The 2025/26 Champions League round of 16 is set with 16 teams, including surprises like Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray. See who qualified via playoffs, the big names, and the most exciting matchups to watch after the February 27 draw.
Champions League 1/8 Finals Participants 2025/26: Full List and Key Storylines Ahead of Draw
The Champions League knockout stage is taking shape, and honestly, it’s more open than many expected. All 16 spots for the round of 16 are now filled after the playoff ties wrapped up. Eight teams sailed through the league phase straight to this stage, while the other eight had to battle through those tense two-legged playoffs. For supporters tracking every twist via free livescore football, this is where the real drama begins.
Look, this isn’t the usual lineup of only superclubs dominating everything. Sure, the heavy hitters are there, but some underdogs punched way above their weight to join them.
Teams That Skipped the Playoffs (Direct to Round of 16)
These sides finished in the top eight of the league phase and got a bye. No extra games, just straight into March’s action:
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- Liverpool
- Tottenham
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Sporting CP
- Manchester City
That’s a lot of Premier League and big European names. They earned the rest and the seeding advantage in the draw.
Playoff Winners Who Made It Through
The real drama came in the playoffs. These teams fought their way in, often against tough opponents:
- Galatasaray (edged out Juventus in a wild aggregate with extra time)
- Real Madrid
- PSG
- Atalanta (beat Borussia Dortmund)
- Bayer Leverkusen (solid win over Olympiacos)
- Bodø/Glimt (huge shock, knocked out Inter Milan)
- Newcastle United (overpowered Qarabag)
- Atlético Madrid (ran riot against Club Brugge, including a Sorloth hat-trick in one leg)
Bodø/Glimt’s run stands out the most. A small Norwegian club, with their domestic season barely started, took down Inter, last season’s finalists, 5-2 on aggregate. They even won at San Siro. That’s the kind of story that makes the Champions League special. Not every year do you see a team from Norway’s far north this deep.Galatasaray also turned heads by getting past Juventus, showing Turkish football can still mix it with the elite.
Why This Round of 16 Feels Different
Not all qualifiers are the perennial top clubs. Real Madrid and PSG had to go through playoffs, something you don’t see often from those two. Madrid, with their history, still needed to grind out results against Benfica. PSG handled Monaco. It shows even giants can slip in the new league-phase format.But the underdogs add spice. Newcastle back in the mix with their Saudi-backed push.Atalanta is always dangerous in knockouts. Leverkusen is carrying last season’s momentum. And Bodø/Glimt, pure fairytale stuff.The seeded teams (top eight) avoid each other in the round of 16, so no Arsenal vs Bayern early. But the unseeded playoff winners can land anyone. That opens doors for big clashes.
Most Intriguing Things to Watch After the Draw
The draw happens on February 27, and it’ll set up some mouth watering ties. Here are the ones I’m most curious about:
- Bodø/Glimt’s next adventure. They could face Manchester City again (they already beat them once in the league phase) or Sporting. Imagine the Arctic Circle hosting Pep’s side in March snow.
- Galatasaray vs one of the English giants. Possible Liverpool or Tottenham matchup. The Türk Telekom Stadium atmosphere would be insane for an away Premier League team.
- Real Madrid against a top seed. They drew Sporting or City in potential paths. Madrid in knockout mode is always scary, but facing City again would be fireworks.
- PSG vs Barcelona or Chelsea. Mbappé gone, but PSG still loaded. A reunion with Barca or a London battle could get messy.
- Atléticovs Liverpool or Tottenham. Simeone loves these gritty ties against English sides. Highintensity, cardseverywhere.
- Atalanta or Leverkusen vs Arsenal/Bayern. Both Italian/German sides play open, attacking football. Could produce thrillers.
First legs March 10-11, seconds March 17-18. No room for error now.
This season’s format has shaken things up. More teams get a shot, and we’ve seen shocks. The usual suspects are still favourites, but don’t count out the newcomers. Bodø/Glimt has already proven that anything can happen.Whoever you support, the next few months look packed with proper European nights. The full set of UEFA Champions League fixtures drops tomorrow, and expect some chaos. Get ready for some proper drama.
