Real Madrid and PSG Forced into Unexpected Playoffs, Reshaping the European Knockout Picture

Drama capped the Champions League phase as Real Madrid (9th) and defending champions PSG (11th) tumbled into playoffs on January 28, 2026. Their sole downfall came when Real lost to Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the 4-2 result with the goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin heading in the 98th minute over red cards to Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, sealing the game. PSG drew 1-1 vs Newcastle, joining Inter Milan and Newcastle in playoffs (9th-24th). Top 8 auto-advance: Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Man City, Sporting CP. Playoff will be drawn on Friday; first leg will be played on 17/18 February, returns will be played on 24/25 February. Direct spots are dominated by English clubs.

Real Madrid Playoff Plight

Real Madrid was shocked by late goal heroics of former coach Mourinho, and may have to draw with Bod Av Glimt and win two-leg match to make Round of 16.

PSG Qualification Drama

PSG falter at home, extending path despite dominance; Newcastle exploits draw for playoffs too.​

Knockout Bracket Shakeup

English quintet (Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Man City) seize auto-spots, altering seeding dynamics.​

Official Social Embed

Embed UEFA’s official X post on Champions League playoff chaos: 

This is how the Champions League table looks like after a chaotic final matchday pic.twitter.com/mQ3BFuKAww

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2026