Minute30.com .- Destiny has been capricious. Just two days after Benfica humiliated Real Madrid with a 4-2 in Lisbon, a result that removed Álvaro Arbeloa’s team from the privileged “Top 8”, this morning’s draw has ruled that both teams will meet again in the Playoffs to define who advances to the round of 16.

The great narrative of this duel is, without a doubt, the return of José Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu. “The Special One”, current technical director of the “Eagles” of Portugal, will have the opportunity to deliver the final blow to the club where he made history, while Arbeloa, his former pupil, will seek redemption after the “paper” last Wednesday.

This is how the Champions League playoffs will be played. Champions League image

A picture of “heavyweights” in the playoffs

This Champions 2026, under its new format, has not forgiven the giants. In addition to the stellar Madrid-Benfica, other European giants will have to risk their lives in February:

Juventus vs. Galatasaray: The “Vecchia Signora” of Italy travels to the hell of Istanbul.

Monaco vs. PSG: French fratricidal duel for the current European champion.

Bodo/Glimt vs. Inter Milan: The Italian runner-up must visit the Arctic Circle.

Witches vs. Atlético de Madrid: “Cholo” Simeone’s team will seek to impose its hierarchy in Belgium.

The grand final of the Champions League: Budapest on the horizon

All of these teams have a date marked on the calendar and a destination on the map: Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.

This is how the playoffs and round of 16 of the Champions League will be played. Champions League image

Hungary is preparing to host the final of the most prestigious club tournament in the world for the first time, in a stadium with capacity for more than 67,000 spectators who will see the new king of Europe crowned.