The Champions League round of 16 draw offered up some mammoth ties on Friday.
Real Madrid’s reward for battling past Benfica in the playoffs is a two-legged affair against Manchester City, with one pre-tournament favorite destined to crash out in the early stages in the latest installment of this blossoming rivalry.
Regining champions Paris Saint-Germain have a chance at revenge against Chelsea after the Blues’ dominant performance in the Club World Cup final during the summer, while Barcelona face a trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will meet Galatasaray and Arsenal, on the friendlier side of the bracket, must go through Bayer Leverkusen to keep their quadruple hopes alive. The Gunners finished top of the league phase—the only team with a perfect record—and will fancy their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals.
Bayern Munich, who finished second behind Arsenal and are among the favorites on paper, must fight through an Atalanta side who qualified for the round of 16 with a last-gasp penalty against Borussia Dortmund.
Rounding out the draw is the Conor Gallagher derby between Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as underdogs Bodø/Glimt’s next test against Sporting CP.
When are the knockout phase matches in the 2025/26 Champions League?
Knockout phase play-offs: 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026
Round of 16: 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026
Quarter-finals: 7/8 & 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals: 28/29 April & 5/6 May 2026
Final: 30 May 2026 (Budapest)
When and where is the 2026 Champions League final?
The Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, will provide the stage as Champions League action reaches its zenith on 30 May 2026. The stadium also hosted the UEFA Europa League decider in 2023, but this will be the first time that the final of Europe's premier club competition is held in Hungary.
