The knockout round of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League has delivered exactly what European football fans crave: heavyweight battles, rising stars on collision courses and a clear path to Budapest. Of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior face Erling Haalandand with Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane As they all discovered their respective fates, the draw has created a blockbuster spring across the continent. Every club now knows the road it has to take, and it is anything but easy.
The ceremony, organized in Nyon by UEFA, confirmed the round of 16 matchups and announced the full rankings up to the final in Budapest. What emerged was a mix of historic rivalries, modern classics and tantalizing potential semi-final showdowns.
This eye-catching match sees Real Madrid face Manchester City in a match that has defined the recent history of the Champions League. This meeting ensures that Mbappe and Vinicius will face Haalandrenewing a rivalry that has shaped the modern European narrative.
The figures underline the intensity of the rivalry: the two clubs have shared equal wins and draws in recent years, creating razor-thin margins at decisive moments.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates with Vinicius Junior.
Yamal, Dembele and Kane learn their fate
Now the lingering question surrounding some of Europe’s most exciting attacking names. Lamine Yamal and Barcelona take on Newcastle. The match brings back memories of meetings between the Spanish and English clubs in the early 2000s. For the Blaugrana, the situation seems manageable, although potential later confrontations with Arsenal or Atletico Madrid loom large.
Ousmane Dembele’s Paris Saint-Germain must navigate Chelseaa repeat of their recent Club World Cup final, a match that the English club won convincingly. This tie promises intensity and tactical nuance.
On the other hand, Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich take on Atalantaa dangerous and dynamic Italian side capable of upsetting Europe’s elite. Should Bayern progress, a potential quarter-final against Real Madrid or Manchester City awaits, a frightening prospect.
Quarter-final and semi-final prospects
The bracket ensures that the winner of Real Madrid vs Manchester City can face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. In addition, a possible semi-final against PSG or Liverpool is looming.
On the other hand, Barcelona’s path could ultimately lead to a showdown with Atletico Madrid or Arsenal, raising the possibility of a hotly contested all-Spanish or Anglo-Spanish semi-final.
The first legs of the Round of 16 are scheduled for March 10 and 11, with the return matches the following week. From there, the route to the final, which will take place in Budapest on May 30, is now clearly mapped out.
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