Champions League Knockout Playoff Draw Revealed: Complete Matchup Breakdown for 2025-26
Following nearly five months of competition, 144 games and 487 goals scored, including one netted by a keeper, the Champions League's oddly titled league stage has finally come to its welcome end.
Even though two-thirds of participants advanced, the initial round of matches still witnessed several major European powerhouses bow out. Past winners Ajax and PSV Eindhoven failed to match their illustrious history, while current Serie A champions Napoli suffered the same destiny as Marseille—elimination from the tournament.
The leading eight sides—Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Manchester City—have secured their passage to the round of 16, though they must still monitor the knockout playoffs, which will determine their adversaries come March.
The knockout playoffs feature teams that placed between ninth and 24th positions competing across two matches in February for advancement to the round of 16. This prestigious lineup includes title holders Paris Saint-Germain, the tournament's most decorated club Real Madrid, alongside notable teams like Inter, Newcastle United, Juventus and Atlético Madrid.
Below is a complete overview of these pivotal matchups and their implications for the teams already qualified for the final 16.
2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Round First Legs
2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Round First Legs
Draw Section | Host Team | Visiting Team |
|---|---|---|
Silver | Monaco | PSG |
Silver | Galatasaray | Juventus |
Silver | Benfica | Real Madrid |
Silver | Borussia Dortmund | Atalanta |
Blue | Qarabağ | Newcastle |
Blue | Club Brugge | Atlético Madrid |
Blue | Bodø/Glimt | Inter |
Blue | Olympiacos | Bayer Leverkusen |
Opening legs are scheduled for either Feb. 17 or Feb. 18. All scheduling details and kick-off times will be announced by UEFA later.
2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Round Second Legs
2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Round Second Legs
Draw Section | Host Team | Visiting Team |
|---|---|---|
Silver | PSG | Monaco |
Silver | Juventus | Galatasaray |
Silver | Real Madrid | Benfica |
Silver | Atalanta | Borussia Dortmund |
Blue | Newcastle | Qarabağ |
Blue | Atlético Madrid | Club Brugge |
Blue | Inter | Bodø/Glimt |
Blue | Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos |
Return legs are set for either Feb. 24 or Feb. 25. All scheduling details and kick-off times will be announced by UEFA later.
Round of 16 Matchups
Round of 16 Matchups
The round of 16 will be determined through another largely ceremonial draw on Feb. 27 when each knockout playoff victor gets matched with one of two possible rivals.
The midweek dates of March 10/11 and March 17/18 will host this season's round of 16 encounters. As compensation for their direct qualification, the clubs that earned spots in the tournament's elite eight will enjoy home advantage in the return leg.
Round of 16 Clubs | Potential Opponent |
|---|---|
Barcelona or Chelsea | Victor of PSG vs. Monaco or Newcastle vs. Qarabağ |
Liverpool or Tottenham | Victor of Juventus vs. Galatasaray or Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge |
Sporting CP or Man City | Victor of Real Madrid vs. Benfica or Inter vs. Bodø/Glimt |
Arsenal or Bayern Munich | Victor of Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund or Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos |