FIVE Premier League clubs learn potential Champions League last-16 opponents after finishing in top eight as Newcastle are forced into play-offs with Real Madrid and PSG on dramatic final day
England's Champions League clubs have learned their potential last 16 opponents after five of them finished in the top eight to automatically qualify. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all through to the last 16, leaving only Newcastle to negotiate the play-offs. And Manchester City - who just made the last 16 by finishing eighth - will play Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bodo/Glimt, or Benfica in the knockout stages after beating Galatasaray 2-0. Real Madrid - 15pts 10. In terms of big play-off ties, Mourinho could face Real Madrid again with Benfica - having just defeated them 4-2 in Lisbon.
Source: Daily Mail January 29, 2026 11:29 UTC
