2025-2026 Champions League Round of 16 Draw

Champions League Round of 16 draw has been completed in Nyon, Switzerland, producing a set of blockbuster ties that will keep football fans on the edge of their seats throughout March. Six English clubs have learned their fate alongside Europe's biggest names, setting the stage for two weeks of unforgettable knockout football.

The Full Round of 16 Draw

The eight seeded teams from the league phase were paired with the eight winners of the knockout playoffs. Seeded teams will host the second leg, giving them a potential advantage in the decisive return fixture. Here are the eight ties:

• Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
• Galatasaray vs Liverpool
• Real Madrid vs Manchester City
• Atalanta vs Bayern München
• Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona
• Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur
• Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP
• Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

First legs take place on 10 and 11 March, with the return fixtures scheduled for 17 and 18 March 2026.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City: The Rivalry Continues

The standout tie of the round is undoubtedly Real Madrid against Manchester City. These two sides have produced some of the most dramatic Champions League encounters in recent memory, and their latest meeting promises to be equally thrilling. Real Madrid came through their playoff against Benfica with a 3-1 aggregate win, while City sailed through the league phase as a top-eight seed. The first leg at the renovated Santiago Bernabéu will be one of the most anticipated matches of the entire tournament.

Chelsea Face PSG in Paris

Chelsea have been handed a glamorous trip to the French capital, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. PSG scraped through their playoff tie against Monaco, winning 5-4 on aggregate in a dramatic encounter. Chelsea, however, were one of the strongest performers in the league phase and will fancy their chances of progressing. The return leg at Stamford Bridge promises a tense and dramatic evening under the West London floodlights.

Liverpool Head to Istanbul

Liverpool will travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray — a city that holds a very special place in the hearts of Reds supporters. Galatasaray qualified for the last 16 in spectacular fashion, overcoming Juventus 7-5 on aggregate in one of the most entertaining playoff ties of the round. Liverpool finished third in the league phase and will host the second leg at Anfield, where their European record speaks for itself.

Tottenham Return to the Metropolitano

Tottenham Hotspur have drawn Atlético Madrid in a tie loaded with history and emotion. Spurs will return to the Civitas Metropolitano for the first time since the 2019 Champions League final — a match that remains one of the most significant in the club's recent history. Atlético advanced past Club Brugge with a 7-4 aggregate win in the playoffs, and Diego Simeone's side will be a tough opponent. Tottenham host the second leg at their impressive 62,000-seat stadium in North London.

Newcastle United Meet Barcelona Again

Newcastle United and FC Barcelona will renew their rivalry after already meeting in the league phase earlier this season. Barcelona won that encounter at St James' Park thanks to a Marcus Rashford brace, so the Magpies will be eager for revenge. Newcastle were the most emphatic qualifiers from the playoffs, demolishing Qarabağ 9-3 on aggregate. The first leg takes place on Tyneside before the tie moves to the Spotify Camp Nou for the return fixture.

Arsenal Draw Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal, who topped the league phase standings, have been paired with Bayer Leverkusen. The German champions earned their spot in the last 16 with a disciplined 2-0 aggregate victory over Inter Milan. This promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two of the best-coached teams in European football. Arsenal travel to the BayArena for the first leg before hosting the return at the Emirates Stadium, where they will look to seal their place in the quarter-finals.

The Road to Budapest

The draw also confirmed the full bracket through to the final, which takes place on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. The quarter-final and semi-final pairings have been mapped out, meaning teams already know their potential path to the final. Quarter-finals are scheduled for 7/8 and 14/15 April, with the semi-finals on 28/29 April and 5/6 May.

With six English clubs in the last 16, the Premier League has its strongest Champions League representation in years. Whether it's the heavyweight clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, the emotional returns to Istanbul and Madrid for Liverpool and Tottenham, or Arsenal's bid to go all the way as league phase leaders — this round of 16 has all the ingredients for a truly memorable Champions League knockout stage.

Tickets for all Champions League Round of 16 matches are available now. Don't miss your chance to be part of the biggest nights in European club football this March.