What Happened
The UEFA Champions League playoff phase is currently underway, marking a pivotal moment in the European football season. As of February 25, 2026, the playoff round is concluding, with four matches scheduled to determine which teams will advance to the Round of 16. Teams such as Real Madrid and Newcastle have already secured their spots in the knockout stage, joining eight others that qualified directly from the league phase standings.
Why It Matters
This year’s Champions League is particularly significant as it showcases intense competition among Europe’s elite clubs. The playoff matches have seen dramatic outcomes, including Real Madrid’s aggregate victory over Benfica and Newcastle’s commanding performance against Qarabag. The results from these matches will shape the upcoming Round of 16, where teams will face off under high stakes.
What’s Next
The draw for the Round of 16 will take place on February 27, 2026, at 6 a.m. ET in Nyon, Switzerland. This event will be streamed live on UEFA’s official platforms. Teams that advanced through the playoffs will be drawn against seeded teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase. The anticipation surrounding the draw adds to the excitement as clubs prepare for the next stage of the tournament.
