Key Highlights
- Chelsea will face holders Paris St-Germain in the Champions League last 16.
- Manchester City will play Real Madrid for a fifth straight season.
- Newcastle United will meet Barcelona, while Liverpool take on Galatasaray and Tottenham have been drawn against Atletico Madrid.
- The first legs of all matches are scheduled for March 10-11, with the second legs on March 17-18.
Chelsea’s Rematch with PSG
Chelsea faces Paris St-Germain in a rematch from last year’s Fifa Club World Cup final. Director of football David Barnard is confident: “It’ll be tough but it holds no fear for us.” This is a familiar face for both teams, given PSG are the current holders of the Champions League and Chelsea were victorious against them last season.
Manchester City’s Repeated Rivalry
For Manchester City, the return match with Real Madrid is no stranger. They met in December 2025 during this season’s competition, marking their ninth meeting since April 2022. Hugo Viana of City expresses satisfaction: “It’s a big game for both teams. It’s like a final.” Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Ian Rush highlights the advantage of home ground: “The second leg is at Anfield; the atmosphere there is second to none.”
Newcastle United and Barcelona
Newcastle’s draw with Barcelona is another notable tie. Newcastle coach Hansi Flick acknowledges respect for their opponents while maintaining focus on their journey: “We must respect our opponents. Everyone wants to reach the final.” Their first leg will be played at St James’ Park, setting up a potential thrilling second leg in Spain.
Quarter-Final Predictions and Draw
The draw has set the stage for quarter-finals with Newcastle potentially facing Tottenham, while Chelsea could meet Liverpool again. Arsenal’s top position in the league phase makes them favorites to win the competition, according to Opta’s analysis. Barcelona’s match against Newcastle might see Anfield as a potential upset, given its reputation.
Final and Beyond
The final will be played at Budapest’s Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026. This draw ensures exciting potential matchups in the semi-finals, with Arsenal potentially facing Sporting or Bodo/Glimt. Tottenham’s path to the final is uncertain but not impossible, with Gary Mabbutt emphasizing: “Everything has to go right for us.”
So, as the teams prepare for their first legs, the anticipation is palpable.
Who will make it to Budapest? Stay tuned!
