The draw for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League round of 16 has produced a series of heavyweight clashes, with English clubs handed challenging paths to European glory.
Defending Premier League champions Manchester City will once again lock horns with Spanish giants Real Madrid in what has quickly become a modern Champions League rivalry. Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier in the league phase and have now met Los Blancos in five straight European campaigns. To keep their title hopes alive, City must overcome the 14-time European champions once more.
Elsewhere, Chelsea face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in another blockbuster tie. The London side will take confidence from their victory over PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, but the French outfit remain one of Europe’s most formidable sides.
Arsenal have been paired with German champions Bayer Leverkusen. It will be the Gunners’ first meeting with Leverkusen since 2002, and Mikel Arteta’s side will fancy their chances of progressing, especially with a potentially favourable quarter-final route ahead.
Liverpool must navigate a tricky encounter against Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray. The Reds have already tasted defeat against the Istanbul-based side earlier this season and now face another intimidating trip to Turkey.
Newcastle United have drawn Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. The Magpies will be hoping to channel memories of their famous 1997 victory over Barça, when Faustino Asprilla’s hat-trick lit up St James’ Park.
Tottenham Hotspur, enduring a difficult domestic campaign, will aim to find solace in Europe when they take on Atletico Madrid. Spurs see the Champions League as a welcome distraction and will relish the chance to test themselves against Diego Simeone’s battle-hardened side.
In other fixtures, Bayern Munich face Italy’s last remaining representatives Atalanta, while Sporting CP meet Norwegian surprise package Bodo/Glimt, who made history by becoming the first Norwegian team to win a Champions League knockout tie.
Full Round of 16 Draw
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
Barcelona vs Newcastle
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Match Dates Confirmed
The first legs will be played on March 10 and 11, with the return fixtures scheduled for March 17 and 18. Seeded teams will host the decisive second legs.
Road to Budapest
The route to the final has also been mapped out, and it promises more drama. Chelsea and Liverpool could meet in an all-English quarter-final showdown. The winner of Manchester City vs Real Madrid may have to contend with Bayern Munich in the last eight.
On the opposite side of the bracket, Tottenham and Newcastle are on a potential collision course, while Arsenal could face either Sporting CP or Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-finals if they get past Leverkusen.
All roads lead to the final at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, where one club will be crowned kings of Europe for the 2025–26 season.
Advertisement
