2025–26 UEFA Champions League Draw: Star-Studded Round of 16 Set Under New League-Phase Format – Sportsphere24
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League draw has produced a highly competitive knockout bracket, highlighting the drama and intrigue of Europe’s premier club competition under the new league-phase format. Eight top clubs are seeded directly into the round of 16, while the remaining teams face a knockout play-off to earn their place. The draw features European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern München, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City, with several intriguing ties still to be confirmed based on play-off results.
How the Draw Works
Under UEFA’s revamped structure, 36 clubs compete in a single league phase, with the top eight teams automatically advancing to the round of 16 as seeded sides. Clubs finishing 9th–24th enter home-and-away knockout play-offs, and the winners progress to join the seeds.
For the round of 16, seeded teams are placed in specific sections of the bracket and can only face one of two possible unseeded opponents from that section. This system ensures a predetermined path to the final once the draw is finalized. Seeded clubs also enjoy the crucial advantage of hosting the second leg at home, which could prove decisive in tight matchups.
English Clubs Dominate the Seeds
Five Premier League teams — Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester City — have secured direct qualification as seeded sides. England benefits from UEFA coefficients and additional slots under the new system, with Tottenham also entering as Europa League winners, making this one of the strongest English contingents ever at this stage.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, finished outside the top eight and must navigate the knockout play-offs. If they progress, it could create a historic scenario with six English teams in the round of 16. All five seeded English clubs are guaranteed to play the second leg at home, offering a potential strategic advantage in high-pressure fixtures.
Example Potential Round of 16 Matchups
The draw currently includes “placeholder” pairings, depending on the play-off winners. Some notable projections include:
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Real Madrid or Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt or Benfica
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Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund or Olympiacos
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Tottenham potentially facing Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Club Brugge, or Galatasaray
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Liverpool matched with a similarly high-profile unseeded side
Even as seeded teams, these clubs are unlikely to face easy ties, emphasizing the intensity and unpredictability of the revamped Champions League knockout stages.
Key Dates and Schedule
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Knockout Play-offs: First legs 11–12 February, second legs 18–19 February
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Round of 16: First legs 4–5 March, second legs 11–12 March
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Quarter-finals: Early to mid-April
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Semi-finals: Late April to early May
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Final: 2026 Champions League final, closing the first full edition under the league-phase format
This schedule promises a packed and thrilling second half of the Champions League season, with high-stakes clashes across Europe’s top clubs.
Sportsphere24 Verdict
The 2025–26 Champions League knockout draw sets up one of the most exciting editions in recent memory. With European heavyweights seeded and unseeded sides battling through play-offs, fans can expect dramatic ties, tactical battles, and edge-of-your-seat moments.
For English clubs, the combination of home advantage in second legs and a strong seeded contingent makes the knockout rounds particularly compelling. Across Europe, the new league-phase format promises a clear, structured path to the final while maintaining the high drama and unpredictability fans expect — exactly the kind of coverage Sportsphere24 thrives on.