The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has entered a dramatic phase following the conclusion of the league stage. In the revamped format, introduced last season, 36 teams competed in a single league table over eight matchdays. The top eight teams advanced directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 16th earned seeded status for the knockout play-offs. Teams ranked 17th to 24th entered as unseeded sides, battling over two legs for the remaining eight spots in the last 16.
The knockout play-off draw was held on January 30, 2026, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Unseeded teams will host the first legs on February 17-18, with seeded sides enjoying home advantage in the return legs on February 24-25. Winners will move on to the round of 16, where another draw on February 27 will determine the path to the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30, 2026.
This season has seen intense competition and several surprises. The Premier League is strongly represented, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham all finishing in the top eight. They are joined by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Sporting CP. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who topped last year’s league phase, will compete in the play-offs after a less dominant campaign. Underdogs such as Bodø/Glimt and Qarabağ have also added excitement, highlighting the format’s aim to increase inclusivity and unpredictability.
Knockout Play-Off Matchups (Unseeded Hosts First Leg / Seeded Hosts Second Leg):
- Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Galatasaray vs Juventus
- Benfica vs Real Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
- Qarabağ vs Newcastle United
- Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid
- Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan
- Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Benfica vs Real Madrid: A high-stakes rematch, with Real Madrid seeking revenge from a recent league-phase clash. Real Madrid’s experience, however, makes them favorites.
- Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain: An all-French showdown, pitting PSG’s star-studded lineup against Monaco’s youthful energy.
- Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta: Both sides are attack-minded, promising a goal-filled tie. Dortmund’s home advantage at Signal Iduna Park could prove decisive.
- Qarabağ vs Newcastle United: Newcastle has a favorable draw, but Qarabağ’s resilience in the league stage cannot be underestimated.
- Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan: The Norwegian surprise package hosts Italian giants Inter, who will rely on their experience to cope with the challenging conditions.
The new Swiss-model league phase has been praised for producing more high-stakes games early in the season, with an average of over three goals per match and several surprising results. Critics, however, warn of increased fixture congestion for top clubs.
As the Champions League heads into the knockouts, fans can expect more twists, drama, and unforgettable clashes in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory. The round of 16 draw will fully reveal the bracket and set the stage for the race to Budapest.
