Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Draw: Predictions & Schedule

Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Draw: Predictions, Analysis & Betting Favorites

The Champions League draw is out and this has sparked a lot of reactions online. One thing is certain though, we will definitely have a very interesting March!

Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea have been placed in what appears to be the hardest side of the draw but according to stats, this does not mean we should count them out.

On the other hand, for the first time in history, we saw a team (Arsenal) go on a perfect streak. The Gunners didn’t drop a single point in their league phase, scoring 23 goals and conceding just four.

Matches Schedule

From the draw at Nyon, these are the fixed matches. Please note that kick-off is 8pm when not expressly indicated.

First legs: Tuesday March 10

Galatasaray vs Liverpool, starts at 5.45pm

Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham

Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

Newcastle vs Barcelona

First legs: Wednesday March 11 

Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal, starts at 5.45pm

Real Madrid vs Man City

PSG vs Chelsea

Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting

Second legs: Tuesday March 17 

Sporting vs Bodo/Glimt, starts at 5.45pm

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Man City vs Real Madrid

Chelsea vs PSG

Second legs: Wednesday March 18

Barcelona vs Newcastle, starts at 5.45pm

Bayern Munich vs Atalanta

Liverpool vs Galatasaray

Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid

Again, note that all matches without an indicated kick-off time start at 8pm. If you want specific stats or match predictions, click here (insert link to prediction page)

The Headline Clash: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League and it has gotten fans buzzing. This is the fifth consecutive season Man City and 15-time winners Real Madrid have been drawn in the Champions League knockouts. While some fans feel there is some ploy, they can't deny the fact that this match would be a masterpiece!

Because this is the fourth consecutive year these two have met in the knockouts, their heated rivalry will be renewed, and this will lead to a very intense game.

Real Madrid has a speciality in the Champions League and this happens even when they aren't playing well. They usually stay calm and find a way to win through big individual moments, and if there is something the Los Blancos are lacking it is not experienced and extremely talented players.

In contrast to this, Pep Guardiola’s side is a well-oiled machine that thrives on systematic attack. They use a perfect system to control the ball and exhaust their opponents. 

Also, playing the second leg at the Etihad is a huge advantage for City. At home, their passing is so fast and precise that it can swallow up Madrid’s players, forcing the Spanish giants to defend for 90 minutes straight. 

In essence, it’s a battle between Madrid’s heart and City’s brain.

As you head into the match, watch out for Madrid's Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé. Also, Man City's Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

The Most Favoured Side to Win

The Gunners are seen as the most favoured side to lift this year's Champions Cup following their perfect league run, and a favorable draw against Bayer Leverkusen.

They finished the first stage of the Champions League at the top of the table, being the only team in history to secure a perfect record with 8 wins in 8 matches. Their next challenge is against Bayer Leverkusen, with the first leg away on March 11 and the return leg at home on March 17. 

If they advance, they will face either Sporting Lisbon or Bodø/Glimt, meaning they won't have to play one of the big clubs until the final. This means that in the absence of any surprises, Arsenal has already secured its spot at the finals.

The addition of Viktor Gyökeres as their striker has been an insane game-changer! The Swede has given Arsenal the attacking edge that they lacked in previous seasons. Combined with Gabriel Martinelli’s brilliance, as their top goal scorer in the competition (6 goals), the two are unstoppable.

Their defence can be seen as world-class as it includes the excellent duo of Saliba and Gabriel. Arsenal finally has a squad that can outplay low-tier and higher-tier teams. This will most likely be the year that they get to hold the Champions League trophy for the first time.

Other Teams Analysis

Liverpool:

 Liverpool’s experience is under pressure here as they face a very hostile atmosphere against Galatasaray. However, Arne Slot’s side is the favoured team to win this bout.

 Chelsea vs. PSG: 

This is actually a rematch of the 2025 Club World Cup final. PSG are clear favourites to win because they are the reigning European champions and are currently dominating the French league, whereas Chelsea has been very inconsistent in their Premier League matches this season.

 Tottenham vs. Atletico Madrid:

 A lot of football analysts are calling this match the ultimate clash of styles as Postecoglou’s high line goes against Simeone’s defensive block. Atletico Madrid are narrowly the favourites to win this match. 

While Atletico Madrid has conceded significantly fewer goals than Spurs, the latter has a highly deadly attack force. Even though Tottenham has been tagged the underdogs, the second leg in London can see them turn the tide against Someone's side, as they have done to other much bigger teams.

Final Thoughts

The month of March is literally electrified with the number of exciting matches to be played. With speculations and predictions running wild, LigaPredict focuses more on stats and tactical advantages.

See Champions League Predictions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an away goals rule in the 2025/26 Champions League?

No, the away goals rule remains abolished. If teams are tied on aggregate after the second leg, the match will proceed to two 15-minute periods of extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout, regardless of who scored more goals away from home.

Why is Arsenal considered the favorite for the 2026 Champions League?

Arsenal enters the Round of 16 as favorites due to their historic "perfect" league phase (8 wins, 0 losses) and the clinical form of Viktor Gyökeres. Their side of the bracket avoids heavyweights like Real Madrid and Man City until the final, giving them the clearest path to the trophy.

How many times have Real Madrid and Man City met in the knockouts?

The 2025/26 Round of 16 marks the fifth consecutive season these two giants have been drawn against each other in the knockout stages. This rivalry has become the "modern classic" of European football, often deciding the eventual tournament winner.

Where is the 2026 Champions League Final being held?

The final will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on Saturday, May 30, 2026. This venue is renowned for its incredible atmosphere and will host the climax of the first-ever 36-team league format era.

Can Chelsea upset PSG in the Round of 16?

While PSG are the reigning European champions and current favorites, this match is a repeat of the 2025 Club World Cup final. Chelsea's inconsistency in the Premier League makes them underdogs, but their knockout experience in Europe often keeps them competitive in high-stakes two-legged ties.