The Champions League, the jewel of European football, once again serves up mouth-watering ties for the Round of 16. After a surprising group stage and equally gripping play-offs, 16 prestigious clubs are ready to battle in the Round of 16. Only 8 will make it to the quarter-finals.
The 2025/26 edition promises to be memorable. Here’s an overview of the matches ahead.
The ties: Big challenges on the horizon
Galatasaray – Liverpool
Turkish club Galatasaray host Liverpool in what promises to be an electric showdown. Driven by the fierce atmosphere in their stadium, the Istanbul side will need to raise their game to disrupt the Reds’ plans. Liverpool, seasoned European campaigners, will look to take a strong advantage from the first leg. With Van Dijk anchoring the defence and Salah leading the attack, the Anfield side will want to make a statement in the first leg, on Turkish soil.
First leg: Galatasaray – Liverpool, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 18:45 (19:45 local time)
Second leg: Liverpool – Galatasaray, Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 21:00
Atalanta – Bayern Munich
Atalanta welcome the Bavarian powerhouse in what looks like a major test for the Italians. Known for their attacking football, Raffaele Palladino’s men will try to exploit any weaknesses in Bayern’s defence. Bayern, with stars such as Kimmich and Musiala, start as favourites but will need to be wary of Bergamo’s quick attacks.
First leg: Atalanta – Bayern Munich, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 21:00
Second leg: Bayern Munich – Atalanta, Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 21:00
Atlético Madrid – Tottenham
Two contrasting styles collide: Diego Simeone’s defensively solid Colchoneros against Spurs’ attacking flair. Atlético will count on the Metropolitano crowd to make the difference, while Tottenham, struggling in the Premier League league, will hope for moments of brilliance to take a positive result home.
First leg: Atlético Madrid – Tottenham, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 21:00
Second leg: Tottenham – Atlético Madrid, Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 21:00 (20:00 local time)
Newcastle – FC Barcelona
Newcastle, rejuvenated under the inspired management of their coach, will try to unsettle a Barça side seeking a European revival. The Magpies’ intense pressing could cause problems for the Catalans, although Yamal and company have the experience needed for these crucial occasions. Everything will be decided at the Camp Nou.
First leg: Newcastle – FC Barcelona, Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 21:00 (20:00 local time)
Second leg: FC Barcelona – Newcastle, Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 18:45
Leverkusen – Arsenal
A finely balanced tie between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal. The Gunners, guided by their Spanish tactician, hope to maintain positive momentum against a German side that is never short of resources. Arsenal’s young talents will need to shine to overcome an organised Leverkusen team.
First leg: Leverkusen – Arsenal, Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 18:45
Second leg: Arsenal – Leverkusen, Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 21:00 (20:00 local time)
Bodø/Glimt – Sporting Portugal
Perhaps the most unexpected tie of the Round of 16, but certainly not without intrigue. Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, impressive and bold in the group stage and then in the play-offs against Inter, will take on Sporting Lisbon. The Portuguese side must not underestimate their opponents, who often perform strongly in their icy fortress.
First leg: Bodø/Glimt – Sporting Portugal, Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 21:00
Second leg: Sporting Portugal – Bodø/Glimt, Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 18:45 (17:45 local time)
Paris – Chelsea
One of the headline ties of the Round of 16. Chelsea face Paris Saint-Germain, current Champions League champions. This duel will also be a chance for Liam Rosenior, who previously coached in France (Strasbourg), to meet his Spanish counterpart Luis Enrique—an intriguing clash of styles that promises a thrilling contest.
First leg: Paris – Chelsea, Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 21:00
Second leg: Chelsea – Paris, Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 21:00 (20:00 local time)
Real Madrid – Manchester City
Finally, Real Madrid vs Manchester City is undoubtedly the blockbuster tie of this Round of 16. Two football giants packed with star power: Haaland’s magic for City against a host of young talent for the Madridistas (without Mbappe). It’s also a managerial duel between the novice Arbeloa and Guardiola, each with a very different approach.
First leg: Real Madrid – Manchester City, Wednesday 11 March 2026 at 21:00
Second leg: Manchester City – Real Madrid, Tuesday 17 March 2026 at 21:00 (20:00 local time)
16 clubs for 8 places in the quarter-finals
These 2025/26 Champions League Round of 16 ties promise drama, excitement, and plenty of twists. Every club dreams of lifting the prestigious trophy in May, and this knockout phase is the first step toward European glory. Stay tuned to footballticket.club for all the latest information and for your tickets, because football in Europe is buzzing—and it’s sure to deliver unforgettable moments!
_____
Article updated on March 3rd, 2026
The 2025 Gamper Trophy on August 10th in Barcelona Nations League 2024/25 Season Recap – Portugal Lift the Trophy Again Champions League 2024/25 Season Recap – PSG Finally Conquer Europe La Liga 2024/25 Season Recap – Barça’s Revival & Mbappé’s Firepower Premier League 2024/25 Season – Liverpool and Salah Return to the Top Serie A 2024/25 Season – Napoli Seize the Scudetto & Retegui Shines