The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League enters its most ruthless stage today, February 17, 2026, as the knockout phase play-offs kick off with a slate of high-stakes fixtures. European heavyweights Real Madrid and defending champions Paris Saint-Germain find themselves fighting for survival in the competition, having missed out on direct qualification to the Round of 16. Tonight's action headlines a dramatic evening of football, with Real Madrid vs Benfica offering a shot at redemption for the Spanish giants, while PSG vs Monaco delivers a tense all-French showdown. With the new format in full swing, there are no safety nets left—only the winners will advance to join the seeded elites.
Real Madrid Seek Revenge in Lisbon Against Benfica
All eyes will be on the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon tonight as Real Madrid face Benfica in a match loaded with narrative tension. Just weeks ago, these two sides met in the final matchday of the league phase, where Benfica shocked the world with a 4-2 victory. That result, capped by a dramatic late goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, pushed Los Blancos down to ninth place, forcing them into this precarious play-off round.
For Real Madrid's interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa, tonight is about more than just progression; it is about restoring order. Madrid enters the tie as favorites despite their recent stumble, with Kylian Mbappé looking to add to his tally of 13 Champions League goals this season. However, they face a Benfica side managed by none other than former Madrid boss José Mourinho. The "Special One" has turned the Portuguese outfit into a formidable defensive unit that thrives on the counter-attack, with Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis proving to be a lethal weapon upfront. A win for Madrid would calm nerves in the Spanish capital, but another slip-up in Lisbon could spell disaster for the 15-time European champions.
PSG vs Monaco: A Civil War for European Survival
In another headline fixture, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain travel south to face domestic rivals AS Monaco at the Stade Louis II. It is a rare all-Ligue 1 clash on the European stage, adding an extra layer of intensity to the Champions League play-offs 2026. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, have had a turbulent defense of their title, finishing 11th in the league phase and struggling for consistency.
Monaco, managed by Sébastien Pocognoli, will relish the underdog role. Having already beaten PSG 1-0 in Ligue 1 earlier this season, the principality club knows exactly how to frustrate their star-studded opponents. For PSG, the pressure is immense. Failing to reach the Round of 16 just a year after lifting the trophy would be viewed as a catastrophic failure. Fans tuning into the PSG vs Monaco Champions League stream can expect a tactical battle, with Monaco likely to press high and disrupt PSG's rhythm from the first whistle.
Juventus and Dortmund Also in Action
While the headlines focus on Madrid and Paris, two other massive fixtures take place today. The action begins early in Istanbul, where Galatasaray host Juventus (17:45 GMT / 12:45 PM ET). The Turkish atmosphere is notoriously hostile, and Juventus will need to be at their tactical best to escape with a positive result. Later in the evening, Borussia Dortmund welcome Atalanta to the Westfalenstadion. Both teams are known for their attacking philosophies, promising a goal-fest for neutrals following the UCL knockout phase results.
How to Watch and What’s Next
The UEFA Champions League schedule for the return legs is set for next week, February 24-25, meaning tonight's results will set the tone for the deciding encounters. The winners of these two-legged ties will advance to the Round of 16, where seeded giants like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich await.
Viewers can catch the Champions League live stream on major broadcasters worldwide, including CBS Sports and Paramount+ in the USA, and TNT Sports in the UK. With European soccer news today dominated by these clashes, fans are guaranteed a night of drama, redemption, and world-class football.
