Complete Champions League Knockout Play-off Draw Revealed
The Champions League knockout play-off draw has set the stage for exciting matchups. Notably, Newcastle has been paired with Qarabag, marking their first appearance in the knockout stages of this prestigious tournament.
Key Matchups in the Champions League Knockout Play-offs
Newcastle’s first leg against Qarabag will take place in Azerbaijan on February 17 or 18, 2026. As a seeded team, they will host the return leg at St James’ Park on February 24 or 25. This exciting opportunity adds two additional matches to Newcastle’s already packed schedule.
Newcastle’s February Fixtures
- January 31: Liverpool (Away), Premier League
- February 4: Manchester City (Away), Carabao Cup semi-final
- February 7: Brentford (Home), Premier League
- February 11: Tottenham Hotspur (Away), Premier League
- February 14: Aston Villa (Away), FA Cup
- February 17 or 18: Qarabag (Away), Champions League play-off first leg
- February 21: Manchester City (Away), Premier League
- February 24 or 25: Qarabag (Home), Champions League play-off second leg
- February 28: Everton (Home), Premier League
Qarabag enters this round following a tough loss to Liverpool but managed a commendable 2-2 draw against Chelsea. This match promises to be a challenging encounter for Newcastle, who hope to progress further into the tournament.
Other Exciting Matchups
In another highly anticipated fixture, Benfica is set to renew its rivalry with Real Madrid in a showdown that has historical significance. Benfica’s head coach, José Mourinho, will face his former team under dramatic circumstances, having advanced to the playoffs with a last-minute goal from Anatoliy Trubin.
Complete Champions League Knockout Play-off Draw
| Matchup | Date |
|---|---|
| Benfica vs Real Madrid | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Monaco vs PSG | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Karaqab vs Newcastle | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Galatasaray vs Juventus | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
| Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen | February 17-18 and 24-25 |
Looking Ahead: Round of 16
The draw for the round of 16 is scheduled for February 27, following the completion of the play-off matches. English clubs, including Newcastle, are well represented, positioning themselves for potential advancement in this year’s Champions League.
Current performance trends suggest that the Premier League may secure a fifth Champions League spot based on UEFA’s coefficient standings. The landscape of European football continues to evolve, with English teams showing strong potential to dominate. Keep an eye on upcoming fixtures as teams aim for glory on the continental stage.
