Real Madrid, PSG Shock: Champions League Playoff After League Phase Collapse
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, two of Europe’s elite clubs, have been forced into the newly introduced Champions League playoff round after a dramatic final day of league-phase action. The defending champions’ disappointing finishes shocked football fans worldwide, proving that even established powerhouses cannot guarantee smooth progression through the tournament’s restructured format.
Madrid’s Late-Night Disaster in Lisbon
Real Madrid’s collapse came in the most extraordinary fashion against Benfica, losing 4-2 after being reduced to nine men. The decisive blow came deep in stoppage time when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, in a historic moment, powered home a header from a free-kick—his first professional goal at age 24. Despite Kylian Mbappe’s two goals, Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities proved costly. A parallel victory for Sporting CP over Athletic Club simultaneously pushed Los Blancos out of the automatic top-eight qualification spots.
PSG’s Costly Draw Ends Direct Qualification Dreams
Defending champions PSG experienced their own frustration, drawing 1-1 at home against Newcastle United. The result proved disastrous for the Parisians, who failed to convert their dominance into a decisive victory. PSG ended the league phase in 11th position, while Newcastle finished 12th, meaning both Premier League sides will compete in the playoff round.
The newly restructured Champions League playoff round—featuring teams placed ninth to 24th—will determine the remaining quarterfinalists. The draw is scheduled for Friday, leaving heavyweights like Madrid and PSG with zero margin for error moving forward. Last season’s beaten finalists Inter Milan similarly missed direct qualification.