Alex MacQuoid
The draw for the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs has officially taken place, setting up eight two-legged ties that will determine who progresses to the prestigious round of 16.
Conducted at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, the draw followed UEFA’s updated competition format, pairing seeded and unseeded teams based on their final league-phase positions.
Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Results
The following fixtures were confirmed:
- Benfica (POR) vs Real Madrid (ESP)
- Bodø/Glimt (NOR) vs Inter (ITA)
- Monaco (FRA) vs Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
- Qarabağ (AZE) vs Newcastle United (ENG)
- Galatasaray (TUR) vs Juventus (ITA)
- Club Brugge (BEL) vs Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
- Borussia Dortmund (GER) vs Atalanta (ITA)
- Olympiacos (GRE) vs Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
Each tie will be played over two legs, with the seeded side hosting the return fixture.
How Did the Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Work?
The draw was carried out in accordance with UEFA regulations, using final league-phase positions to determine pairings.
Clubs finishing 9th–16th were seeded, while teams placed 17th–24th were unseeded. These were grouped into positional pairs, with seeded sides facing teams from the corresponding unseeded bracket.
This structure ensured competitive balance while allowing for repeat match-ups and clashes between teams from the same national association.
Can Teams From the Same Country Face Each Other?
Yes. Unlike earlier stages of the competition, teams from the same national association can be drawn against one another in the knockout phase play-offs.
Clubs may also face opponents they already encountered during the league phase, adding another layer of tactical intrigue to the ties.
When Are the Champions League Play-Off Matches?
The knockout phase play-offs will be played across two weeks in February 2026.
First legs: 17/18 February 2026
Second legs: 24/25 February 2026
Each club will, in principle, play one match on a Tuesday and one on a Wednesday. Any scheduling conflicts caused by stadium or city clashes will be resolved by UEFA in line with established competition principles.
What Happens Next?
The eight teams that emerge victorious from the play-off ties will advance to the Champions League round of 16.
The draw for that stage is scheduled to take place on Friday, 27 February 2026, where Europe’s elite will once again learn their path towards continental glory.
With heavyweight clashes, tricky away trips, and fine margins expected, the knockout phase play-offs promise drama long before the last 16 even begins.