The UEFA Champions League play-off round has concluded, with 16 teams qualifying for the knockout stage proper. Notable results include upsets like Bodo/Glimt's victory over Inter and Atalanta's dramatic comeback against Borussia Dortmund. The draw for the last 16 is set for February 27, 2026.
The Champions League play-off round wrapped up with several surprising outcomes and tense finishes. Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt delivered one of the tournament's biggest shocks by comprehensively beating last year's runners-up Inter Milan 5-2 on aggregate. Atalanta staged a remarkable recovery against Borussia Dortmund, overturning a 2-0 aggregate deficit with a last-minute penalty in their second leg, securing a 4-3 aggregate win.
Juventus faced an uphill battle after losing 5-2 in the first leg to Galatasaray. They managed a 3-0 victory in the second leg, forcing extra time, but a red card to Lloyd Kelly early in the additional period proved costly. Galatasaray advanced 7-5 on aggregate, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Baris Yilmaz sealing their progression.
Newcastle United dominated Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate, highlighted by Anthony Gordon's four goals in one half of the first leg. This match marked the furthest competitive away trip for an English side. Real Madrid progressed 3-1 against Benfica, following a second-leg 2-1 win at the Bernabeu; Vinicius Jr reportedly faced alleged racist abuse from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg.
Paris Saint-Germain, the title holders, advanced unconvincingly 5-4 over Monaco. Atletico Madrid beat Club Brugge 7-4, while Bayer Leverkusen defeated Olympiacos 2-0.
Six English teams now feature in the last 16, raising the possibility of domestic clashes. Potential matchups include PSG against Barcelona or Chelsea, and Real Madrid versus Manchester City. The top eight teams from the league phase, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich, benefit from seeding advantages, with home second legs in later rounds.
The last-16 draw occurs on February 27, 2026, at 12pm CET, with ties starting March 10. The final is scheduled for May 30, 2026, at Budapest's Puskas Arena.
