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

Six Premier League teams have qualified for 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 this week’s 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.

How the Swiss model shapes the draw

The Champions League’s current Swiss model format means there is now a clearer picture of what the knockout phase could look like, even if the exact ties are not yet known. There is no country protection, and teams can be drawn against opponents they already faced during the league phase.

Possible round of 16 matchups

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

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

2025-26 Champions League knockout stage schedule

Round of 16

Draw: February 27

First legs: March 11-12

Second legs: March 18-19

Quarterfinals

Draw: February 27

First legs: April 7-8

Second legs: April 14-15

Semifinals

Draw: February 27

First legs: April 28-29

Second legs: May 5-6

Final

May 30 at Puskás Arena in Budapest, Hungary

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