Champions League Round of 16: Draw, Fixtures & Qualified Teams 2025/26
The Champions League Round of 16 draw has delivered a familiar, and highly anticipated, clash: Real Madrid versus Manchester City. The two European powerhouses will renew their rivalry in March, marking the fifth consecutive season they’ve met in the knockout stages of the competition. The first leg is scheduled for either or at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on or .
This pairing represents arguably the most compelling tie of the Round of 16. Manchester City recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu in December, a result that offered a glimpse of their current form. The historical record between the two sides is remarkably even, with five wins apiece in 15 total meetings, and a goal difference of just 26-25 in City’s favor. The recent history, although, has been dominated by tight, dramatic encounters.
The 2021-22 season saw a particularly stunning turnaround in the second leg at the Bernabéu. Trailing and facing elimination, Real Madrid scored twice in stoppage time through Rodrygo to force extra time, before a Karim Benzema penalty sealed a remarkable victory. Last season, City finally broke through, delivering a dominant 4-0 performance at the Etihad to eliminate the reigning champions.
Manchester City enters this tie in strong form, currently second in the Premier League, five points behind Arsenal, but with a game in hand. They are unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning seven of those contests. Erling Haaland leads their attack, having already amassed 29 goals this season. City qualified for the Round of 16 by finishing eighth in the first phase, with a record of five wins, one draw, and two losses.
Real Madrid, managed by Arbeloa, will be looking to avenge past defeats and continue their impressive Champions League pedigree. Should they overcome City, their path to the final becomes clearer, with a potential quarterfinal matchup against either Atalanta or Bayern Munich. The first leg of that potential quarterfinal is slated for or , with the return leg on or .
The semifinals are scheduled for or and or , culminating in the final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on .
Beyond the Real Madrid-Manchester City tie, the Round of 16 features several other intriguing matchups. PSG will face Chelsea, Newcastle will take on Barcelona, Galatasaray will host Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen will play Arsenal, Bodø/Glimt will face Sporting de Portugal, and Atlético Madrid will clash with Tottenham Hotspur. Atalanta will compete against Bayern Munich.
Should Manchester City progress past Real Madrid, their potential route to the final includes a quarterfinal against either Atalanta or Bayern Munich, followed by a semifinal against one of Chelsea, Galatasaray, Liverpool, or PSG. City are seeking a second Champions League title, having lifted the trophy in 2023. The draw as well outlined potential opponents for other teams, setting the stage for a compelling knockout phase.
The stakes are high for all involved, with each team vying for a place in the quarterfinals and a chance to compete for European football’s most prestigious prize. The Real Madrid-Manchester City tie, however, stands out as a clash of titans, a rivalry that has consistently delivered drama and excitement in recent years. The upcoming two legs promise to be no different.