Real Madrid will meet Benfica once again in UEFA Champions League playoff round, setting up a repeat of their historic encounters.
The Portuguese side secured their spot in dramatic fashion, scoring a last-gasp goal to edge through on goal difference and extend their rivalry with 15-time European champions.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin shocked spectators by heading in a 98th-minute goal, overturning what seemed like elimination despite a 3-2 lead earlier in stoppage time.
The fourth goal ensured Benfica advanced to the next stage on the strength of goal difference.
Real Madrid had hoped to secure a top-eight finish in the group stage to advance directly to the last 16.
However, their 15 points from eight games fell short and they finished their campaign with nine men after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off.
The first legs of the Real Madrid–Benfica playoff are scheduled for February 17–18, with the return legs on February 24–25, reigniting a storied rivalry in European competition under the watch of Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.
Other playoff ties include:Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Olympiakos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
Monaco vs PSG
Qarabag vs Newcastle
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter
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