The Champions League returns to its most brutal stage – the knockout stages. Sixteen teams remain and the margin of error is essentially zero. One bad night, one defensive failure and the European dream of the season could disappear.
This year’s Round of 16 featured a mixture of heavyweight clashes and tricky draws. Real Madrid and Manchester City meet again in what has become a modern day Champions League rivalry, while Paris Saint-Germain take on Chelsea in a game steeped in recent history.
Read the full story
Liverpool face a difficult trip to Istanbul against Galatasaray, Barcelona head to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid take on Tottenham, who have struggled domestically this year.
The first matches will be played on March 10 and 11, the return matches are scheduled for March 17 and 18. At the end of these two weeks, half of Europe’s biggest clubs will have already gone home.
Further down the road is also a fascinating possibility. Real Madrid and Barcelona could meet in the Champions League final for the first time if the results fall in the coming rounds.
But before anyone starts thinking about Budapest, the last 16 itself has some big games to play.
ROUND 16 UCL: KEY MATCHES
Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
European champions PSG take on Club World Cup winners Chelsea in what could easily be the spiciest tie of the round. The rivalry between the two clubs goes back more than a decade and the score is now due to be settled after Chelsea beat PSG in the Club World Cup final last summer.
Luis Enrique’s side have not been as dominant as they were last season, but the possible return of Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz adds firepower at a crucial time. Chelsea remain a dangerous team loaded with young talent, but PSG’s experience and attacking depth over two legs could be decisive.
Liverpool vs Galatasaray
Galatasaray stunned Liverpool earlier in the season during the league stage, Victor Osimhen’s penalty sealing a narrow victory in Istanbul. A Turkish side is always tough to face at home and Liverpool know the first leg can be messy.
That means Liverpool will still be trailing over two legs. If Arne Slot’s side can avoid a heavy defeat in Istanbul, the return leg at Anfield could see them level the tie.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Real Madrid vs Manchester City has quietly become one of the defining Champions League matches of this era. The two teams have met repeatedly in recent seasons and the differences between them are always small.
Kylian Mbappe has a strong scoring record against City, while Erling Haaland will once again try to solve the riddle of Madrid’s defence. The one-on-one battle between Haaland and Antonio Rudiger could end up deciding which team he goes through.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
Barcelona already know what it takes to win at St James’ Park after beating Newcastle earlier in the season. Hansi Flick’s side looked dangerous going forward and confident in possession.
However, Newcastle are struggling with several injuries to key players. Eddie Howe’s side will likely try to make the most of their home atmosphere in the first leg, but Barcelona still look the stronger side over the two legs.
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur
This tie looks spectacular on paper, but the current form of both teams tells a different story. Atletico remain one of the toughest teams to knock out in Europe under Diego Simeone.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have struggled a lot in the Premier League this year. With the likes of Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth and Antoine Griezmann leading Atletico’s attack, Spurs will need to produce something special to stay alive in the play-offs.
WHERE TO WATCH UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RO16?
Fans in India can watch UEFA Champions League round of 16 live on Sony Sports Network. Matches will also be available for live streaming on the SonyLiv app and website.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
March 10, 2026 1:14 PM IST
