Key Highlights
- The Champions League knockout stage draw reveals potential all-Premier League clashes.
- Newcastle United’s surprising run to the last-16 includes a 9-3 aggregate victory over Qarabag.
- Manchester City and Arsenal face strong opposition, potentially facing Real Madrid or Bodo Glimt respectively.
- The draw will also determine potential paths to the Budapest final.
The Champions League Knockout Draw: Premier League’s Grand Stage
The Champions League knockout stage draw for this year’s competition takes place today, and it promises to be a spectacle of strategic intrigue. Six English teams—Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United—are set to discover their last-16 opponents in what could potentially be one of the most competitive rounds yet.
Newcastle’s Surprising Journey
Among them, Newcastle’s journey stands out as a beacon of hope for English clubs. Having defeated Qarabag 9-3 on aggregate, Eddie Howe’s side proved that they are more than just a formidable force in the Premier League—they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal and Manchester City: Potential Blockbusters
For Arsenal, who topped their group, the draw could present an uphill battle against Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta. On the other side of the bracket, Manchester City, under new management, will face either Real Madrid or Bodo/Glimt—a team that has already proven its mettle in previous rounds.
Premier League Clashes and Beyond
The potential for all-Premier League clashes is high. Newcastle could take on Chelsea, while Tottenham or Liverpool might face Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray. The draw will not only determine the last-16 schedule but also reveal paths to the Budapest final. Barcelona, who have already faced a tough challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, will play whoever is drawn against Chelsea.
Finality and Excitement
The draw starts at 11am GMT and will be streamed live on UEFA’s website and YouTube channel. This morning’s event will create the last-16 schedule, which includes matches on 10/11 & 17/18 March 2026, leading to the quarter-finals in April, semi-finals in May, and culminating in the final match on 30 May 2026.
So, as we await the draw, one thing is certain: the road ahead will be fraught with challenges and opportunities for each of these Premier League clubs. Who will emerge victorious? Only time—and the draw—will tell.
