Champions League draw has delivered several blockbuster Round of 16 ties, with Manchester City FC versus Real Madrid CF standing out as the headline clash among the eagerly anticipated matchups.
The stage is set for the business end of Europe’s premier club competition as the Champions League moves into its knockout phase. With the group stage battles now settled, attention turns to the highly anticipated knockout draw, where the continent’s elite clubs will learn their next challenge on the road to continental glory.
From heavyweight clashes involving sides like Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC to other intriguing matchups across the continent, the road to the final at Puskás Aréna is officially taking shape. Here’s everything you need to know about the Round of 16 draw, schedule, and key fixtures.
Champions League Draw: Round of 16 Fixtures, Schedule, and more
The Round of 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League will be played over two legs, with the first matches scheduled for 10–11 March 2026 and the return fixtures taking place on 17–18 March 2026. Several blockbuster ties emerged from the draw, including the standout clash between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC, a heavyweight encounter between European football’s modern tactical forces.
Other intriguing matchups include possible Premier League versus continental power contests such as Chelsea FC facing Paris Saint-Germain FC, Newcastle United FC against FC Barcelona, etc.
- Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
- Bodø/Glimt vs. Sporting CP
- PSG vs. Chelsea
- Newcastle vs. Barcelona
- Galatasaray vs. Liverpool
- Atlético Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur
- Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal
The knockout phase continues with the quarter-finals on 7–8 and 14–15 April 2026, followed by the semi-finals on 28–29 April and 5–6 May 2026.
The campaign will culminate in the final at Puskás Aréna on 30 May 2026, where the last two teams standing will compete for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.
Who is the Betting Favourite to Win the Champions League?
According to latest odds, Arsenal lead at around 20% implied probability to win the 2025/26 Champions League. Bayern Munich sit next at 16%, and Manchester City with 11% chances of winning the illustrious silverware.
| Champions League Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 4/1 | Betway |
| Bayern Munich | 5/1 | Coral |
| Man City | 15/2 | Coral |
| PSG | 8/1 | Unibet |
| Barcelona | 8/1 | Unibet |
Arsenal are seen as one of the most complete sides in Europe right now. Strong defence, potent attack, and a deep squad give them consistency across competitions. They’ve also shown tactical maturity that inspires confidence in crunch moments. Their balanced squad, coupled with experience in later stages of European competition in recent seasons, makes them a credible contender rather than an outsider.
Bayern are perennial Champions League threats. They have elite firepower and a winning pedigree, but recent years have seen them fall short against Europe’s very best, especially in knockout ties. Bayern’s experience and depth keep them in the conversation, but lapses in key moments and tactical rigidity have tempered expectations slightly relative to the very top favourites.
Man City win. A lot. But markets balance their dominance with the brutal statistical reality of knockout football, where great sides still lose tightly contested ties. City have world-class personnel and a manager who understands European competition deeply. Their tactical flexibility and control in games make them extremely dangerous in two-legged ties.
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PSG have world-class stars and can dominate games, but their track record in knockout stages has been inconsistent, especially when facing elite opposition. There’s talent, but questions remain about cohesion and mental edge in big European nights. They’re talented enough to beat anyone on their day, but inconsistency and occasional tactical fragility mean they’re not among the very top-tier favourites.
Barcelona are always considered dangerous in European competition because of their tactical identity and history. Their current squad blends youth and experience, and they’ve been resurgent domestically and continentally. They are capable of deep runs due to strong possession play and creativity, but still behind teams with more consistent knockout-level output.
