Europe’s playoff round delivered tension, comebacks and late drama as Real Madrid, Galatasaray, Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain booked their spots in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid overcame an early scare to defeat Benfica 2–1 in the second leg of their tie, sealing a 3–1 aggregate victory.

Having edged the first leg 1–0, the Spanish giants were tested but leaned on their vast European experience to manage the pressure and close out the contest, confirming their passage to the next round.

In Turin, Galatasaray eliminated Juventus after a pulsating encounter that ended 7–5 on aggregate in favour of the Turkish champions.

Despite carrying a strong 5–2 advantage from the first leg, Galatasaray were forced to dig deep as Juventus launched a spirited comeback on home soil. However, Victor Osimhen delivered when it mattered most, stepping up on the big stage to help his side secure qualification for the round of 16.

Atalanta produced one of the standout performances of the playoff stage, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4–1 to overturn a 2–0 first-leg deficit.

The Italian side advanced 4–3 on aggregate after a high-intensity display marked by relentless attacking football and resilience. It was a memorable European night that will rank among the club’s finest.

In an all-French clash, Paris Saint-Germain edged past AS Monaco 5–4 on aggregate following a 2–2 draw in the second leg. The defending champions held their nerve to progress and now await their next opponents.

PSG could be drawn against either Chelsea or Barcelona in the round of 16.

The draw is scheduled for Friday, when the contenders will officially learn their fate as the race for European glory intensifies.