Real Madrid, PSG, Atalanta, Galatasaray in Champions League Round of 16
Last update: February 26, 2026
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Vinicius shines as Madrid advance; PSG, Atalanta survive play-Off drama...
It was a decisive night across Europe as several heavyweights and surprise packages confirmed their places in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 following the conclusion of the play-off ties.
From Madrid to Turin, drama, controversy and late goals defined the final set of fixtures before Friday’s draw.
At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica with a 2-1 win on Wednesday night.
Vinícius Júnior struck the decisive goal 10 minutes from time, drilling a composed finish across goal to settle the contest and extinguish Benfica’s hopes.
The Brazilian forward had been at the centre of attention before kick-off after alleging he was racially abused in the first leg. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was handed a one-match ban and did not feature in Madrid.
Benfica briefly threatened an upset when Rafa Silva opened the scoring, but Aurélien Tchouaméni responded almost immediately with a fine strike from the edge of the area. Vinícius’ late intervention ensured the holders progressed.
Madrid will now face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain advanced after a tense 2-2 draw with AS Monaco, sealing a 5-4 aggregate triumph.
Monaco had taken the lead through Maghnes Akliouche before the interval, but the turning point came when Mamadou Coulibaly was dismissed shortly before the hour mark.
PSG capitalised. Marquinhos equalised from a Désiré Doué cross, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rifled home after Achraf Hakimi saw his effort parried. Jordan Teze grabbed a late consolation, but it was not enough.
PSG will discover whether they meet FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC in the round of 16.
In Bergamo, Atalanta BC produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the play-off stage.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Italians defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate.
Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta levelled matters before Mario Pašalić edged them ahead overall.
Karim Adeyemi appeared to have forced extra time for Dortmund, but deep into stoppage time Ramy Bensebaini conceded a penalty following a VAR review and was sent off. Lazar Samardžić converted from the spot to seal qualification.
Atalanta will now face either Arsenal FC or FC Bayern Munich.
There was extra-time drama in Turin as Galatasaray SK overcame Juventus FC 7-5 on aggregate.
Holding a 5-2 advantage from the first leg, the Turkish champions saw Juventus level the tie after 90 minutes.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen restored Galatasaray’s lead in extra time before Yilmaz added another to secure progress.
They will meet either Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur FC next.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City or Sporting CP
Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona or Chelsea
Atalanta vs Arsenal or Bayern Munich
Galatasaray vs Liverpool or Tottenham
Newcastle United vs Barcelona or Chelsea
Bodø/Glimt vs Manchester City or Sporting CP
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal or Bayern Munich
Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham or Liverpool
The official draw will take place on Friday, February 27, as Europe’s elite await their next challenge on the road to continental glory.
