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Real Madrid has learned their fate as the path to glory begins to become clearer. Alvaro Arbeloa will face the giant-killer Benfica once again as the UEFA Champions League playoffs draw was announced.
Real Madrid to face Jose Mourinho's Benfica again in Champions League knockout playoffs
The two recently faced each other when Jose Mourinho’s squad beat the Spanish giants 4-2 in their final game of the league phase to deny them a spot in the last eight. Not only did they eliminate the Whites from the direct qualification to the Round of 16, but a 98th-minute goal by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin helped the side snatch the last play-off spot ahead of Marseille, who were eliminated.
Benfica staged a remarkable recovery to take a play-off place where they concluded the final day of the league phase on 24th out of 36 teams and grabbed the last qualifying spot ashtye won three of their last four matches.
Now that the 15-time UCL champions are forced to play an extra round, Real Madrid will attempt to take their revenge in the rematch. Meanwhile, five Premier League teams have a, ready made it to the last 16 through direct qualification, and Newcastle is the only English team to compete in the knockout round play-off.
ALSO READ: Champions League knockout: List of teams qualified in last 16, playoffs and eliminated
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