Champions League Draw Brings Nerves to Madrid and Benfica Rematch, PSG Faces Monaco in French Showdown
In a dramatic turn of events, the Champions League playoffs have thrown up some intriguing matchups for next week's round of 16. Real Madrid will face an immediate rematch with Benfica after the teams were drawn together in the playoffs, despite Madrid's 4-2 defeat to Benfica on Wednesday that denied them direct qualification.
Benfica's stunning comeback in the final round of the league phase, which included a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the eighth minute of added time, has set up an exciting clash between the Portuguese side and their Spanish counterparts. This could be a chance for former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to exact revenge on his former club after pulling off a stunning win.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain is set to face another tough test in Monaco, with the French giants looking to overcome their all-French opponents. PSG won the Champions League last season in thrilling style but will have to take the long way round in its defense of the trophy this time around.
Tiny Norwegian team Bodø/Glimt has been the story of this season's competition so far after back-to-back upsets against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to reach the playoffs on its debut. And it will present a major threat to Inter Milan's hopes of progressing.
The draws have also thrown in some surprise pairings, including Qarabag vs Newcastle and Galatasaray vs Juventus. The first legs of the round of 16 will be played over February 17-18, with the second legs taking place on February 24-25.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Champions League playoffs have thrown up some intriguing matchups for next week's round of 16. Real Madrid will face an immediate rematch with Benfica after the teams were drawn together in the playoffs, despite Madrid's 4-2 defeat to Benfica on Wednesday that denied them direct qualification.
Benfica's stunning comeback in the final round of the league phase, which included a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the eighth minute of added time, has set up an exciting clash between the Portuguese side and their Spanish counterparts. This could be a chance for former Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to exact revenge on his former club after pulling off a stunning win.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain is set to face another tough test in Monaco, with the French giants looking to overcome their all-French opponents. PSG won the Champions League last season in thrilling style but will have to take the long way round in its defense of the trophy this time around.
Tiny Norwegian team Bodø/Glimt has been the story of this season's competition so far after back-to-back upsets against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid to reach the playoffs on its debut. And it will present a major threat to Inter Milan's hopes of progressing.
The draws have also thrown in some surprise pairings, including Qarabag vs Newcastle and Galatasaray vs Juventus. The first legs of the round of 16 will be played over February 17-18, with the second legs taking place on February 24-25.
i'm loving it! jose mourinho's gonna get his revenge and it's gonna be so epic! 
meanwhile, PSG vs monaco is gonna be a nail biter... psg needs to step up their game if they wanna defend the trophy 
tiny norwegian team bodø/glimt though? i love the underdog story 
Real Madrid and Benfica are going to go head-to-head again after that crazy comeback by Benfica - it's gonna be epic! 
And PSG vs Monaco is always a tough one, but I think PSG has what it takes to take down their French rivals. 
They're gonna give Inter Milan a run for their money! 
And those surprise pairings like Qarabag vs Newcastle and Galatasaray vs Juventus are always good for some drama. 
Bring it on, round of 16! 
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I can feel your excitement mixed with nerves about these upcoming matches! Real Madrid and Benfica are gonna go at it again, that's crazy considering they just had a rematch already 
and what's up with PSG playing monaco again? cant they just have an easy draw once 
tiny norwegian team bodø/glimt is actually kinda cool tho, i mean who would've thought a small team could beat man city and atletico madrid? 
Can't wait to see Jose Mourinho's revenge plan in action 
! Bodø/Glimt's upsets are still giving me chills 
Tiny Norwegian team slaying the big boys is insane!!! 
Also PSG vs Monaco, that's gonna be a tough one for the French team. They're gonna need to bring their A-game if they wanna make some noise in this competition.
. On the other hand, Bodø/Glimt is just crazy 
. If they keep their momentum going, watch out for Inter Milan's hopes of progression! 
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. And those Qarabag vs Newcastle and Galatasaray vs Juventus matches are gonna be wild 
omg can't wait for these matches!! Real Madrid's rematch against Benfica is gonna be EPIC 
and PSG vs Monaco is gonna be a close one! 
️ Tiny Bodø/Glimt is the real MVP right now, I need to see how they take on Inter Milan 
. Norway's Bodø/Glimt just took down two of Europe's top teams... what's up with that? Are Norwegian footballers secretly ninjas 
. Bring it on!
