The Champions League last 16 explained: how the new format works and who plays who
The Champions League last 16 is set. The draw took place on 27 February, the ties are confirmed, and the first legs kick off in March. But if you've been watching from a distance, things might look a bit different to how they used to. That's because the competition changed its format, and it's worth knowing how it works before the games get underway.
If you want to keep on top of every result as they happen, mobile-friendly matchday markets keeps everything in one place across all eight ties.
What changed?
The old group stage is gone. Up until the 2023/24 season, 32 teams were split into eight groups of four, with the top two from each group going through. Simple enough.
Now there are 36 teams, all in one big league table. Each club plays eight matches across the season - four at home, four away - against eight different opponents. At the end of it, the top eight teams go straight to the last 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th drop into a two-legged play-off for a chance to reach the knockouts. Anyone finishing 25th or lower is out completely, with no drop into the Europa League as a safety net.
Who's in the last 16?
Six English clubs are still in the competition, which is a record. Arsenal finished top of the entire league phase, with Liverpool third and Tottenham fourth. Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona make up the rest of the seeded top eight, alongside Sporting CP. Newcastle came through the play-offs after a 9-3 aggregate win over Qarabag to join them.
The confirmed last 16 ties are:
- Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich vs Atalanta
- Liverpool vs Galatasaray
- Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid
- Chelsea vs PSG
- Barcelona vs Newcastle
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid
- Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt
The bracket is now fixed all the way to Budapest. Teams follow a set path, so we already know which clubs could meet in the quarter-finals and semi-finals depending on who goes through. It also means there's no country protection at this stage - English clubs can and do face each other, as Chelsea and Newcastle could find out.
When are the games?
First legs are on 10 and 11 March. Second legs follow on 17 and 18 March. The higher-ranked team from the league phase hosts the second leg - a real advantage for sides like Arsenal, who'll have the Emirates behind them for the return fixture.
Quarter-finals come in April, semi-finals in late April and early May, with the final in Budapest on 30 May 2026.
One thing worth knowing: away goals no longer count in the Champions League. That rule was scrapped before the 2021/22 season. So, if a tie is level on aggregate after both legs, it goes straight to extra time and, if still level, penalties. No shortcuts.
How to follow the games
With six English clubs still in it, March is going to be a busy few weeks. Ties involving Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle all have plenty riding on them, and the quarter-final paths are already taking shape. Keep a close eye on the bracket, as the road to Budapest is starting to get interesting.
