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The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league stage and play-offs have concluded.
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The 16 teams for the Round of 16 are now confirmed.
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The draw will be held on February 27.
The play-offs for the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 have wrapped up, confirming 8 teams that will join the 8 that qualified directly from the league stage. The round of 16 promises some thrilling matches ahead.
The Swiss Model’s second year featured 36 teams in a single league table. The top eight teams qualified directly, while the bottom eight were eliminated. The others engaged in play-offs to secure the remaining spots in the round of 16. Unlike traditional formats, every goal mattered in the final standings across 144 matches.
Arsenal made history by winning all 8 League Phase matches, finishing first with 24 points, while Bayern Munich was close behind in second, with their only loss to Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur was a notable surprise, performing well in Europe despite struggling in the Premier League.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City are the teams that qualified directly from the league stage.
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Play-Off Results
Teams placed 9th to 24th in the league stage faced two-legged knockout rounds to stay in the tournament. Many strong teams exited.
While Arsenal and Bayern Munich advanced easily, giants like Real Madrid and defending champions PSG had to fight hard in the play-offs. An impressive showing came from Bodo/Glimt, who eliminated Inter Milan.
Real Madrid Beat Benfica 3-1 (1-0, 2-1) On Aggregate
In the first leg, Real Madrid took a slim lead in Lisbon, with Vinicius Jr. scoring. However, the match was marred by allegations of racial abuse against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, leading to a temporary UEFA suspension for him before the return leg.
The return match in Madrid was intense. A scramble in the 14th minute almost saw an own goal, with Benfica’s Raul Asencio scoring to make it 1-1 on aggregate. Just two minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni scored to level the tie. Vinicius clinched the victory in the 80th minute with a well-placed shot, securing a 3-1 aggregate win.
Bodo/Glimt Beat Inter Milan 5-2 (3–1, 2–1) On Aggregate
In the first leg in Norway, Bodo/Glimt took advantage of the freezing conditions and their high press to lead 2-0. Lautaro Martínez’s goal brought Inter back into contention, but they received a late setback as Bodo/Glimt scored again.
Bodo/Glimt continued to attack in the second leg at San Siro, with Patrick Berg scoring a long-range shot. Inter equalized on the night through Marcus Thuram but needed more goals. Bodo/Glimt countered, and Hauge scored again, wrapping up a 5-2 aggregate victory.
Atletico Madrid Beat Club Brugge 7-4 (3–3, 3–1) On Aggregate
The first leg was chaotic, with Atletico Madrid taking a 2-0 lead before Brugge made a comeback, ultimately finishing 3-3 on aggregate. The return leg saw Atletico star Alexander Sorloth score a hat trick, ensuring their progression.
Bayer Leverkusen Beat Olympiacos 2-0 (2–0, 0–0) On Aggregate
Bayer Leverkusen took a strong position in the first leg thanks to Patrik Schick’s goals. The second leg saw a more cautious approach, but Leverkusen maintained their lead, securing their advancement.
Newcastle United Beat Qarabag 9-3 (6–1, 3–2) On Aggregate
Newcastle’s first leg in Baku was dominant, with Anthony Gordon scoring four goals in one half. They maintained their lead in the second leg through injury time, ensuring an aggregate win.
Galatasaray Beat Juventus 7-5 (5–2, 2–3) On Aggregate
The first leg saw Galatasaray overwhelm Juventus, with Noa Lang starring. In Turin, Juventus tried to make a comeback despite being down to ten men, but Galatasaray ultimately secured their spot in the next round.
Atalanta Beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 (0–2, 4–1) On Aggregate
After trailing in the first leg, Atalanta made a stunning comeback at home. They equalized and advanced in dramatic fashion with a last-minute penalty.
PSG Beat Borussia Monaco 4-3 (3–2, 2–2) On Aggregate
In an exciting matchup, PSG managed to secure a narrow win despite Monaco’s strong challenge. They took advantage of a red card against Monaco to clinch the victory.
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Qualified Teams For Round Of 16
Seeded Teams:
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, Manchester City
Unseeded Teams:
Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray, Bodo/Glimt
UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Round of 16 Draw Date
The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM IST in Nyon. Seeded teams will be matched with unseeded teams, with the former playing at home for the second leg.
Has the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 play-off stage concluded?
Yes, the play-off stage has concluded.
Are the 16 teams for the Round of 16 confirmed?
Yes, the 16 teams are confirmed.
Which teams qualified directly from the league stages?
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, Manchester City.
Which teams qualified by winning play-off matches?
Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle United, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray, Bodo/Glimt.
When is the Round of 16 draw?
The draw will take place on February 27, 2026, at 4:30 PM IST in Nyon.