UCL: No Play-off Drama For English Quintet After League Phase Masterclass

Now that the Champions League group stage has wrapped up, the tournament moves into its knockout phase, beginning with a specialized play-off round.

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Under this format, the top eight finishers skip ahead directly to the round of 16. Meanwhile, the teams ranking 9th through 24th must battle it out in the play-offs to secure the remaining eight spots alongside the leaders.

While the setup feels a bit complex, the structure of the draw actually limits the potential matchups. Teams entering the play-offs are already aware that their opponent will come from a pool of just two possibilities.

Similarly, the top eight seeds know their next rival will be one of four specific teams, contingent on the play-off outcomes. It’s a non-traditional approach, but it creates a clear (if intricate) roadmap for the path to the finals.

Which clubs could be drawn against Arsenal in the upcoming round?

Either Arsenal or Bayern Munich is set to meet Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, or Olympiacos in the next round.

Which clubs could be drawn against Liverpool in the upcoming round?

One of the two English sides—Liverpool or Tottenham—is scheduled to meet either Club Brugge, Galatasaray, Juventus, or Atletico Madrid.

Which clubs could be drawn against Chelsea in the upcoming round?

Either Chelsea or Barcelona will be paired against one of these four teams: Monaco, Qarabag, PSG, or Newcastle.

Which clubs could be drawn against Tottenham Hotspur in the upcoming round?

Either Tottenham Or Liverpool will be drawn against Juventus, Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, or Club Brugge.

Which clubs could be drawn against Manchester City in the upcoming round?

Either Manchester City or Sporting will lock horns with one of the following clubs: Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bodo/Glimt, or Benfica.

Round of 16 Draw Details

The draw for the round of 16 is scheduled for Friday, February 27. This event will bring together the eight automatic qualifiers from the league phase and the eight winners from the knockout play-offs to determine the next set of matchups.

Newcastle’s Potential Play-Off Opponents

Newcastle is set to face either Monaco or Qarabag in the upcoming play-off round.

Play-Off Draw Details

The official draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026. The event will be held in Nyon, Switzerland.

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