LONDON, (Reuters) – Real Madrid missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds as they crumbled to a 4-2 defeat at Benfica on a frenetic final night of group-stage action across Europe yesterday. Barcelona began the evening in ninth spot but spared themselves a playoff tie as they came from a goal down to beat Copenhagen 4-1. That meant five of the six English clubs are in the last 16 and could yet be joined by Newcastle. Atletico ended 14th and will have to be content with being one of the seeded teams in the two-legged playoffs. The teams who finished ninth to 24th will learn who they will face in the playoffs in Friday’s draw.