By Gran Chico | March 10, 2026
The UEFA Champions League has entered its knockout stage, with 16 of Europe’s top clubs competing for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 season.
This campaign continues the revamped format introduced in 2024/25, which features an expanded league phase before the knockout rounds. The final of the tournament is scheduled for May 30, 2026, in Budapest, promising an exciting conclusion to Europe’s biggest club competition.
Round of 16 Fixtures
First Legs
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
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Galatasaray vs Liverpool F.C. (20:45 EAT)
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Atalanta BC vs FC Bayern Munich (23:00 EAT)
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Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur F.C. (23:00 EAT)
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Newcastle United F.C. vs FC Barcelona (23:00 EAT)
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
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Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal F.C. (20:45 EAT)
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Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP (23:00 EAT)
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Paris Saint-Germain F.C. vs Chelsea F.C. (23:00 EAT)
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Real Madrid C.F. vs Manchester City F.C. (23:00 EAT)
Second Legs
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
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Sporting CP vs Bodø/Glimt (20:45 EAT)
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Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen (23:00 EAT)
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Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain (23:00 EAT)
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Manchester City vs Real Madrid (23:00 EAT)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Barcelona vs Newcastle (20:45 EAT)
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Bayern Munich vs Atalanta (23:00 EAT)
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Liverpool vs Galatasaray (23:00 EAT)
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Tottenham vs Atlético Madrid (23:00 EAT)
Key Matchups
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Turkish giants Galatasaray reached the round of 16 after eliminating Juventus F.C. in a thrilling play-off tie. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been crucial with his goal-scoring form, while Liverpool rely on the creativity of Dominik Szoboszlai.
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Italian side Atalanta progressed after knocking out Borussia Dortmund. Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, remain one of the tournament favorites, led by prolific striker Harry Kane.
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Newcastle’s strong campaign has continued into the knockout rounds, but they face a tough challenge against Barcelona, who boast exciting young talent such as Lamine Yamal.
PSG vs Chelsea
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will take on Chelsea, who are returning to the Champions League after a three-year absence. Chelsea’s hopes will depend heavily on the form of Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
One of the most anticipated ties features European giants Real Madrid and Manchester City. Madrid will rely on the attacking brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, while City will look to the goal-scoring record of Erling Haaland.
Looking Ahead
The round of 16 reflects the unpredictability of the competition’s new format, with emerging teams like Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray challenging traditional European powerhouses.
With injuries, tactical battles, and fixture congestion all playing a role, the race to the quarter-finals promises intense drama as clubs continue their quest for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. ⚽
