Real Madrid continue to work behind the scenes as planning for next season progresses. While discussions about potential coaches are ongoing, should Alvaro Arbeloa not continue beyond this term, Los

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Real Madrid faces an immediate rematch with Benfica after the teams were drawn together in the Champions League playoffs on Friday. Benfica beat Madrid 4-2 on Wednesday to deny the 15-time European champion direct qualification to the round of 16 and force it into the uncertainty of the playoffs.

Real Madrid will be reunited with Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League knockout play-off round, while title holders Paris Saint-Germain must overcome domestic rivals Monaco in order to reach the last-16 and Newcastle face a tough test against Qarabag.

The Champions League playoff draw has been confirmed, sending major clubs into February battles for round-of-16 places. Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle United and Inter Milan must survive the qualifying round,

PSG needed a win on the final day, but drew at home to Newcastle United. They finished 11th and are now set to face AS Monaco in the playoffs. The Kylian Mbappe derby in Ligue 1 earlier this season ended 1-0 in Monaco's favor back in November.