the club’s first-ever appearance in the Champions League knockout rounds. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face fellow French club Monaco in an all-domestic clash.
The play-off matches will be contested over two legs on February 17/18 and February 24/25. Newcastle will travel to Azerbaijan for the first leg before hosting the return fixture at St James’ Park. Other standout ties include a heavyweight rematch between Benfica and Real Madrid, Juventus against Galatasaray, and Inter Milan facing Norway’s Bodo/Glimt. Okay News reports that the outcome of these fixtures will determine the final line-up for the round of 16 draw scheduled for February 27.
Below is the full Champions League knockout play-off draw:
1. Benfica vs Real Madrid
2. Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
3. Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
4. Qarabag vs Newcastle United
5. Galatasaray vs Juventus
6. Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
7. Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
8. Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
The winners of these ties will advance to the round of 16, where Europe’s elite clubs await. The 2025/26 Champions League final is scheduled to take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
