Europe’s elite now know their fate, and the road to Budapest promises drama as holders Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea, while Manchester City meet Real Madrid again in the last 16 of the 2025/26 Uefa Champions League.
Six Premier League sides reached the round of 16, yet there is no all-English clash. Arsenal draw Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle United face Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Liverpool take on Galatasaray and Tottenham Hotspur battle Atlético Madrid. First legs are set for 10 and 11 March, with return legs on 17 and 18 March. Newcastle United host Barcelona first, while their domestic rivals enjoy second-leg home advantage.
Chelsea’s reunion with PSG revives memories of last year’s Club World Cup final, where the Blues triumphed 3-0 that night.
“It’ll be tough but it holds no fear for us,” said Chelsea’s director of football David Barnard. “It’s too soon to speak about the final, we should think game by game. Now we have a strong opener to face.”
Premier League heavyweights face familiar foes in high-stakes knockouts
City’s rivalry with Madrid intensifies, with this match-up marking a fifth straight knockout meeting. Their December win in Spain was already their ninth clash since April 2022.
“It’s a big game for both teams. It’s like a final, we are happy to go there again,” said City director Hugo Viana. Liverpool legend Ian Rush added: “I think our advantage is that the second leg is at home. I think the atmosphere at Anfield is second to none and, hopefully, that will come into it.”
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The bracket is mapped, and potential quarter-final collisions mean Newcastle could meet Tottenham, while Chelsea might collide with Liverpool. The final will unfold at the Puskas Arena, Budapest on 30 May.
Opta favourites Arsenal lead title race as underdogs eye historic runs
Arsenal topped the league phase with eight wins from eight. If they pass Leverkusen, Sporting or Bodo/Glimt await. Opta give the Gunners a 27.40% chance of lifting the trophy. Bayern follow at 14.28%, with Liverpool and City next.
“You can look at the bracket but you can’t take things for granted,” added Barnard. Tottenham legend Gary Mabbutt warned: “At this stage, anything can happen and every game is winnable.”
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior said: “[I’m] so excited. PSG are a fantastic team.” PSG coach Luis Enrique responded: “It will be fascinating to play against one of the best English teams.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick insisted: “We must respect our opponents.” Interestingly, Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes called Arsenal “perhaps the top favourite for the title.”
UEFA Champions League Last 16 fixtures:
| ? Fixture No. | Home Team | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris Saint-Germain | Chelsea |
| 2 | Galatasaray | Liverpool |
| 3 | Real Madrid | Manchester City |
| 4 | Atalanta | Bayern Munich |
| 5 | Newcastle United | Barcelona |
| 6 | Atletico Madrid | Tottenham Hotspur |
| 7 | Bodo/Glimt | Sporting CP |
| 8 | Bayer Leverkusen | Arsenal |
Tags: Champions League last 16, #ChampionsLeague, #UCL, #HalaMadrid, Real Madrid, #AFC, #CFC, #MCFC, #THFC, #COYS, #COYB, #KTBFFH, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Galatasaray.
