LONDON (AP) — Real Madrid and Benfica will do it all over again on Tuesday after an epic record. champions league showdown last month.
a 4-2 victory The final game of the league, Benfica vs. Madrid, had one of the most dramatic endings in the history of the competition.
a Goal late in stoppage time Goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin’s goal sealed Benfica’s place in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Madrid’s defeat meant the record 15-time European champions missed out on automatic qualification to the Round of 16.
The driving force behind Benfica’s victory was former Madrid manager Jose Mourinho.
Now he has the chance to inflict more pain on his old club in the first leg of the play-off series at Benfica’s Stadium of Light.
“I don’t think it will take a miracle for Benfica to eliminate Real Madrid,” Mourinho said, but admitted his side would need to be in near-perfect form to progress.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Monaco in the playoffs on Tuesday. Galatasaray will host Juventus, while Borussia Dortmund will play Atalanta at home.
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