Road to Budapest: Champions League Round of 16 Draw Results
The path to the 2026 UEFA Champions League final in Budapest is officially set. Following Friday’s draw at the House of European Football in Nyon, we now know the matchups for a blockbuster Round of 16 that promises to be an instant classic.
With the bracket finalized, we have been treated to some truly mouth-watering fixtures. Perhaps the most anticipated tie is the clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, pitting two of the tournament’s heavyweights against each other far earlier than many expected.
Round of 16 Fixtures
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea
Galatasaray vs. Liverpool
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich
Newcastle United vs. FC Barcelona
Atlético de Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting CP
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal
Key Dates for Your Diary
The intensity ramps up quickly, with the first legs scheduled to take place just
under two weeks from now:
Round of 16 First Legs: March 10–11, 2026
Round of 16 Second Legs: March 17–18, 2026
Under the current regulations, the seeded teams (those who finished in the top eight of the league phase) will have the advantage of playing the decisive second leg at home.
A Look Ahead
The draw didn’t just stop at the Round of 16; it has mapped out the entire bracket all the way to the final. This means the remaining giants of European football can now see exactly who stands in their way as they chase the ultimate prize in club football.
Whether it’s PSG seeking revenge against Chelsea, or the tactical battle between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal, this year’s knockout phase is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory.
