Football supporters have accused Uefa of manipulating the Champions League play-off draw after Real Madrid were paired with Benfica in what many consider a suspicious outcome.
The Spanish giants will meet the Portuguese side just days after suffering a stunning defeat at their hands last Tuesday.
That match ended in extraordinary fashion when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin found the net in the final moments, securing his team's place in the knockout phase on goal difference.
The 16 clubs competing in the play-offs learned their opponents today.
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Some observers believe the entire process was predetermined given the dramatic recent history between these two sides.
This encounter carries additional intrigue as it pits Jose Mourinho against the club he previously managed.
The Portuguese tactician led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
He won both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey during his tenure at the Bernabeu.
Football supporters have accused Uefa of manipulating the Champions League play-off draw
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Critics have pointed to the statistical improbability of this pairing, noting that the two clubs always faced equal odds of meeting in the draw.
One fan said: "Ain’t seen a rigged, more obvious draw like this."
Another wrote: “This is a fixed draw. End of story."
A third added: "That Benfica Real Madrid draw was so rigged but I’m all here for it.”
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Real Madrid were paired with Benfica in what many consider a suspicious outcome
|GETTY
And another commented: "This has GOT to be rigged lmao."
However, no evidence exists to suggest the draw was actually manipulated in any way.
Newcastle United, the sole English representative in this stage of the competition, will take on Azerbaijani side Qarabag in their two-legged tie.
Five Premier League clubs have already secured their places in the last 16 without needing to navigate the play-off round
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Five Premier League clubs have already secured their places in the last 16 without needing to navigate the play-off round.
All play-off first legs are scheduled for February 17 and 18, with the return fixtures taking place the following week on February 24 and 25.
The winners of these knockout rounds will advance to the last 16, where they will join the eight teams who qualified automatically from the league phase.
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