2025-26 Champions League: Top Contenders Emerge After Knockout Stage Draw
The UEFA Champions League draw for the knockout stages of the 2025-26 season has been completed, outlining the journey toward the final in Budapest on May 30. With this draw, discussions surrounding favorable and challenging matchups will abound; however, teams must ultimately best their rivals to seize Europe’s most prestigious trophy.
2025-26 Champions League Knockout Stage Draw Details
The matchups for the last 16 are as follows:
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea
- Galatasaray vs Liverpool
- Real Madrid vs Manchester City
- Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
- Newcastle United vs Barcelona
- Atlético Madrid vs Tottenham
- Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s Strong Position
Before the draw, Arsenal emerged as the supercomputer’s favorite to claim the Champions League title. Currently leading the Premier League, they finished first in their group, granting them home advantage in the second leg of each knockout round. They will face Bayer Leverkusen, ranked 26th in the Opta Power Rankings. Following favorable odds, the Gunners have a 27.4% chance to win the tournament.
Other Contenders
Bayern Munich is another strong contender, having shown impressive form this season. They will go against Atalanta, who represent Serie A after eliminating Borussia Dortmund in the playoffs. The supercomputer estimates Bayern’s chances of winning the title at 14.3%.
Real Madrid and Manchester City will clash for the fifth consecutive year in the knockout stages, a historic first. Manchester City is favored to progress from this matchup, with a 64.3% probability of advancing. Despite their rich history of 15 Champions League titles, Real Madrid has only a 2.8% chance of winning this time around.
Liverpool and Galatasaray Face-Off
Liverpool, set to face Galatasaray, remains a significant threat in the tournament. Despite a recent defeat to the Turkish team in the league phase, they hold an 82.3% chance of advancing past the last 16. Meanwhile, Galatasaray only has a 0.2% probability of winning the title, the lowest among the remaining teams.
Barcelona and Newcastle Unite Again
Barcelona will meet Newcastle once more after previously defeating them 2-1 in this season’s league phase. They potentially face Atlético Madrid or Tottenham in the quarter-finals, while their title-winning chances sit at 7.7% in the simulations.
Bodø/Glimt’s Surprising Run
Lastly, Bodø/Glimt has emerged as a surprise package in this season’s Champions League, having defeated both Manchester City and Atlético Madrid. They will challenge Sporting CP in the last 16, with a minuscule 0.4% chance of winning the tournament if they continue their fairytale run.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these teams as they vie for the prestigious title. The path forward is set, and the excitement for the Champions League knockout stages is palpable.
