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Champions League Knockout Stage Takes Shape
The Champions League play-off round has concluded, and the tournament now moves into its decisive knockout phase. With the last 16 draw set to take place this week, football fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see which giants of European football will clash in the next round.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming draw, match schedule, and potential fixtures.
When is the Champions League Last 16 Draw?

The Champions League last 16 draw will be held on Friday, February 21, at 11:00 GMT at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
Fans can watch the draw live on UEFA’s official website, where matchups will be revealed in real time.
How Does the Champions League Last 16 Draw Work?

The last 16 will feature eight play-off winners facing off against eight teams who topped the league phase standings.
- Clubs are paired based on their league phase ranking (e.g., 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, etc.).
- Each team will have two potential opponents determined by the earlier knockout play-off draw.
- The draw also determines which side of the bracket each team will be placed in, impacting their potential path to the final.
- The top-eight seeded teams will host the second leg of their last 16 ties.
Potential Champions League Last 16 Fixtures

The teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase already know their possible opponents. However, their exact matchups will only be confirmed during the draw.
| Top-Seeded Team | Potential Opponents |
|---|---|
| Liverpool | Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica |
| Barcelona | Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica |
| Arsenal | PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord |
| Inter | PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord |
| Atletico Madrid | Real Madrid or Bayern Munich |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Real Madrid or Bayern Munich |
| Lille | Club Brugge or Borussia Dortmund |
| Aston Villa | Club Brugge or Borussia Dortmund |
With some of Europe’s biggest clubs still in the competition, the draw could produce thrilling matchups that will define the tournament.
When Will the Champions League Last 16 Matches Be Played?
The Champions League knockout stage begins in March, with the last 16 ties played over two legs.
| Round | Match Dates |
|---|---|
| Last 16 – First Legs | March 4-5 |
| Last 16 – Second Legs | March 11-12 |
| Quarter-Finals | April 8-9 & 15-16 |
| Semi-Finals | April 29-30 & May 6-7 |
| Final | May 31 |
Each club will play their last 16 ties on one Tuesday and one Wednesday, ensuring an action-packed schedule for fans.
Who Are the Favorites to Win the Champions League?
With teams like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich still in contention, the battle for the title is wide open. But can emerging forces like Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa challenge the traditional powerhouses?
Who do you think will go all the way this season? Drop your predictions in the comments!













