2025-26 Champions League Preview

The Champions League returns this week and some of Europe’s biggest club will be facing off in playoff ties.

Those that have finished between 9th and 24th have all advanced into the playoffs rounds. Which clubs have to navigate via a two legged tie before advancing to join the 8 already qualified teams.

Those who are amongst the play-off action are 2025 Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and finalist Inter Milan, alongside AS Monaco, Galatasaray, Juventus, Benfica, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Qarabag, Newcastle United, Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid, Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos and Leverkusen.

Of the 16 teams 8 will join the already qualified, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Manchester City.

No side qualified for the play-offs in more dramatic style than Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, who were seconds away from elimination before goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to send them through. That result caused heartbreak for sides Marseille and Pafos who missed out on qualification via goal difference.

Meanwhile on the English front 5 of the 6 teams barring Newcastle United have all finished in the top eight confirming themselves for the Round of 16. Clubs who finish inside the top eight also qualifies them to play their second leg at home on either 17th or 18th March.

Potential Champions League Play Off Fixtures

2025-26 Potential Champions League Round of 16 Fixtures.

What does finishing outside the top eight mean?

Teams are required to play a home and away tie, potentially damaging a sides chances of Champions League glory, as qualified sides are entitled with two weeks break from mid-week fixtures. Although PSG proved that this isn’t the case, in the first season of the new format, they ended u recording the biggest win in a Champions League final when they beat Inter Milan 5-0.

Once again guiding PSG to the play-offs Luis Enrique mentioned “If any team is ready for the play-offs, it is us,” he said.

“We knew it was a possibility that we might have to go into the play-offs. We will have to take the long route, but I don’t think anyone else can be considered favourites more than us.”

Despite the extra games Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, gleefully mentioned “We wanted to miss the play-offs but we’re looking forward to it.

“This is the first time Newcastle are getting to the knockouts in its history so we are very proud.”

Who are the favourites?

The two favourites according to Opta remain Arsenal with a 28.67%, followed by Vicent Kompany’s Bayern Munich at 14.65% due to the sides being kept apart until the final. Meanwhile previous finalists PSG & Inter Milan sit at 5.3% & 3.32% respectively.

At the moment, other Premier League sides Manchester City & Liverpool both sit at 10%, Chelsea 7%, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both 3%. These percentages will continue to fluctuate as the excitement of Europe’s biggest club competitions begins to unfold.

Book Your Champions League Experience

For a truly unforgettable way to enjoy the Champions League, secure your place at your chosen club today! Explore all of our hospitality options across Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur! Book your VIP tickets today for a first- class experience.