NYON: European football giants Real Madrid and Manchester City are set for another blockbuster showdown after being paired together in the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
The highly anticipated draw, conducted in Nyon on Friday, February 27, produced several heavyweight fixtures as Europe’s elite clubs begin the knockout phase battle for continental supremacy.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will face English side Chelsea in what promises to be a thrilling rematch following their recent encounter in the FIFA Club World Cup final.
Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid renews its rivalry with Manchester City, continuing a recent history of dramatic meetings between both clubs in Europe. The teams previously clashed in last season’s play-off round, where Madrid progressed with a 6–3 aggregate victory, although City secured a 2–1 win during this season’s group stage meeting.
Premier League leaders Arsenal have been drawn against German champions Bayer Leverkusen, while Bayern Munich will take on Italian side Atalanta.
Elsewhere, Barcelona faces Newcastle United in another intriguing tie following their earlier group-stage meeting, which the Catalan club narrowly won.
English clubs Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were drawn against Galatasaray and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Surprise package Bodo/Glimt will battle Portugal’s Sporting CP for a place in the quarterfinals.
The Round of 16 ties will be played over two legs, with the first matches scheduled for March 10 and 11, while the return fixtures will take place on March 16 and 17.
Full UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Fixtures
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Real Madrid vs Manchester City
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Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
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Newcastle United vs Barcelona
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Galatasaray vs Liverpool
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Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur
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Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
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Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
With multiple European heavyweights set to collide, the knockout stage promises high drama as clubs intensify their quest for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy.
