By Sports Live Hub (SLH) Football Desk | February 13, 2026

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 is about to enter its most thrilling phase yet. After a dramatic 36-team league stage that delivered shock results, high-scoring thrillers, and record-breaking performances, the knockout play-offs begin next week (17–18 February). Eight two-legged ties will decide who joins the top eight seeds in the Round of 16 — and the potential for giant-killings is higher than ever.

The New Format: More Drama, More Upsets

The expanded 36-team league phase has already changed European football. Every team played eight matches against varied opposition, creating a true merit-based table. The top eight — led by Arsenal (unbeaten, +19 goal difference), Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City — advance directly to the Round of 16.

The teams ranked 9th to 24th now face a brutal play-off round. Winners progress to face the top seeds in March. This format rewards consistency over eight games while giving underdogs a genuine second chance — and the football world is buzzing with anticipation.

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Big Ties That Could Define the Season

Several mouth-watering clashes stand out:

• Real Madrid vs Benfica. The European giants face a dangerous Portuguese side. Real Madrid, despite a slightly uneven league phase, remain the ultimate knockout specialists. Benfica, however, have shown they can compete with anyone on their day.
• PSG vs Monaco A French derby with massive stakes. PSG, with their star-studded squad, are favourites, but Monaco’s young, dynamic team has the pace and flair to cause chaos.
• Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge, Diego Simeone’s warriors against a well-organised Belgian outfit. Atletico thrive in these high-pressure ties.

Other key matchups include Galatasaray vs Juventus, Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta, Qarabağ vs Newcastle, and Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan.

Potential Upsets: The Teams Ready to Shock Europe

The beauty of this play-off round is the genuine possibility of surprises:

• Bodø/Glimt have already beaten Manchester City in the league phase and could stun Inter Milan.
• Qarabağ are battle-hardened and have nothing to lose against Newcastle.
• Galatasaray at home against Juventus could produce fireworks.
• Olympiacos or Bayer Leverkusen in the other ties add further unpredictability.

These fixtures prove the new format is working — smaller clubs are no longer just making up the numbers; they are genuine threats.

Why the Buzz is at Fever Pitch

The league phase ended with Arsenal topping the table unbeaten, while Real Madrid, PSG, and Manchester City showed flashes of brilliance despite occasional slips. Fans on X are already debating potential Round of 16 clashes: Arsenal vs Real Madrid? City vs Barcelona? The knockout stage is set to be unforgettable.

Catch Every Moment Live on Sports Live Hub

The Champions League is back with a vengeance — and Sports Live Hub (SLH) is your ultimate premium destination to watch it all.

Stream the knockout play-offs and every match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League in stunning HD with multi-angle views, real-time stats, expert commentary, tactical analysis, and live polls.

Visit the Sports Live Hub Live Stream now to tune in and never miss a single goal. Explore our Trending News, Latest News, Featured, Blogs, and Photo Gallery for in-depth coverage.

Trending FAQs

Q: When do the Champions League knockout play-offs start?

A: First legs are on 17–18 February 2026, with second legs on 24–25 February 2026.

Q: Which big teams are in the play-offs?

A: Real Madrid, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle, and more.

Q: Can underdogs really cause upsets?

A: Absolutely. Bodø/Glimt, Qarabağ, and Galatasaray have already shown they can compete with Europe’s best.

Q: Where can I watch all the matches live in Bangladesh?

A: Exclusively on Sports Live Hub (SLH) — HD streaming, expert analysis, and more.

Q: Who are the favourites to win the Champions League this season?

A: Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Manchester City lead the betting, but the new format has made it anyone’s competition.

Which play-off tie are you most excited for? Drop your predictions in the comments or join the live conversation on SLH. The road to the 2026 Champions League final starts now — stream it all on Sports Live Hub!