The Champions League last-16 draw has delivered blockbuster fixtures across the board, setting up heavyweight clashes as Europe’s elite begin their knockout journeys.
Manchester City must overcome Real Madrid to keep their European hopes alive, while Arsenal have been paired with Bayer Leverkusen. Liverpool will face Galatasaray, Chelsea take on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, and Newcastle prepare for a daunting tie against Barcelona.
With no restrictions on clubs from the same country facing each other, the Champions League last-16 draw has produced several high-stakes encounters that could shape the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.
Champions League Last-16 Draw in Full
Here is the complete outcome of the Champions League last-16 draw:
- Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich vs Atalanta
- Liverpool vs Galatasaray
- Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
- Barcelona vs Newcastle
- Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid
The bracket is now fully mapped, meaning teams also know their potential route to the final.
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
One of the standout ties from the Champions League last-16 draw sees Arsenal face German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Mikel Arteta’s side continue their push for silverware on multiple fronts and will view this as a challenging but manageable tie. Leverkusen, however, possess pace and attacking quality capable of punishing any defensive lapse.
For Arsenal, the Champions League last-16 draw represents an opportunity to assert themselves as genuine contenders on the European stage.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid: A Modern European Classic
The headline fixture of the Champions League last-16 draw pairs Manchester City with Real Madrid.
This rivalry has defined recent knockout campaigns, and once again, Pep Guardiola’s side must navigate the most decorated club in competition history. City’s pursuit of European glory faces a stern test against Carlo Ancelotti’s experienced Madrid squad.
With both clubs carrying serious title ambitions, the Champions League last-16 draw could see one favorite eliminated earlier than expected.
Chelsea Face Defending Champions PSG
Chelsea’s reward from the Champions League last-16 draw is a clash against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG’s firepower and big-game pedigree make them one of the tournament favorites, while Chelsea continue rebuilding under their current project. This tie is a replay of last year’s Club World Cup final, and it presents PSG with an opportunity to get their revenge on the Blues.
The Champions League last-16 draw has given Chelsea perhaps the most difficult opponent among the English sides.
Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham Discover Their Fate
Liverpool will meet Galatasaray following the Champions League last-16 draw, a tie that may appear favorable on paper but demands focus given the Turkish side’s intimidating home atmosphere.
Newcastle, meanwhile, face Barcelona in what promises to be an intense battle. Barcelona’s European experience contrasts with Newcastle’s resurgence in continental competition, making this one of the more intriguing matchups from the Champions League last-16 draw.
Tottenham have drawn Atletico Madrid. With domestic inconsistency clouding their Premier League campaign, Spurs will hope the European stage offers redemption.
What the Champions League Last-16 Draw Means for the Road Ahead
The structure of this year’s competition means the Champions League last-16 draw determines the knockout bracket through to the final. There will be no additional draws before the showpiece event. Clubs can now map potential quarterfinal and semifinal opponents, intensifying the stakes of every first-leg encounter.
For English clubs, the Champions League draw presents a mix of opportunity and danger. Arsenal and Liverpool may see paths forward, while Manchester City and Chelsea must overcome elite opposition immediately.
As the knockout phase approaches, Europe’s biggest clubs prepare for nights that define seasons. The Champions League last-16 draw has ensured that drama, rivalry, and high-pressure football await.
The road to the final is set.
