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Champions League Round of 16: The Drama Begins

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 13:10 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, CANADA, COLOMBIA, COSTA RICA, ECUADOR, GUATEMALA, MEXICO, PANAMA, PERU, URUGUAY

Wednesday, January 28th, 2026 - The anticipation is building as the UEFA Champions League enters its most dramatic phase: the Round of 16. Following a captivating group stage filled with upsets and stunning performances, the final 16 European powerhouses are poised to clash for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals, and ultimately, the chance to lift the prestigious trophy. This year's knockout stage is shaping up to be particularly competitive, boasting several high-profile matchups that promise compelling football.

Key Dates and Schedule

The Round of 16 kicks off on February 14th, 2026, with four enticing fixtures scheduled to ignite the competition. The first leg matches will continue on February 15th and 17th, culminating in a busy February 18th. The return legs will then unfold between February 21st and 25th, 2026, determining which teams will progress to the last eight.

Here's a breakdown of the schedule:

• February 14, 2026: Bayern Munich vs. Lazio, Manchester City vs. FC Copenhagen
• February 15, 2026: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid vs. Inter Milan
• February 17, 2026: Arsenal vs. FC Porto, Barcelona vs. Napoli
• February 18, 2026: Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV Eindhoven, Juventus vs. Benfica
• February 21, 2026: Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan vs. Atletico Madrid
• February 22, 2026: FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester City, Lazio vs. Bayern Munich
• February 24, 2026: FC Porto vs. Arsenal, Napoli vs. Barcelona
• February 25, 2026: PSV Eindhoven vs. Borussia Dortmund, Benfica vs. Juventus

Analyzing the Matchups

Several ties stand out as potential classics. The clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid is always a spectacle, featuring some of the world's most talented players. Their recent history in the competition adds extra spice to this encounter. Similarly, the battle between Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan promises a tactical masterclass, as both teams are renowned for their defensive solidity and counter-attacking prowess.

Manchester City, the defending champions, will face a determined FC Copenhagen side. While City are clear favorites, Copenhagen have proven capable of causing upsets, making this a potentially tricky tie. Bayern Munich will look to assert their dominance against Lazio, but the Italian side possesses a resilient spirit that could make life difficult for the German giants.

Arsenal's draw against FC Porto represents a challenging but winnable opportunity. The Gunners, in impressive form this season, will be eager to prove their mettle on the European stage. Barcelona's match against Napoli is a repeat of a fixture seen in recent years, and promises a closely fought contest.

Bracket and Format

[ View the Champions League bracket ] to visualize the path to the final. The bracket reveals potential quarter-final matchups, adding another layer of intrigue for fans.

The Champions League knockout stage operates on a two-legged, aggregate-score basis. This means the combined score from both matches determines the winner. In the event of a tie after two legs, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary. This format ensures a dramatic and unpredictable competition, where every goal and every tackle counts.

How to Tune In

For viewers in the United States, all the action will be available on Paramount+ and CBS, offering comprehensive coverage of every match. With expert analysis, pre- and post-match shows, and live streaming options, fans won't miss a moment of the excitement.

The Round of 16 promises a month of thrilling football, filled with drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. As the competition intensifies, the stakes will get higher, and the battle for European glory will reach its peak.