UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw: Full Breakdown
On 27 February, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, the draw for the Champions League Round of 16 delivered eight compelling matchups — and several storylines that already feel historic.
To reach this stage, 16 teams had to survive a preliminary playoff round, battling for the right to join the top eight sides from the league phase. That extra round produced drama, shock results, and at least one fairytale that European football won’t forget anytime soon.
Bodø/Glimt: From Debutants to Giant Killers
If there is one word that defines this year’s playoffs, it’s “sensation.” And no club embodies it more than Bodø/Glimt.
Playing in the Champions League for the first time in their history, the Norwegian side has turned into a nightmare for Europe’s elite. During the league phase, they stunned Manchester City (3–1) and Atlético Madrid (2–1).
Then came the knockout blow: Inter.
Bodø/Glimt defeated the Italian giants 3–1 at home and followed it up with a 2–1 win in Milan. Across the two legs, Russian goalkeeper Nikita Haikin delivered a commanding performance, while Jens Petter Hauge scored twice and added an assist.
For a club that had never appeared in the competition before, eliminating Inter over two legs is more than a surprise — it’s a statement.
Juventus Fall, Atalanta Respond
There was another headline in Italy — this time with a negative twist for Juventus.
The Bianconeri were crushed 5–2 away at Galatasaray in the first leg. Back in Turin, Juventus won 3–2 after extra time, but the damage had already been done. The comeback was incomplete, and their European campaign ended in February.
Meanwhile, Atalanta restored pride for Serie A by overturning a 2–0 first-leg defeat against Borussia Dortmund. The Italians responded with four goals in the return leg, conceding just once, to book their place in the Round of 16.
Teams Eliminated in the Playoff Round
The following clubs exited the competition in February:
- Monaco
- Juventus
- Benfica
- Borussia Dortmund
- Qarabağ
- Club Brugge
- Inter
- Olympiacos
The Round of 16 Draw: Full Pairings
The top eight teams from the league phase were already waiting. Among them:
- Bayern Munich
- Barcelona
- Sporting CP
- Arsenal
- Liverpool
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
Following the draw, the Round of 16 matchups are:
- Real Madrid vs Manchester City
- Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
- Newcastle United vs Barcelona
- Galatasaray vs Liverpool
- Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Key Storylines to Watch
Real Madrid vs Manchester City has become a modern classic. Over the past few seasons, this fixture has defined the latter stages of the tournament — and now it returns in the Round of 16.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea brings together the reigning Champions League holders and the most recent Club World Cup winners. It’s a clash of heavyweights with silverware pedigree.
Sporting will have to handle the fearless momentum of Bodø/Glimt, who appear to believe no opponent is untouchable. On current form, the Norwegians won’t feel like underdogs.
Barcelona face a physical and aggressive Newcastle side that has embraced a high-intensity English style. It won’t be comfortable football.
For new Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor, a trip to face Atlético Madrid represents his first major European test in charge.
Atalanta already eliminated one German side — now they take on Bayern, a far more imposing challenge.
Galatasaray will try to produce another upset, but Liverpool remain one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
And Arsenal, leaders of the league phase, meet Bayer Leverkusen — a tie that looks balanced on paper but slightly tilted toward the London side.
The Round of 16 matches will take place on 10–11 and 17–18 March.
The wait for elite European football is almost over.
Published by Patrick Jane
27.02.2026