The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 has reached one of its most exciting moments: the playoffs that will define the last 8 teams that will advance to the Round of 16. After an intense league phase with 36 clubs, teams ranked between 9th and 24th in the standings face each other in round-robin play-offs to secure their ticket to the next round.
This format -introduced a couple of seasons ago- has transformed the competition, offering matches loaded with tension and rivalries even before the Round of 16. The key to advancing is the aggregate in two matches, with no away goal rule, and with the higher-placed team closing the tie at home.
Playoff dates
First leg matches: February 17 and 18, 2026
Second leg: February 24 and 25, 2026
All of these matches determine who will play in the Champions League Round of 16 scheduled for March.
This format has transformed the competition
QuéOnnda.com
Playoff matches – Champions League
The official Champions League pairings that were defined after the league phase are as follows:
Real Madrid vs Benfica
Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt
PSG vs Monaco
Newcastle vs Qarabag
Juventus vs Galatasaray
Atlético de Madrid vs Brugge
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos
These duels bring together players from the most competitive leagues in Europe and generate enormous expectations among Hispanic fans.
Especially in the United States, where the Champions League has become -along with local leagues- one of the most followed sporting events each season.
Why do these playoffs matter?
1. Access to the Round of 16: The winners are added to the top 8 of the league phase.
2. Two-legged decision: first leg at the home of the lower-ranked team; second leg for the higher-ranked team.
3. High competition: clashes between European giants.
For fans in the U.S., these February Champions League dates are ideal for hosting weeks of intense soccer.
The broadcasts are usually available on Spanish-language sports platforms, such as Paramount+, TUDN and ESPN Deportes, with schedules accessible to the eastern and central parts of the country.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
