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The much-anticipated draw for the Champions League knockout stages has now been made, with plenty to look forward to in the latter rounds of Europe's premier club competition. The top eight teams from the initial league phase - Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting and Manchester City - all qualified automatically for the next round and earned a break through February.
Teams finishing between ninth and 24th were required to contest an additional two-legged playoff to secure a place in the Round of 16. Those ties produced plenty of drama, not least Norwegian outsiders Bodo/Glimt, who continued their giant-killing run with a shock 5-2 aggregate victory over last seasons finalists Inter Milan.
Newcastle also delivered one of the biggest aggregate scorelines in Champions League history, thrashing Qarabag 9-3 to ensure all six English clubs remain in the showpiece tournament. Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayer Leverkusen were among the other sides to progress from the playoffs.
Champions League Round of 16 Draw
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match
The Round of 16 first-leg matches are set for March 10/11, with the return legs scheduled for March 17/18. All remaining teams are competing for a place in the Champions League final, which will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on May 30, 2026.
Stakes couldn't be higher as Europe’s top clubs battle for the most prestigious trophy in club football. See the full Round of 16 draw below:
Champions League round of 16 draw in full (across two legs)
Home (first leg)
Real Madrid
Bodo/Glimt
Paris Saint-Germain
Newcastle United
Galatasaray
Atletico Madrid
Atalanta
Bayer Leverkusen
Needless to say, the most exciting fixtures look set to be Manchester City's bout with perennial winners Real Madrid, who have had a whirlwind tournament so far given the context of their three matches against Benfica.
How the Rest of the Knockout Bracket Looks
Champions League knockout bracket
More to follow as the rest of the knockout bracket is determined...