Champions League round of 16: opponents for Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle

For the first time, six Premier League teams will play in the 2025-26 Champions League round of 16, five as a result of finishing in the top eight of the league phase, with one more joining them via the knockout phase playoffs.

Arsenal lead the way with a perfect run

Arsenal topped the league phase standings with a perfect record, becoming the first team since the format change to win all eight games in the opening round.

The Gunners had already secured qualification for the last 16 before Matchday 8. They were then joined by Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, all of whom recorded the results they needed to finish inside the top eight.

Newcastle romp to playoff victory

Newcastle were the only one of the six participating Premier League teams not guaranteed a place in the round of 16. However, Eddie Howe’s side made it through the playoffs in style, thrashing Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate over two legs.

Round-of-16 matchups for Premier League teams

Six English teams are among the final 16 contenders for the Champions League trophy. These are the round-of-16 matchups for the Premier League clubs:

• Newcastle vs. Barcelona
• Chelsea vs. PSG
• Liverpool vs. Galatasaray
• Tottenham vs. Atlético Madrid
• Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
• Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Of the six teams, Newcastle, as a result of qualifying via the playoffs, are the only one who will play the second leg of their tie away from home.

Potential quarterfinal matchups

There could be two all-Premier League quarterfinals. Chelsea will face Liverpool if the English duo get past PSG and Galatasaray respectively. Additionally, Newcastle could go up against Tottenham, although neither will be favorites to get past either Barcelona or Atlético Madrid.

Manchester City’s potential reward for ousting Real Madrid might well be a last-eight clash against Bayern Munich, while Arsenal will be confident of reaching the semifinals. The Gunners will face either Bodø/Glimt or Sporting if they eliminate Bayer Leverkusen.

• PSG/Chelsea vs Galatasaray/Liverpool
• Real Madrid/Manchester City vs Atalanta/Bayern Munich
• Newcastle/Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid/Tottenham
• Bodø/Glimt/Sporting vs Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal

2025-26 Champions League knockout stage schedule

Round of 16

First legs: March 10-11

Second legs: March 17-18

Quarterfinals

First legs: April 7-8

Second legs: April 14-15

Semifinals

First legs: April 28-29

Second legs: May 5-6

Final

May 30 at Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary

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