UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[Taricoins]

I think Real Madrid has become very vulnerable from last season even before the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, the team has lost their dominance and this has rendered them a bit weak unlike the champions that used to dominate Europe.

One thing about football is that it keeps on evolving, that's why it's different when you watch a face off of Real Madrid and Man City for example from last season, it's completely different from the next one they will play. From Carlos Ancellotti, that's where we started seeing the decline and currently Arbeloa is not just doing it for them, I heard from a report that Real Madrid players where hinted on a complaint about him and his confidence to lead the squad.

[Byebyebtc]

Like you said it's football so they will battle it out again and the better team of course will get the ticket to the next round but one thing is certain though and that's the fact that Real Madrid wouldn't like to loose out to benfica again for the second time so it would certainly be interesting if the clash was to feature again and we all will be in for a lot of goals indeed.

Madrid certainly does not want to suffer a second defeat against Benfica. But the problem is, if Benfica manages to win again, I am sure the media will continue to make it a hot topic. It could even lead to another change of coach.  

However, I am confident that Real madrid will win and advance to the next stage. it would be very embarrassing to lose to Benfica despite the striking difference in squad depth. Although Benfica also has several good players, they are no match for the depth of Real Madrid's squad.

From the look of Benfica defence, I came to understand why real Madrid found it really hard to win, morino actually is doing a good job trying to keep the game as defensive as possible,
Of cause in a normal day some clubs will be scared of real Madrid, so benfica actually made a decision to play defensive game, and it actually paid off pretty well for them.
And they can actually use the same mindset to win the next game with real Madrid. But it's still a game we await the results can't just run into conclusion

[Ndabagi01]

One thing about football is that it keeps on evolving, that's why it's different when you watch a face off of Real Madrid and Man City for example from last season, it's completely different from the next one they will play. From Carlos Ancellotti, that's where we started seeing the decline and currently Arbeloa is not just doing it for them, I heard from a report that Real Madrid players where hinted on a complaint about him and his confidence to lead the squad.

Champions league is not a very simple competition to come across that any manager can handle. Having an experience in league management is different from having one in the champions league competition. The champions league is a very tough one, not only your management in league games can see you through even handling a very big team like Real Madrid. One thing about football again is that you may have the players and not have the best coach to manage them, you can also have the best manager and without the best players at his disposal, he’ll still fail in the management. So you’ll need to have the best manager and the best players to excel in the champions league competition. What Arbeloa is facing now can lead to his sudden sack, I feel the club is too big for him to handle but let’s wait to see how things turn out for him in this club.

[Taricoins]

From the look of Benfica defence, I came to understand why real Madrid found it really hard to win, morino actually is doing a good job trying to keep the game as defensive as possible,
Of cause in a normal day some clubs will be scared of real Madrid, so benfica actually made a decision to play defensive game, and it actually paid off pretty well for them.
And they can actually use the same mindset to win the next game with real Madrid. But it's still a game we await the results can't just run into conclusion

One thing about Mourinho is that he is always unpredictable with his dynamicity, if you think Mourinho will stick to one play style, he may end up doing otherwise and all this possibilities is what a coach in the Champions League is suppose to analyze, there is no small team in the Champions League and putting the ideology that Benfica's previous win against Madrid was a fluke then begins the down fall of that team, Real Madrid should work on themselves if they want to win against Benfica because I don't even trust Real Madrid under Arbeloa.

[Lillominato89]

From the draw, I would say that the Italian teams did not fare very well. Inter Milan has been paired with Bodo Glimt, an opponent that should not be underestimated but is within Inter's reach.
Juventus will face Galatasaray and Atalanta will face Borussia Dortmund, neither of which are easy opponents.
We could see a big match as early as the round of 16, with PSG vs Barcelona or Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool very likely.

[MorganaX]

From the look of Benfica defence, I came to understand why real Madrid found it really hard to win, morino actually is doing a good job trying to keep the game as defensive as possible,
Of cause in a normal day some clubs will be scared of real Madrid, so benfica actually made a decision to play defensive game, and it actually paid off pretty well for them.
And they can actually use the same mindset to win the next game with real Madrid. But it's still a game we await the results can't just run into conclusion

One thing about Mourinho is that he is always unpredictable with his dynamicity, if you think Mourinho will stick to one play style, he may end up doing otherwise and all this possibilities is what a coach in the Champions League is suppose to analyze, there is no small team in the Champions League and putting the ideology that Benfica's previous win against Madrid was a fluke then begins the down fall of that team, Real Madrid should work on themselves if they want to win against Benfica because I don't even trust Real Madrid under Arbeloa.

Due to the performance of real Madrid in their previous match with Benfica, it will be very hard to trust real Madrid under Arbeloa, due to his tactical failure. This was the last minutes they needed him but he failed, like the way he failed in the copa de Rey. Well for me I will always say, real Madrid is a team with individual brilliance. And the play offs they have against Benfica, they will get to use this means to beat them home and away, this is something I believe real Madrid will get, in form of a revenge.

[Amphenomenon]

I think Real Madrid has become very vulnerable from last season even before the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, the team has lost their dominance and this has rendered them a bit weak unlike the champions that used to dominate Europe.

One thing about football is that it keeps on evolving, that's why it's different when you watch a face off of Real Madrid and Man City for example from last season, it's completely different from the next one they will play. From Carlos Ancellotti, that's where we started seeing the decline and currently Arbeloa is not just doing it for them, I heard from a report that Real Madrid players where hinted on a complaint about him and his confidence to lead the squad.

I won't be surprised if this true, after all there will be pressure on him and I don't know if he can handle that but that aside he have to find a way to win or at least the team should.  I believe they can coordinate themselves to do better regardless. Real Madrid are built with a winning mentality and all players there are expected to have a fair level of this and it is helpful in pushing the team for the better. Through this no matter the internal challenges they can still de well.

[coinlary]

The draw is out, and once again it's Benfica and Real Madrid. What a nice second chance for Real Madrid.Too bad Rodrygo is out, he will be benched anyway or used as a substitute.
Looking forward to watching, It's so funny seeing the particular draw  accompanied by so many memes .
Apart from Real Madrid vs. Benfica, I must say I don't  really like other draw but atleast,  we will have more top teams at the roud of 16

[pawel7777]

Ha, I called it yesterday. I said it would be funny if Benfica and Real got drawn against each other in the qualifiers and that's what happened.
Play-off qualifiers pairs (draw results):

Monaco vs Paris
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Qarabağ vs Newcastle United
Club Brugge vs Atlético de Madrid
Bodø/Glimt vs Inter
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen

Further schedule:


source: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/029a-1de997d047d3-6764f63d69c6-1000--uefa-champions-league-knockout-phase-play-off-draw-where-/

The 1st leg of the play-offs to be played on 17/18 Feb. I don't think Benfica will make it through this time, but I hope I'm wrong and wish them all the best.

[Adiljutt156]

The playoff round match drawing looks PSG, Newcastle, Inter and Leverkusen has advantage because facing not quite top teams than other teams have to face difficult opponent teams such as Madrid have revenge against Benfica, Juventus has difficult match by facing Galatasaray and quite strong both teams Atalanta and Dortmund have fight each other at playoff round match.
Madrid fans can't forget yet have to face Benfica at the playoff round after losing last phase league round match from Benfica and if want to revenge is great moment for Madrid, sadly for the first leg match have to face Benfica at their home and wish Madrid's player can forget how bad result last match when defeating 4-2.

The shots of Paris Saint-Germain football team were more in this match abd these were 20 in this match and 6 shots were on target. The possession percentage of that team was also great in this match as they tried to possess the football for more time in which they were successful in this match. The passes of that team were also more in this match as they tried to give 100 percent effort in this match and they could not win this match as they could not do more goals in this match. The shots of Newcastle United  football team were less in this match and these were 11 in this match and 5 shots were on target and possession percentage was 34 percent in this match.

[kawetsriyanto]

Ha, I called it yesterday. I said it would be funny if Benfica and Real got drawn against each other in the qualifiers and that's what happened.

Play-off qualifiers pairs (draw results):

Benfica vs Real Madrid

~~~

I don't think Benfica will make it through this time, but I hope I'm wrong and wish them all the best.

It really becomes true, Real Madrid will fight Benfica again in play-off match.  

I also think the result will be different. Real Madrid won't make the same mistake, they must evaluate the lose yesterday. If they can play in a more effective way and they have a more solid strategy, they probably have a bigger chance to win in the next match. I hope Real Madrid will put Valverde in the midfield and they use a real right winger. Carvajal should play again as a starter and leads all Real Madrid players. He is actually Real Madrid captain, his role is needed in the field.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

I also think the result will be different. Real Madrid won't make the same mistake, they must evaluate the lose yesterday. If they can play in a more effective way and they have a more solid strategy, they probably have a bigger chance to win in the next match. I hope Real Madrid will put Valverde in the midfield and they use a real right winger. Carvajal should play again as a starter and leads all Real Madrid players. He is actually Real Madrid captain, his role is needed in the field.

Carvajal is indeed much better off starting because he is one of the players who can lead his teammates in matches due to his experience and his understanding of the team. The situation will be difficult for Real Madrid in the upcoming matches. If the coach doesn't make changes, it could make their chances of competing with their rivals even more difficult, as we see Barcelona performing much more consistently. Real Madrid must play more effectively by implementing a solid strategy so they don't drop any more points in the upcoming matches especially in La Liga.

[Publictalk792]

Carvajal is indeed much better off starting because he is one of the players who can lead his teammates in matches due to his experience and his understanding of the team. The situation will be difficult for Real Madrid in the upcoming matches. If the coach doesn't make changes, it could make their chances of competing with their rivals even more difficult, as we see Barcelona performing much more consistently. Real Madrid must play more effectively by implementing a solid strategy so they don't drop any more points in the upcoming matches especially in La Liga.

Loss of Dani Carvajal due to long term injury has created huge hole in defense and leadership of Real Madrid with people filling his shoes such as Lucas Vazquez failing to fill empty space left mostly in terms of fixing back line. Barcelo plays very well and scores quite much with Hansi Flick in charge, leaving Real Madrid in risky situation in which loss of any more points would cost team league title. Coach Carlo Ancelotti should change his way possibly by using two defensive midfielders to guard team because they can no longer trust Carvajal to alone guard team. Just to match strict way of Barcelona, Real Madrid needs to stop depending only on private skills of such stars as Mbappe and start working on better and more useful defensive plans on team level.

[Ale88]

Benfica? again? lol
Absolute cinema, this will only cause more pain if Real Madrid can't beat Benfica. It's quite surprising because among the other matches, this is the only one that worries me.
The pressure was on Madrid, as they were treating the match as a revenge match, a worst-case scenario where Benfica was able to play on their players' mentality.

Benfica might not survive this time. Real Madrid will be coming for revenge after they were beaten mercilessly. Jose Mourinho has a good team but they are no match for Real Madrid. The Spanish club is lacking a sound tactical coach who can maximise the quality players at his disposal.

I don't think Mourinho will make it again, especially considering the fact that this is a double match. They can beat Real Madrid once, at home, but doing it twice in a matter of weeks is difficult, everything has to be perfect... Benfica have a manager with a ton of experience while Real Madrid have an unknown manager, that is the only reason Benfica could have a small chance, but I'm confident Madrid will make it.

I am not happy that PSG was paired with another French club. This means that only one Ligue One club would compete for the UCL trophy. Thesame thing happened last season when both French sides (Brest and PSG) met in the playoffs. Are there no means by which this issue can be handled?

I agree, I'm not even French but this thing doesn't make any sense at this stage of the competition. The fun part of the CL is, of course, seeing teams from different countries playing against each other, this is a Ligue 1 match... Of course I understand if it happens when there are only a few teams left but not for the playoffs.

[Tonimez]

Ha, I called it yesterday. I said it would be funny if Benfica and Real got drawn against each other in the qualifiers and that's what happened.
Play-off qualifiers pairs (draw results):

Monaco vs Paris
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Qarabağ vs Newcastle United
Club Brugge vs Atlético de Madrid
Bodø/Glimt vs Inter
Olympiacos vs Leverkusen

This playoff game is definitely going to be tough and I can say that teams are going to be more serious This time. Monaco getting paired with PSG shows that one french team is going down. Monaco don't seem to stand a chance even though PSG has not been living up to expectations. So my prediction on who goes to the next round is thus;

PSG
Galatasaray
Real Madrid
Dortmund
Newcastle
ATM
Inter Milan
Leverkusen

The games may be so difficult but the results may not be far from this. Also, the game between Galatasaray Vs Juventus and Olympiacos Vs Leverkusen could play draw in their first leg.

[Iranus]

I think Real Madrid has become very vulnerable from last season even before the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, the team has lost their dominance and this has rendered them a bit weak unlike the champions that used to dominate Europe.

One thing about football is that it keeps on evolving, that's why it's different when you watch a face off of Real Madrid and Man City for example from last season, it's completely different from the next one they will play. From Carlos Ancellotti, that's where we started seeing the decline and currently Arbeloa is not just doing it for them, I heard from a report that Real Madrid players where hinted on a complaint about him and his confidence to lead the squad.

Arbeloa is not a permanent manager of madrid. He is an interim manager. He will serve until a new experienced coach is found. And the madrid management  knows very well that arbeloa has no experience in  managing a squad that he does not  have. There are many  star players in madrid, who are very difficult for a manager like arbeloa to manage.

Madrid's  biggest challenge now is to beat benfica in the champions league play-offs. Madrid lost to Benfica a few days ago. So the chances of Madrid winning against mourinho's team in the play-offs  are also low. Arbeloa will definitely  have to develop a decent match strategy if they want to win.

[Die_empty]

The draw is out, and once again it's Benfica and Real Madrid. What a nice second chance for Real Madrid.Too bad Rodrygo is out, he will be benched anyway or used as a substitute.

He received a red card, which means he would not be available for the first leg of the playoff. Hewould not be on the bench but would be back in the return leg in Spain.  

Although Rodrygo have apologided for those careless two yellow cards he got in quick succession, his absence is costly. Álvaro Arbeloa's options now are Brahim Díaz and Franco Mastantuono. The Moroccan have not fully recovered from his penalty miss that caused his country to lose the Afcon trophy. While Franco has not been effective in big games.    

[Different patterns]

I also think the result will be different. Real Madrid won't make the same mistake, they must evaluate the lose yesterday. If they can play in a more effective way and they have a more solid strategy, they probably have a bigger chance to win in the next match. I hope Real Madrid will put Valverde in the midfield and they use a real right winger. Carvajal should play again as a starter and leads all Real Madrid players. He is actually Real Madrid captain, his role is needed in the field.

Carvajal is indeed much better off starting because he is one of the players who can lead his teammates in matches due to his experience and his understanding of the team. The situation will be difficult for Real Madrid in the upcoming matches. If the coach doesn't make changes, it could make their chances of competing with their rivals even more difficult, as we see Barcelona performing much more consistently. Real Madrid must play more effectively by implementing a solid strategy so they don't drop any more points in the upcoming matches especially in La Liga.

Sincerely this inconsistent play has been lingering and the team have changed their coach and yet this same problem of inconsistency continues, I also believe the team should come up with another strategy they know will work best for them and start implementing it, if not I don't see any major trophy for them this season. The defense needs to be worked on also because for a big team to lose with this kinda of margin it means there's something wrong with the defense which needs to be settled urgently and whatsoever Real Madrid needs to do they have to start doing it now.

[harapan]

From the draw, I would say that the Italian teams did not fare very well. Inter Milan has been paired with Bodo Glimt, an opponent that should not be underestimated but is within Inter's reach.
Juventus will face Galatasaray and Atalanta will face Borussia Dortmund, neither of which are easy opponents.
We could see a big match as early as the round of 16, with PSG vs Barcelona or Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool very likely.

You must be kidding.

These are games the Italian sides can get through only of they can maintain a good form. Juventus have improvement we are seeing ever since the new manager came in, Atalanta do not forget lashed one of thr finest sides in Bundesliga two seasons ago in the Europa League finals Borussia Dortmund are no different and they will have the same treatment but Atalanta are not in a solid form at the moment. Whatever fixtures being set, we all here to phase through together.

[*Ace*]

From the draw, I would say that the Italian teams did not fare very well. Inter Milan has been paired with Bodo Glimt, an opponent that should not be underestimated but is within Inter's reach.
Juventus will face Galatasaray and Atalanta will face Borussia Dortmund, neither of which are easy opponents.
We could see a big match as early as the round of 16, with PSG vs Barcelona or Atlético Madrid vs Liverpool very likely.

Inter did very well in this draw; they could have faced Benfica, who would have been tougher to beat.
Juventus got a great team, but one that is within their reach.
Atalanta was very unlucky, in my opinion, getting Borussia Dortmund.

All three can do it; their opponents are strong but not unbeatable. I hope for the best for all the Italian teams competing in the Champions League.