Champions League Playoffs: Results, Dates & Qualified Teams 2026
The Champions League playoff picture is taking shape following the first leg matches this week, with several teams positioning themselves favorably for a place in the Round of 16. A new tournament format, featuring 36 participating teams, means the top eight in the standings advance directly, while the remaining spots are contested through these crucial playoff rounds.
First Leg Results: Upsets and Dominant Performances
Tuesday’s action saw Galatasaray deliver a stunning 5-2 victory over Juventus, establishing a significant lead in their tie. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 2-3 win away at Monaco, while Real Madrid edged past Benfica with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Wednesday brought even more decisive results. Newcastle United produced an impressive performance, defeating Qarabag 6-1. In a surprising turn, Bodo/Glimt overcame Inter Milan in their first leg encounter. The match between Club Brugge and Atlético Madrid ended in a draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg at the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Playoff Second Leg Schedule
The return legs are scheduled for February 24th and 25th, 2026. Here’s a look at the matchups and times (all times are approximate):
Tuesday, February 24th
- Atlético Madrid vs Club Brujas: 11:45 hours CDMX | 12:45 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú, Colombia | 14:45 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- Inter vs Bodo/Glimt: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- Newcastle United vs Qarabag: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
Wednesday, February 25th
- Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund: 11:45 hours CDMX | 12:45 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú, Colombia | 14:45 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- Juventus vs Galatasaray: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- PSG vs AS Mónaco: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
- Real Madrid vs Benfica: 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Perú |17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay
What’s Next? The Road to the Final
Following the second leg matches, a further draw will determine the complete bracket for the Champions League, from the Round of 16 through to the final. This draw is scheduled for February 27th at 12:00 Central European Time (5:00 CDMX, 6:00 E.T., 8:00 Argentina, Chile, Uruguay).
The schedule for the remaining rounds is as follows: Round of 16 (March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026), Quarterfinals (April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026), Semifinals (April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026), and the Final on May 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we know the full lineup for the Round of 16?
The full lineup will be confirmed after the second leg playoff matches are completed and the draw for the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals takes place on February 27th, 2026.
Which teams have already qualified directly for the Round of 16?
The source does not specify which teams have qualified directly for the Round of 16.
What are the key dates to remember for the remainder of the Champions League season?
Key dates include the draw for the later stages on February 27th, 2026, the Round of 16 matches in March 2026, the Quarterfinals in April 2026, the Semifinals in late April/early May 2026, and the Final on May 30, 2026.
With so much still to play for, which of these teams do you think will successfully navigate the playoffs and make a deep run in the Champions League?