The composition of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase has begun to crystallize following the official play-off draw. Eight decisive two-legged encounters have been scheduled, determining which sides will progress to the round of 16 to meet the eight group winners who have already secured their passage. The draw, conducted at UEFA headquarters, has produced several intriguing narratives, promising high-stakes drama as Europe’s elite vie for a coveted spot in the competition’s next chapter.
Among the most captivating fixtures is the immediate reunion between Real Madrid and Benfica, the latter now under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho. This pairing ensures a swift re-engagement between the Spanish giants and the Portuguese outfit, adding a layer of tactical intrigue with Mourinho’s return to a familiar stage. Simultaneously, the reigning continental holders, Paris Saint-Germain, discovered their fate, setting the stage for a formidable challenge as they commence their title defense from this preliminary knockout stage.
Key Contenders and Formidable Challenges
The draw has effectively positioned several other heavyweight clubs on a collision course. Manchester City, perennial contenders in recent seasons, will face a stern test against FC Porto, a club with a rich pedigree in this competition. Similarly, Bayern Munich has been tasked with overcoming Inter Milan in a clash that evokes memories of past European finals, guaranteeing a spectacle of the highest caliber.
Further intrigue lies in the matchup between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, a fixture renowned for its intensity and contrasting philosophies. Meanwhile, Chelsea will embark on a challenging journey to Eastern Europe to confront Shakhtar Donetsk, a team known for its resilience and technical prowess on home soil. The remaining ties see Barcelona paired with Juventus in a classic European duel, Borussia Dortmund taking on AC Milan, and Arsenal set to meet RB Leipzig, completing a slate of fixtures where no team can anticipate an straightforward path forward.
The first legs of these pivotal play-off ties are scheduled for February 18-19, 2026, with the decisive return fixtures to follow one week later, on February 25-26, 2026. The aggregate winners from these eight confrontations will advance to the round of 16, where the group winners—including the likes of Napoli, Ajax, and Manchester United—await. With such prestigious names and historic rivalries defining the play-off round, the road to the final in Munich promises to be as unforgiving as it is exhilarating from the very outset of the knockout phase.